Hi, I’m Lyda—welcome to my kitchen. I’m 36, a proud San Franciscan, and a woman who believes food is one of life’s most beautiful love languages. For me, cooking has never been about chasing perfection; it’s always been about creating warmth, connection, and joy in everyday life. From bustling Saturday mornings at the farmers’ market to cozy evenings spent testing recipes at home, I’ve learned that the best meals often come from the simplest moments.
I grew up in a family where food was our anchor. My grandmother taught me patience as she kneaded dough, my mother taught me resourcefulness when she turned whatever we had into magic on a plate, and somewhere along the way, I discovered my own voice in the kitchen. It wasn’t in fancy techniques or rigid rules, but in the little experiments—the pinch of spice I wasn’t sure about, the recipe I bent to fit my mood, the dish that sometimes turned out wonderfully and sometimes not at all. Those imperfect, real-life moments shaped me far more than any polished recipe could.
Now, I share my cooking journey with women who, like me, juggle recipes with the rhythm of life. I want you to feel seen in my kitchen—the late-night pasta dinners after a long day, the joyful chaos of cooking with kids at your side, the quiet comfort of baking something sweet just for yourself. My recipes are designed to be approachable and flexible, filled with the kind of flavors that invite you to trust your instincts, laugh at the little mishaps, and celebrate the small victories.
San Francisco, with its mix of cultures and vibrant food scene, constantly fuels my creativity. One day I’m inspired by the spices in Chinatown, the next by fresh herbs from the Ferry Building market, and sometimes by conversations with women who tell me what they’re craving most. Every recipe I share carries a little piece of my city, my story, and my heart.
If you’ve found your way here, I hope you feel like you’re pulling up a chair at my table. I want you to laugh with me when something goes sideways, celebrate with me when something comes out beautifully, and above all, discover that food isn’t just about feeding your body—it’s about nourishing your soul. Because in my kitchen, there’s always room for one more story, one more plate, and one more friend.