Lulu's Kitchen

01/23/2025

I’m shocked that Chef Charles Phan passed away. He was one of the first to take Asian street food and home cooking and elevating it for the American palette. We went to his first restaurant in the mission where the door was slanted. Followed him to the temporary spot across from the ballpark, to the ferry building and just recently went to the Napa location. I had the privilege of taking one of his classes for chefs at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena. He was humble and understated and showed the future chefs that there is a world of fine cuisines beyond the cream sauces, foam, butter, cream sauces and tweezers. He opened the culinary doors of respect for other Asian chefs and shared his food with love for so many. RIP, chef!💔🧑‍🍳

11/10/2024

I fell in love with paella when I visited Spain regularly while living in London. Then 17 years ago, Corinne Martinez, one of the owners of Berryessa Gap Winery asked if I’d like to compete in their first annual paella cookoff. To many people’s surprise, this Chinese cook beat out Spanish chefs several times over the years to place 1st, 2nd and 3rd!

Later, Corinne asked me back as one of the judges and it was fun but also hardwork to try and be fair/considerate to all of the contestants.

This year, I was back as one of 5 judges again! The judging was based on rice, ingredients and overall flavor of the paella. But for me, it’s all about the rice, cooking it perfectly with a flavorful saffron stock and you have got to have some socarrat that’s crispy but not burnt!

Thanks for the 11 contestants for their hardwork and creativity. My fellow returning judges and I agree that the overall quality of the paellas this year is the highest that we’ve tasted!

09/13/2024

I frequently hung out at Books for Cooks in Notting Hill when I lived in London. It’s always cool to see what’s on the menu and which cookbook was used that day. There was also a great street vendor who roasted coffee beans around the corner and Julie’s Wine Bar that had the best current scones for afternoon teas on Sundays.

So glad to see that the store is still thriving 30+ years later. Always thought it’d be a great idea to replicate someday…

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/TYeepJCbY5DPEtbx/?mibextid=VMBKnz

09/11/2024

What looked like wasn’t going to happen came together so beautifully. Another Lulu’s Kitchen cooking class in the books! 6 people signed up for the class and 9 family members joined the feast!!

09/01/2024

Ready to host another Lulu’ Kitchen cooking class at Flora Farms. We’re aiming for Monday, Sept 9, 4-7 pm but can be flexible based on participants. Send me a note if you’d like to sign up!

07/30/2024

No,no…we are not in France for the Olympics but this is a pretty good runner up winner. 🏅

06/02/2024

A super successful Taiwanese dinner at ! A wonderful team of people helping out with this event! Thanks, Corrine and the rest of the Berryessa Gap team for having us for the International Dinner and wine pairing event again this year!

05/22/2024

Coming up on June 1…get your tickets soon!

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=984478577011953&id=100063494592635&mibextid=cr9u03

05/07/2024

I'm so happy to be invited back to Berryessa Gap Vineyards to be a part of the Global Dinner Series again this year. This year's menu is near and dear to my heart as it will feature dishes from where I grew up...the beautiful island of Taiwan! If you happen to be in the area or looking for a fun adventure in Winters on June 1, come join in on the fun, food and great wines!

https://www.exploretock.com/berryessagapwinery/event/464646/2024-global-dinner-series-2-taiwan

04/11/2024

I’m pretty sure I heard the veggies and flowers calling my name…we’re ready to be harvested by you!

04/05/2024

We’ve gone over the border to host our first cooking class at Flora Farms! So much fun!

04/05/2024

Lulu’s Kitchen first cooking class at Flora Farms was a big success! A feast of senses all served up on a banana leaf platter…fantastic!

03/15/2024

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/o55q7UqnhhHndReY/?mibextid=WC7FNe

03/15/2024

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=25972758102322965&id=100000463913094&mibextid=WC7FNe

03/14/2024

Just a sampling of the delicious dishes from the first 2 days in Taiwan…amazing!!!

02/29/2024

Spring has sprung in Napa Valley!

You know another cycle is starting in Napa Valley when you see the vineyards turn bright yellow with a sea of mustard flowers. A drive along Silverado Trail right now is a great treat to not only see the fields of mustard flowers but the bright greens of Mayacamas, Howell and Vaca Mountains. In town...

02/26/2024

Another cooking class in the bag! Poke Pandamonium Pop-Up. So much fun!

02/26/2024

Check out my blog post on How To Build Your Own Poke Bowl! https://wix.to/gYJZp0B

Want to have a fun poke bowl party? Do it easily with these 6 steps: Step 1: Pick your base - Rice, lettuce or Chips Tip: If you want the healthy aspect of brown rice but love the taste of white rice, I'd recommend getting Koshihikara Haiga rice. This sushi rice is milled to keep the germ of the ric...