About Me

Hey there! I'm Abi, the creative force behind AbizAppetite.

Growing up in the suburbs of Philadelphia instilled in me a profound love for food. I have great memories of visiting the Italian market, exploring Claudio’s and savoring treats from Isgros Pastries. My parents, enthusiasts of local farming, introduced me to the joys of cooking. I remember my mom spending hours in the kitchen, crafting batches of homemade jams and simmering flavorful tomato sauces.

Fast forward to 2017, when I went off to The Ohio State University (OSU). College life presented a unique challenge to my culinary abilities -- my first attempt at cooking rice I managed to burn the bottom of the pan so bad I had to throw it away. I experimented with a hundred Pinterest recipes, gradually gaining confidence and comfort in the kitchen.

In 2020, I met my boyfriend Cal. I found someone who cared about food just as much as I did. Cooking transformed into an opportunity to prepare meals for us and to share moments together.

Amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, I discovered a newfound passion for crafting charcuterie boards. With the luxury of extra time at home, I delved into the world of artisanal meats and cheeses pairing them with different jams and honeys to create new flavor profiles. To this day, I continue to create charcuterie boards for my gatherings with friends and families.

After graduating with a B.S. in Aviation Engineering in 2021, I relocated to Chicago, where Cal and I embarked on a culinary adventure. The first place we tried was Au Cheval... We waited for 2 hours to try their single cheeseburger with bacon and egg on it. I thought we were crazy to wait that long, but it was so worth it. I came to find out that the West Loop has a renowned culinary scene, featuring numerous critically acclaimed restaurants. Since moving here three years ago I have tried over 50 different restaurants in the West Loop. It is so hard to chose a favorite but if I had to pick I would say Monteverde or Trivoli Tavern.

When not exploring the West Loop, I enjoy experimenting with new recipes at home, often sourcing fresh produce and meats from the local farmers' markets during the summer months. I get a lot of my inspiration from these fresh ingredients as I get to push my limits and create new dishes. My love for cooking isn't confined to my kitchen (or Chicago). It's also fueled by the amazing food experiences I've had during my travels. Exploring the bustling markets of Japan, indulging in fresh seafood in Australia, and savoring the pasta in Italy have all left a lasting impression on my cooking style. Each trip has introduced new flavors and techniques which I try and incorporate into my meals.

As my culinary horizons expanded through travel, so did my enthusiasm for hosting friends and family. Not only does it provide me with a creative outlet to express myself through food, decor, and ambiance, but it also allows me to share my passion for cooking with those closest to me. Each gathering offers an opportunity to experiment with new recipes, refine my culinary skills, and explore different flavor combinations, all while receiving valuable feedback and appreciation from my guests.

So that brings me to here... AbizAppetite! I launched this website with the intention of sharing my passion for cooking and baking! I aim to share a collection of recipes that reflect my culinary journey and inspire others to embark on their own flavorful adventures. Follow my journey on Instagram, Tik Tok, and Pinterest!