My Restaurant Industry career began at Commander’s Palace in 1980. After 13 years, in 1998, I ventured on and became Assistant General Manager and Private Party Coordinator of the Emeril’s Delmonico Restaurant. In the year 2000, I was named General Manager of the Herbsaint Restaurant and Bar, and in 2003, the Managing Partner of Smith & Wollensky Steak House. In 2005, following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, I launched my catering company, “The Fat Creole Tomato". Most of my 40 years of experience flourished in the “front of house” positions but I always had a passion in the kitchen. Growing up in New Orleans, watching and working with celebrity chefs, along with the grass-roots know-how of my Mom and Pop, all helped inspire my bold, “Creole Soul” Cuisine.