When looking back to my childhood, some of my best family memories share one common theme -- they are all set in the kitchen.  Priceless conversations with my grandmother while she hand-crafted candy for the holidays.  Hours spent watching my mom magically recreate our favorite movie characters on homemade birthdays cakes.  Anxiously awaiting the weekend for another chance to study my dad’s every move as he flipped omelets in mid air and served up his famous croissant breakfast sandwiches.  With each passing year, these memories collectively remind me of what I have always known: The kitchen is the place for me.  The kitchen is where I first discovered my love for culinary arts as a child, and where I continue rediscovering my passion for cooking and gastronomy everyday.