I am originally from Long Island, New York. I moved to Gilford, New Hampshire in 1977 and worked many years in law enforcement – first in retail security as a store detective, and then as a police officer for the New Hampshire State Police, Marine Patrol Division.
However, my first love is cooking so I went to upstate New York where I attended the University of New York Culinary Institute. I worked at an authentic Italian Restaurant called Momma Maria’s Cucina in Clifton Park, New York, at the same time I was going to Culinary School. After graduating from the Culinary Institute, I worked as a chef for Marriott Hotels. Then, became the executive Chef for a Christine's Steak and Seafood Restaurant in Voorheesville, New York. I received many cooking awards, and was featured in the local papers for my Swiss German Dish, "Veal Emmentaler."