“I was born and raised in California’s San Joaquin Valley. My parents were farm workers when I was young, so naturally I’ve always had a connection to agriculture and fresh produce. Whether it was the farm animals at my grandparents’ house, the cornucopia of fresh fruits and vegetables in the valley, or the almond tree in my back yard, food has always been one of my earliest memories. If I close my eyes and go back as far as I can remember, there is always something tied to food. It wasn’t until I got older that I realized how important fresh produce is, not only for nourishment of our mind, bodies, and spirits, but as a chef. It’s how I provide for my children, how my parents provided for my brother and I, and how their parents provided for them. I believe that we’re all connected and food is the common denominator.”
