I am a chef and writer. Retired from cheffing, still writing. From 1997-2007 I owned a couple of restaurants in Decatur, GA where I was chef and owner. I had a great team and we did many creative wine dinners, farm to table dinners and focused on artisan makers of cheese, local produce and grass fed meats. 

The Supper Club was my first place and close to my heart. "Just a girl throwing a dinner party..." it was a jewel hidden in the corner of an old building downtown. Biodynamic wines and an ever changing list of varietals and plates to match. I had just moved back from NYC where I worked as a travel and food writer and started the bistro on a shoestring but full of passion. 

My second place Billy Goat's Cantina in Oakhurst (named after my dog, now called Mezcalito's) I explored my love of Mexico and brought regional Oaxacan and Yucatan cuisine to the table, though I figure most people liked the tequila and Salsa tunes more than anything, if we're being honest. I sold everything and turned the page in 2007. 

I wanted to dial back the hectic pace of life and find a property to start a small farm and wellness center. Have some chickens. Relax. Restart my life in middle age...which sounds a lot easier than it turned out to be. I renovated for two years and moved into a blank canvas of a space. I wrote an article about it here that won an award in New Southerner magazine, from an editor at O, Oprah's magazine. I also wrote and self published 2 memoirs about life as a female restaurant owner. Decade of Dish is available ebook or print. It was a long time ago, but still a fun read. 

As long as we're talking back story, I've worked for big multi national ad agencies, small PR firms and political consultants. I've written for Travel & Leisure, ATLANTA and newspapers and publications. Remember those? Words? Papers? 

More recently I've been renovating houses and that is a passion of mine for sure. I love redoing a space. Not the most relaxing hobby but I'm obsessed. 

So enough about the past. What's going on these days? I'm a health nut, an alchemist and potion mixer, I run this estate and love to host events with speakers/teachers who help people find a way to heal themselves. I think a pro-active approach is the only way to wellness. Detox is key. Mind set is ally. 

Want to host your group or create a wellness class or talk at The Hacienda? Great idea. Let's talk. 

UPCOMING EVENTS---Coming soon!