Laura Hansen

A few layers:

Sing? Most certainly not  Coffee or tea? Tea  Two weaknesses: dairy, dairy, pasta, pasta  Zodiac Sign: Leo  Righty or Leftie: Righty Eye Color: Green  Best Pizza: Thin crust in Venice  Pepsi or Coke?: Water Foods I Dislike: Lima Beans, brussel sprouts Best Movie: Airplane!  Favorite TV Show: Iron Chef  What I collect: Rocks Passionate Hobby: Painting and Photography Car: Foreign Next Destination: Greece Culinary Addiction: Spices Cocktails: Chardonnay or Vodka Martini’s with blue cheese olives Western or Eastern Medicine Eastern Best office tool my wireless headset best kitchen tool my knives travel or stay home? travel Cup half full or empty? more than half full

I began experimenting in the kitchen at the age of 7, by trying to emulate mom’s hamburgers. I did not truly “pick up the passion” again until inspiration came in the form of Jeff Smith, which I viewed weekly on his PBS series “The Frugal Gourmet.” At that point, I really began to understand that cooking and creating food is the best mix of both chemistry and love. The second significant event was the launch of TV Food Network. A self confessed “Food Network Junkie” – I’ve earned my stripes by incorporating seeds of wisdom from countless hours of viewing. Inspired creativity is my culinary viewpoint. Inspiration comes from avocados being on sale. Inspiration comes from making that same chicken soup 20 times until it’s just right. Inspiration comes from “I have artichokes, what can I do with that? I have traveled extensively in search of outstanding cuisine made with simple, fresh ingredients. I write about the local Chicago culinary scene and blog about food that’s interesting and occasionally provocative. ” I definitely consider myself passionate about inspired cooking and telling stories about how food makes everything better!”

Melissa Giovagnoli
Melissa is the “idea” co-creator for this blog. She is a 12-time author who is always looking for the best of the best and is creating a unique Best of Best Series. For more informatino about Melissa, visit www.networlding.com.