Hi there! My name is Alex Thompson, and I’m a 33-year-old self-taught chef based in Asheville, North Carolina. If you’re just starting your journey in the kitchen, I want you to know—you’re in good company. I’ve been where you are, burning toast, under-seasoning pasta, and wondering if I’d ever be able to cook a decent meal without a fire extinguisher nearby.
I didn’t grow up in a family of chefs or spend my childhood watching anyone whip up gourmet dishes. Actually, I discovered cooking a bit late—during my college years, when takeout lost its charm and my wallet screamed for mercy. I remember the first thing I ever really nailed: a simple grilled cheese sandwich. It wasn’t fancy, but man, it felt like a Michelin-star moment to me. From there, I started experimenting—scrambled eggs with herbs, pasta with whatever veggies I had around, and slowly, the kitchen became less of a battlefield and more of a playground.
Now, more than a decade later, I spend my days teaching cooking classes for beginners and sharing easy, soul-satisfying recipes on my blog. My approach is all about building confidence. I believe every mistake in the kitchen is a step forward, not a setback. You don’t need fancy tools or a stocked pantry to start—you just need curiosity, a bit of patience, and maybe a good playlist.
I love comfort food—dishes that bring people together and tell a story. Think slow-cooked chili on a rainy day, roasted vegetables with garlic and rosemary, or the perfect chocolate chip cookie. But I’m also big on twists. I might add a dash of smoked paprika to mashed potatoes or throw some miso into a classic mac and cheese. Cooking should feel like an adventure, not a test.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that cooking is less about perfection and more about connection. Whether you’re feeding yourself after a long day or trying to impress someone special, there’s magic in creating something from scratch. So if you’re just getting started, welcome. I’m here to cheer you on, one delicious mess at a time.