My Story:
Anyone can cook.
I was born into a family that collectively values many attributes however one stands out: really really good food cooked from scratch. Growing up I was always drawn to the kitchen it was a place where memories were shared and family gathered. Since I was a little boy whisking eggs standing on a step stool I have always loved creating food. It just feels so amazing to create something that can brighten your’s and others’ day. Being in the kitchen for me is like being in my own world, and you are free to experiment combine ingredients, and invent your own dishes. There is no ‘key’ to cooking or one certain thing you have to do to be or become a great home cook or chef rather… if you can learn what different flavors and different spices can do you can make anything. Okay, back to my story… for a while, I was trying to find myself while making plenty of mistakes along the way but learning a lot of valuable life lessons. I loved cooking, which I was sure of, but hadn’t found my groove yet. That was until I combined my love for exploring diverse cultures with a passion for food. It all really fell into place when I started traveling with my family, connecting with people in other countries, learning about them and their lifestyles & techniques in cooking, and being exposed to recipes passed down through generations. That’s when the journey began. This process of grasping the importance of global connections empowered me to not only discover my Rastafarian livity but also to better admire & respect all those around me. My desire is to spread the love I have for the culinary arts by conveying that an incredible food experience doesn't have to cost a fortune, always remember to savor the local culture wherever you are & never underestimate the power of food...& most importantly, keep it simple. As I write this, I am 17 years old getting ready for college and the Sous-Chef at Osteria Divino, a popular farm-to-table Florentine restaurant in Sausalito, CA.
This is a non-profit site for the community. All ingredients and appliances are purchased by me so if you’d like to donate, engage & stay in the know, follow or message @leocooks1 on Instagram.