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When did you start cooking?

Really early. There was never an age where somebody sat me down and told me it was time to learn. It was more of, Can you come help me do this? So I was in the kitchen from a very early age.

Who got you interested in it?

This is going to sound hokey, but my mom. She has always been really into cooking and trying new things. She is never the kind of person to have seven recipes and repeat them every week.

Can anybody be taught to cook well?

Definitely, yes. I think a lot of people are afraid to begin the process, but once you get going you can definitely learn. It’s all about being comfortable with ingredients and tools and such things. It can be overwhelming if you have never been introduced to them before.

Can anybody be taught to cook?

Oh absolutely, it just takes a little bit of heart. But as far as training goes, you just need to want to learn how to cook and you can be taught.

When did you start?

I started making tortillas when I was probably about 5 with my grandmother. I grew up on, not a farm, but we grew our own vegetables. And I have always enjoyed playing in the kitchen with my grandmother, rolling tortillas and baking cookies.

How long have you cooked professionally?

Well, I started my career 17 years ago at Scalo, then I left and went to various other restaurants. I have been running Brasserie La Provence down the street since April. And I started [as executive chef] at Scalo in the beginning of September.

How did the idea of Frost Hill Organics come about?

Well, I was working at Los Poblanos last year over the winter, and one of my friends inherited land from his dad. He knew I was looking for a farm so he let me use his land for farming.

Where do you sell your harvest?

Most of the food I move through my CSA program—community supported agriculture. I also sell in Cedar Crest, Edgewood and Los Ranchos farmers market.

Are you finding a greater demand for organic foods than in the past?

How's the dining hall food at UNM?

Disgusting, bland, ridiculously unhealthy, and poor choices. The food is not fresh and they have limited varieties.