My passion is food: creating it, photographing it, writing about it, and eating it. I guess there is something about the look, taste, and smell of a beautiful meal that evokes heartwarming memories about my past, which draws me back to my kitchen daily.

When my mother passed away, as well as I thought I knew her, I still had questions about her childhood and past that I would never find answers to. I wanted to make sure that my “kids” (son, nieces, and nephews), and perhaps, someday, my grandchildren, would be able to know me in my own words. It turned out to be a very cathartic process for me to reflect on my past and present and to take a quiet moment here and there to write down my sentiments, experiences, and recipes.

My love of cooking was inspired by several people in my life; two of the most prominent would be my mother’s cook, Lim Fun, and my paternal grandmother, also named Eva. Lim was a fantastic chef from the Philippines who trained in Paris. Lim taught me a disciplined and precise French cooking style and how to make the most beautiful brioche. From my grandmother, during my summers spent at her house in San Antonio, I assimilated a deep knowledge of spices and how to layer and balance flavors simply by hanging out in her kitchen with her.

In what seems like lifetimes ago, I opened a small gourmet food store and catering business, Ruchetta Fine Foods, on Fishers Island, New York. It was a huge success, an amazing education, and such fun. I loved the personal nature of the business, where I could chat with local customers and friends over the counter while I wrapped up an overly stuffed sandwich or freshly made scone for them.

I hope you enjoy the stories and recipes I have shared here.