Welcome to food is the mood. My ongoing food writing and visual project. A place where I feature my food photography, research, and recipes in hopes that other food-inspired people and home cooks can get something out of it too.
I am a small business owner in the cannabis industry and recipe developer with an interest in how food intersects with culture and society. Being Peruvian-American, and born and raised in Tampa, FL, means I grew up eating delicious South American and Caribbean food. Lucky is not the word. Privileged is. I currently live in NYC and marvel at its richness everyday.
My formal culinary experience lies in the kitchens of Boston, MA, and Austin, TX where I worked in both pastry and as a savory line cook. The real-life experience in those restaurants became my culinary school. And for this, I must give a special shoutout to the places that most taught and inspired me: Milk Street Cafe, Tatte Bakery & Cafe, and Asti Trattoria.
Before burning and cutting myself in unfamiliar cities as an unseasoned cook I worked as an organizer on various campaigns, local social justice efforts, and as a union rep after completing my BA in International Relations at the University of South Florida.
Hope you enjoy my site.