My passion in life is cooking – for myself, friends, family or anyone interested. I read cookbooks like novels, I set up test kitchens at home to try new recipes, and I dare friends to recall their favorite meals so I can recreate them.
Years ago, after finishing drama school at Fordham University at Lincoln Center, I moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. As I struggled to find my footing there, I was asked by a friend to help prepare a meal for a business client of hers. That was a task that came very easy to me. For some reason, cooking has always felt second nature; it’s a language I’ve always spoken fluently. My friend and I put the evening together flawlessly and had requests for repeat performances.
One gig led to many and we decided to open a small catering company. I soon knew I would have to make a choice between cooking and acting. Since I had only started cooking to support myself as a fledgling performer, there was no question that I would pursue my dramatic career, and for years I attempted to find my niche as I continued to cook for friends, family, and anyone hungry or interested.
Then one day, I realized that I was fighting against myself. Cooking had always been the activity that brought me the most peace and satisfaction. I stopped acting and enrolled in the professional course at The New School of Cooking in Los Angeles. A Wonderland of Food opened soon thereafter and it’s been an incredible ride of wonderful food and clients ever since. I’ve catered and private-cheffed in Los Angeles, New York, and now Portland. I feel so lucky to be able to share my passion for food with people in the place they feel most comfortable- their homes.
Here are a few clips from my appearances on Afternoon Live on KATU here in Portland:
Making Pork and Ginger Potstickers with Tra’Renee on Afternoon Live
Chef Alison making filo parcels on KATU’s Afternoon Live
