I cook because I love to eat. I garden because I love to cook. And I especially like cooking for others, which is why I started Max’s Kitchen and Garden personal chef/meal preparation services.
From the youngest age my memories are punctuated not by the occasion, trip, or circumstances, but by the food; I remember events by the dishes I ate. This led me to the kitchen in our home in Philadelphia, where I learned to cook from my father and mother, starting very early in life. It was not long before I was cooking for my whole family; I was taught my grandmothers’ classics, discovered new recipes, and developed my own. I have been cooking for family, friends, and clients ever since.
In my twenties, I lived next to my landlord, who tended a beautiful garden with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees. When I inquired if I could dig up part of our yard for a plot of my own, he not only agreed, but taught me the basics of gardening. I have been hooked ever since. When my kids were young, I expanded my garden on Long Island, where I still live, to provide them with healthy, fresh, pesticide-free vegetables. I enlisted their help to foster an appreciation of sustainable, home-grown food and to get them to expand their palate. I use the fresh, nutritious bounty from my garden throughout the year as the inspiration for my cooking and to create new recipes. Dinner is often based on what is available for harvest.
I started this blog in 2018 to share stories and archive my recipes for my children and share them with others. I encourage you to read recent blogposts, make some of my recipes, and share your thoughts.
The food I cook varies from simple to complex. Many recipes include just a few ingredients and can be put together in a matter of minutes. Others require days of planning, shopping, and cooking. I am especially interested in appetizers, antipasto, and small plates, and on Saturday nights, I often cook a series of small plates as family and friends sit at the kitchen island with a glass of wine.
If you would like to learn more about my meal preparation services or want to schedule a consultation, please contact me at maxskitchenandgarden@gmail.com or (631) 606-0551. You can also drop me a line if you want to comment on my blog or have questions about any of my recipes. I look forward to hearing from you.
