About Me

I have spent most of my adult life at tables. Some of them are in dining rooms, some in kitchens, some in markets halfway around the world, and some in living rooms where meals turn into long conversations. What connects them all is food as a way of understanding people, culture, and place.

My journey into food and travel did not begin as a formal career. It began as curiosity. Over the past fifteen years, I have traveled extensively, seeking out restaurants, chefs, farmers, winemakers, bakers, and purveyors who are deeply rooted in their craft. From celebrated fine-dining rooms to neighborhood spots known only by locals, I have learned that excellence is rarely about hype. It is about intention, discipline, hospitality, and community.

In recent years, my work has become more focused and more purposeful. I have built trusted relationships across the culinary and hospitality world, spending time behind the scenes with chefs and operators, understanding the realities of running a business in an industry that demands both creativity and resilience. I have seen firsthand what it takes to sustain excellence, and how easily burnout, misalignment, or lack of support can derail even the most talented teams.

At the same time, I have continued to document and share my experiences as a traveler and diner. I believe informed consumers elevate the entire ecosystem. When people understand why a restaurant matters, how a menu reflects a place, or what goes into a great dining experience, they engage more thoughtfully and support businesses more meaningfully. Travel, when done with care and curiosity, becomes a form of education rather than consumption.

Hands Please was created as a natural extension of this work. It brings together my experience as a consultant, storyteller, and connector. On the industry side, I work with culinary and hospitality professionals to help them thrive, whether that means refining concepts, strengthening operations, building sustainable teams, or navigating growth. On the consumer side, I help people discover restaurants, destinations, and experiences that are worth their time, money, and attention, and show them how to travel and dine with intention.

What guides everything I do is a respect for craft and for the people behind it. Hospitality is about generosity, but it also requires structure, clarity, and support. My goal is to help bridge the gap between passion and sustainability, and between those who create extraordinary experiences and those who seek them out.

Hands Please reflects how I move through the world: curious, connected, and committed to excellence. It is a space for sharing stories, offering guidance, and celebrating the people who make food and travel a source of meaning, connection, and joy.