Short Culinary Concepts

Introduction: A little about me: I was born and "bread" in my parent's bakery and restaurant in Northern Iowa. I've been frosting doughnuts before school since first grade. Then, I graduated to the kitchen, waiting tables, and even making wholesale bread deliveries long before I had my drivers license. I would eventually run that 5,000 sq. ft. operation while my parents took off for their annual vacation. This upbringing led me directly to the Mecca of Food and Wine, The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, where I graduated in 1992. I've remained in the food and baking industry ever since. My experiences have taken me from a Mom and Pop bakery / cafe, to high-end and in-home private catered dinner parties, large (and I mean large!) wholesale bakeries, and to the finest artisan bread and pastry shops around. I find myself the happiest when I'm in front of my Baby Weber cooking, and entertaining for friends and family. Some of my regionally famous items are as follows: Handmade pasta, grilled pizzas, tailgate tacos, fresh from my garden rosemary, and garlic-rubbed and thick cut bone-in pork chop, which is grilled of course. For the sweet tooth, don't miss the Short family's almond yardsticks! To me, the best dining experiences are those that include a table of interesting people, incredible memory-making dishes, paired with craft cocktails, beer or wine, music and a magical setting. "Magical" can have many meanings and could be anything from a well-lit backyard, a beautifully-set dining room table indoors, or the parking lot of your local stadium. I'm your own personal chef, or baker, or culinary instructor. I can cook in your home or my kitchen. I can deliver to you prepared meals for a week, or a great dinner for eight on a Wednesday night. I can make wine and craft cocktail suggestions for any occasion. I can host your culinary event in the comfort of your home or at an off-site location. I'm mobile, flexible and dependable.