how did you learn to cook?

when i was young i would sit outside the kitchen at lunchtime to chat with mom about how our days were going. once i was old enough i was allowed to become mom’s little helper in the kitchen.  we loved cooking together, experimenting with food. once i moved to the states to live with grandma, she taught me her recipes as well. and more recently my aunt belkis (titi) has been teaching me as well. i still call them frequently to chat about food and get some of the family’s secret recipes!  

the kitchen has always been the hub of activity in my family.  the way dominicans show each other love is through food… the more the better.

when did you start cooking?

i think i became my mom’s souz chef at around 7 or 8 years old (peeling things, cleaning beans & rice, etc.). made my first solo meal (a breakfast) around 11-12 (FUN FACT! i drank too much coffee that time and got sick… i’ve since grown to adore the black stuff!).

what is your favorite cooking utensil?

tongs. they are awesome. 

what is your favorite dish?

i wish i could pick just one. my tastes change constantly and i have a new favorite dish, seemingly every week.  as many of my friends will tell you, something i really enjoy is bar food and street cart/truck food. i love a good appetizer platter, but i specially enjoy nachos!

who is the irishman?

the irishman is a very handsome fella from county tipperary in ireland.  i met him (and i am very proud of this: i picked him up) almost 4 years 5 years ago, on one of those perfect new york summer nights while waiting on line to get falafels. most great things that have happened to me are linked to food somehow.

who is jully?

jully is one of my many cousins. she is 2 years younger than me and lots of fun! we have adventures all over and share a love for food, booze and the yankees!

jully & josie