Meet Me at The Lanai

Last year, the Dubai chocolate trend made its rounds across social media—those glossy, rich, decadent chocolate bars dusted in gold and filled with creamy layers. I had no intention of jumping on the trend train… until a little spark of inspiration came from the most unexpected (and delightful) place. While working on the hit show St. Denis Medical, my awesome co-worker, Laura, passed along a fun message from one of the show’s stars, Kahyun Kim. She was curious if I could make her a Dubai-style chocolate bar. Now, I don’t specialize in chocolates—but the idea intrigued me. I did a little digging and randomly came across a recipe for Dubai chocolate brownies. They looked indulgent, velvety, and topped with that signature glossy finish. So I picked up a few ingredients, gave them a try… and it was love at first bite. The brownies were a hit. Like—instant cult favorite hit. And just like that, they earned a permanent spot on my menu. To this day, they remain one of my biggest brownie sell...

Avocado croissant sourdough toast with black olive salt and cotija cheese There’s a kind of magic in Sunday mornings—the kind that invites you to slow down, stay in pajamas a little longer, and let the aroma of fresh coffee and something warm in the oven set the tone for the day. No alarms, no rush. Just the soft glow of morning light, a well-worn mug in hand, and the gentle hum of a playlist playing in the background. It’s when the kitchen feels most like a sanctuary—where toast isn’t just toast, but a ritual. Whether it’s a flaky pastry, a buttery biscuit, or a warm slice of sourdough, brunch becomes less of a meal and more of a comfort-filled moment you look forward to all week. A few months back, I came across a viral baking trend that felt like it was made for this exact kind of morning: artisan croissant bread. Originally created by amybakesbread.com  and brought into my feed by @kirtyyys , this genius mash-up combines the tang of sourdough with the buttery flakiness of a cro...

When it came time to create a birthday cake for the legendary David Alan Grier, star of St. Denis Medical, I knew I wanted to go beyond just a “favorite flavor.” I wanted to honor his roots, his legacy, and his love for red velvet cake — all while giving it a dash of classic Hollywood glam. David is originally from Detroit, Michigan, and while researching ideas, I stumbled upon a beautiful tradition from one of the city’s beloved bakeries: Good Cakes and Bakes , which makes its red velvet cake using beet juice instead of red food coloring. Not only is this a natural alternative to artificial dyes, but it’s also a nod to the soulful and authentic flavors that define Detroit’s food scene. That inspiration sparked something deep — I had to try it. The result? A red velvet cake rich with natural color and flavor, frosted with homemade cream cheese frosting — silky, tangy, and just sweet enough to complement the earthy richness of the cake. But the look? That’s where Hollywood stepped in. ...

After the sweet success of Mekki Lepper’s birthday cake last season, I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been asked once again by Amy to bake custom cakes for the cast. What started as a fun end-of-season surprise has now turned into an ongoing creative opportunity—one that blends classic flavors with personal storytelling and design. Biscoff Is King (But There’s Always Room for More) It’s no surprise that Biscoff continues to be the top-requested flavor with clients—it’s nostalgic, spiced just right, and pairs beautifully with silky buttercream. You’ll find it, along with other top flavor combos, on the menu here on the site. One of my favorite cake styles to make is the “millionaire” cake—these cakes allow for maximum creativity, from the layering and textures to the flavor pairings and artistic finishes. They're the perfect playground for both technique and imagination. When Direction Is Clear: The Bigger the Cake, the Stricter the Specs On the flip side, larger format cakes—like ha...

💚 A Little Back Story Some people come into your life through a job—and end up changing it completely. I met Ashlee when I part-timed on hit series Superstore. I was new, a little nervous, and trying to find my place. But something about that day stuck with me. Not long after, I was invited back, and before I knew it, I was part of her team. That was back in 2017—and since then, we've worked three shows together. Ashlee is more than a department head. She's the kind of leader who creates a trusting and creative environment where people feel seen, heard, and appreciated. She's a powerhouse who works hard, leads with heart, and makes it all look effortless. And I’m incredibly lucky to call her my boss…and my friend. This week, I wanted to celebrate Ashlee in the best way I know how—baking. 🏝️ The Love Island Touch Love Island Inspo/Ashlee's Work Station/ Custom Cake She’s a huge fan of Love Island, so I created a themed birthday cake just for her: a lemon raspberry swir...

  If you’ve been following along, you might remember when I shared the sweet surprise of being asked to bake for the craft services team on St. Denis Medical  Season 2— a hilarious mockumentary series that proves laughter and sugar are the best medicine. Well, I’m back with an update, and this time, it’s all about the menu that’s been fueling the cast and crew through takes, retakes, and second helpings. Let’s start with the standing order — the bakery prescription that gets filled week after week: 💚 5 dozen cookies (because basic blood sugar is so last season) 💚 1/2 dozen jumbo cinnamon rolls (emotional support swirls) 💚  1/2 dozen specialty rolls (where my flavor experiments live their best lives) 💚 Brownies (because... obviously) Each week, I mix things up with new cookie and roll flavors, making sure every bite feels like a plot twist. And now... drumroll with a whisk please... here's what’s on the menu for this week on set: 🎬 This Week’s Star-Studded Lineup: 🍪 ...