About
NORMA ROSENTHAL
I love food, wine and travel – that’s the bottom line. Having never been particularly artistic as far as painting, sculpture or any of the usual arts, my creativity has always been inspired by people, places, words and the kitchen.
After taking a myriad of cooking and wine tasting classes over the years, from cake decorating to Asian, and trying out almost every recipe from Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Food and Wine, etc., I stumbled on my dream job 18 years ago and started my own public relations firm. It focuses on promoting fine dining restaurants, chefs, wineries, cookbooks and everything hospitality. That led to a stint on KIRO TV’s “7 Live” as a restaurant reviewer and writing restaurant columns, newsletters, review pieces – and now blogs.
I also became very involved in the local food community, founding the Washington State chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food, becoming a founding board member and past co-convivium leader of Slow Food Seattle, a long-time member of IACP (the International Association of Culinary Professionals) and the Seattle chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier.
My passion for food, wine – and of course travel, led me to a cooking school in France’s Loire Valley as well as to one in Italy and, more recently, to an intensive training course at the French Culinary Institute – New York City – in the “Fundamentals of Wine” taught by author and television personality Andrea Immer.
So where am I now? Well, you can always find me in the kitchen trying out a new gadget, testing a recipe or cooking up a storm for family and friends. My PR firm still keeps me incredibly busy as does freelance writing about food, wine & travel. And, I am a partner in ShinShinChez, LLC, a Seattle based business committed to a collaborative approach in publishing, marketing, and business and community development. I have also invited Allan Aquila to collaborate with me, who shares my adventurous foodie spirit. Welcome to Funtastic Foodie!
ALLAN AQUILA
What fun to share in Funtastic Foodie! Let me introduce myself – in my work life I am a hospitality and public relations consultant, assisting clients with concept development, operations, promotions, events and service consulting. With over 30 years in the industry, one can’t help but develop a deep affection for all things food and wine. Over the years, I have run the gamut from taking cooking classes both at home and abroad (Italy, Thailand) to developing recipes for clients to implement. Having been a restaurant owner myself, I have had the opportunity to experience first hand the entire process of farm to table,
Then there is wine…a love affair if there ever was one. After years of experience in tasting and pairing in a very global sense, I was honored to receive the Walter Clore Honorarium for my work in promoting the Washington State wine industry,
As for writing, I’ve been able to share my knowledge as a freelance food writer/food editor for MO magazine.
With a passionate belief in the importance of giving back to community, I have been an active participant in such events as ‘Share Our Strength’, ‘Taste Washington’, ‘Taste of the GSBA’, ‘Seattle’s Heart Ball’ and the ‘Auction of Washington Wines’. I also serve on the Board of Directors for the Greater Seattle Business Association, the largest LGBT chamber in the country.
In my “down time” you can find me in the kitchen cooking for friends, exploring new restaurants, traveling or at the gym working out. I’m looking forward to sharing my experiences with you and creating new ones together.
