Hi there, I’m Lisa Chen. I’m 37 now, living in the heart of Queens, New York, where the world comes together one bite at a time.

I grew up in a household where food wasn’t just nourishment—it was the language of love. My parents ran a small takeout spot in Flushing, and I spent more time there than anywhere else. I remember balancing on a stool to help my mom fold dumplings after school, watching my dad perfectly slice scallions with the kind of precision that seemed like magic. That kitchen was my playground, my classroom, and eventually, my calling.

After college, I tried the whole nine-to-five thing. Office job, stable paycheck, lots of takeout dinners. But something felt off. I missed the rhythm of the kitchen, the joy of creating something with my hands and sharing it with others. So, I left the desk job and enrolled in culinary school. Best decision I ever made. I trained in classic techniques but always felt most alive when putting my own spin on things—like blending Chinese flavors with local, seasonal ingredients or giving traditional comfort food a bold twist.

These days, I run a cozy supper club out of my apartment, where I invite folks over for themed dinners, share stories, and test new recipes. My guests range from lifelong foodies to neighbors just learning how to boil pasta. And that’s exactly who I love cooking for: real people, real kitchens, real joy.

To me, cooking at home isn’t about perfection—it’s about presence. It’s about that moment when the sizzling stops and someone says, “Wow, what is that smell?” Or when a friend licks the spoon and grins. It’s about experimenting, making mistakes, laughing when the sauce breaks, and trying again.

I believe anyone can cook something meaningful. My mission is to help you feel confident, curious, and creative in your own kitchen. So whether you’re making scallion pancakes for the first time or reinventing Sunday roast with Sichuan peppercorns, know this: you’re not alone. I’m here, cheering you on, one delicious mess at a time.