Hi there! I’m Ava Callahan, a 38-year-old chef and proud Midwesterner currently based in Madison, Wisconsin. My journey into the world of cooking didn’t begin in a professional kitchen it began at my grandma June’s elbow, watching her fold buttery biscuit dough on a worn wooden counter while she told stories about her childhood on a farm. That old counter was my first classroom, and those afternoons shaped the way I cook to this day: with heart, patience, and a deep respect for ingredients that speak for themselves.
I never went to culinary school, but I did spend years soaking up every cookbook, food documentary, and farmers market conversation I could find. After working a decade in marketing, I took a leap and opened a tiny supper club-style pop-up in my backyard. It started with six guests, mismatched plates, and a handwritten menu taped to the fridge. Word spread fast, and soon I was serving twenty people under string lights with a rotating seasonal menu and my dog, Louie, as the unofficial maître d’.
My food philosophy is simple: cook with curiosity and don’t be afraid to mess up. I believe every dish tells a story, and some of the best ones are a little messy. I love playing with bold spices, layering textures, and bringing unexpected ingredients into comforting classics think miso butter mashed potatoes or peach cobbler with a hint of rosemary and sea salt.
When I’m not in the kitchen, I’m probably in the garden, digging in the dirt with my two kids or hunting down obscure vintage bakeware at thrift shops. Cooking has always been about connection for me with the people I feed, with the memories behind each recipe, and with fellow food lovers who believe that a good meal can turn an ordinary day into something special.
So whether you’re a home cook trying to nail your first risotto or a seasoned foodie looking for new inspiration, I’m right there with you cheering you on, sharing what I’ve learned, and always leaving room for dessert.
