FAQs

It’s amazing (and humbling) to know that there are folks out there actually reading my blog. Y’all Rock! And since I’ve started writing, I’ve been getting a lot of questions ranging from my “culinary training”, photo tips, preferred cooking gadgets, and my personal favorite—just random questions. Here are a few that I get asked quite often.

Do you ever want to go to culinary school?
ABSOLUTELY! But they all cost an arm and a leg—and since I already gave an arm and leg away to pay for graduate school, I’ll need to wait until they grow back or I hit the lottery. I did, however, go to Bartending School. Whoops, I don’t think my dad knew that.

What are your kitchen gadget MUST haves?
KitchenAid Stand Mixer, All-Clad Grill Pan, Le Creuset Dutch Oven, and lately an incredibly sharp butcher’s knife that I picked up at my local Asian grocery store for $3. True Story.

Do you edit your photos?
A little bit. I used to use Photoshop but confess I barely knew how to use it. Nowadays, I employ Picassa’s quick fixes for contrast/highlighting until I can commit to fully learning the Adobe Suite. Any one want to give me some tutorials?

Why do you prefer a Nikon camera versus a Canon or other brand?
Two reasons really—and I’m sure any professional photographer would laugh at my answers. First, I prefer the weight and curvature of their cameras—I like the way Nikons feel in my hands. And second, my big brother uses Nikons. He’s our family Techie and I will unquestionably do whatever he does. That is, when it comes to techie things.

Do you actually eat everything you post?
Yup! Waste not, want not! I usually only have one baked-good item (to test/try) and give away the rest. But you should see my freezer, it’s stuffed with “Nam Meals”.

When are you going to post a recipe on Phở? Bún Bò Huế? Or other Vietnamese Dishes?
Any recipes of Vietnamese dishes that I post are my own interpretations—those are up for grabs. However, there are some dishes that although I may write about, I will never post the recipes to. I’m not intentionally holding out—it’s just that many of those dishes are family recipes and I just wouldn’t feel comfortable posting them. Sorry! But there are many great recipes out there already in cyberspace for you to choose from.

Do you take orders?
Yes, I do fill customized orders on desserts/pastries (mostly cupcakes) for those local to San Diego, California. Holla’ at a sistah if you’re interested.  Submit all order inquiries to theculinarychronicles@gmail.com

Keep those questions and emails coming–I love them!