I've been a professional chef since 1998.  This was  a major career change for me, as in my previous life I was a legislative assistant for a trade association (a job with great benefits, vacation time and a decent salary).   You can imagine I was a bit trepidatious when I announced to my new husband that I wanted to quit my job and go to culinary school full-time.  But, since Bernard is such a good-natured guy he was not skeptical at all, but completely supportive (at least his belly was!)    In 1998, I graduated from L'Academie de Cuisine in Washington, DC and continued to work at 1789 Restaurant.   Two kids and a move to Connecticut later, the restaurant life wasn't going to fit our lifestyle any longer.  In 2006 , I decided to go out on my own and start Sweet Pea Cuisine, my personal chef business.   Now, my speciality is planning and executing dinner parties, small events and personal meal services for my clients.   Food is such an integral part of our lives and feeding and nourishing our bodies and souls is comforting and essential to our well-being.  One of my greatest joys is shopping at the local farmers' markets and arriving home with bags full of fresh and delicious goodies armed and ready to create a fabulous meal.