Hello and welcome!
I am Dena and I am a HUGE foodie! I love to explore, I love to eat, and I love to cook while sharing it with the world!
My Story
I was born in Tacoma, Washington, but moved to Florida at a young age. My memories as a child was filled with family parties and food, and would you be surprised if I told you that food was a love language? Well, it was and it became my love language as well! Growing up in the Tampa Bay Area, there was definitely a lack of Asian goodies and I struggled a lot being an Asian American, where my food was a “yuck” to others.
I really had a moment where I was yearning for anything that could make me feel connected to who I am, and here comes in food! I learned so much about different cultures and background just by experiencing the food itself – the hand it was made from and the passion, heart, and soul people put into it. I also learned a lot about my own background, I am half Vietnamese and Chinese – married to a wonderful man that’s half Korean and Hispanic, but who also grew up in a Japanese household (his dad was born in Japan). So you can say, I had a lot to learn (eat).
I honestly started out with a obsession with instant noodles to try to tame the beast inside of me, but that could only hold me for so long. I started to experiment with cooking, trying to copycat dishes I couldn’t get locally and instantly loved it! Now with the recent growth of our Asian Community in Central Florida, I couldn’t be even more happy and prouder. I love meeting all our small business owners working so hard to share their passion to others, and I also wanted to help. I love using social media as a platform to share my love of food as well as my experiences.
I first created a blog when I was in high school into college, but took a long break to focus on my career. I am now working fulltime as a Latent Print Examiner, and during my free time, I am either exploring the foodie world, cooking away or snuggling with my family watching horror movies. I never thought I would have another opportunity to share what I love, but for this I am very very grateful.
I share all my foodie adventures as well as quick & easy recipes on my social media as well as here.
Thank you for all your support and love!
Love,
Dena