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A Heartfelt "Thank You" to All My Students

Health issues are forcing me to close my cooking programs in Napa Valley and San Miguel, Mexico. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years ago. Now, with ongoing deterioration, it is impossible to operate the cooking schools at a high level. I always believed I would teach into my 80s, but alas, it will not be so. I am hanging up my apron.

I extend a special thank you to all my students, stretching back to July 1975 when a small group gathered in a home in Santa Barbara. We cooked Spicy Pot Stickers in Orange Glaze, BBQ Spareribs, Crab and Asparagus Soup, and Chinese Almond Cookies. Before ending the class we were already planning the next group cooking adventure. I was the cooking teacher, but you taught me profound life lessons. Perhaps someday I will put pen to paper to tell the twists and turns.

I invite you to explore the website. Feel free to contact me by email. Tell me about your cooking adventures. Right now I am creating an all-duck banquet to benefit a local charity. The menu begins with Thai Duck Dumplings and concludes with a duck dessert. Oh, and did I mention Braised Duck Tongues in Beijing Meat Sauce?

Let’s talk! I would love to hear from you by email or phone.

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