My name is Mari Suzuki.

I live in San Francisco Bay Area with my husband, Keith.  As you can tell from my name, I am originally from Japan.  I was born and raised in Tokyo by a family of doctors and foodies. I came to the US the day before my 27th birthday.

Food is my passion. I’m at my happiest when immersed in something to do with food – cooking, eating, reading, or simply thinking about it. There was a book called “Japanese Women Don’t Get Fat Or Old”… I’m one of the living examples. As a Japanese native, I know how to eat healthy, even though I have been in the US for 20 years and “eat like a football player”. I’m still petite - 5’1” and 97 lbs.

I’m mostly a self-taught cook. My cooking teachers were my grandma and aunts who also taught others, plus some famous chefs on TV like Lidia Bastianich, Mario Batali and Jacques Pepin. I’m also blessed with culinary talent to throw things together and create numerous wonderful dishes. I can remember and re-create what I ate at restaurants around the world at home. As a home-cook without formal cooking training, I exercise the freedom to do what purists consider to be a taboo.

I teach people how to simplify and systemize their life. One day, I experimented with systemizing my cooking process, because I often ended up sauteing onions 3 days in a row! The time and money savings were huge, AND the possibility to multiply the recipe was exponential. It also gave me unexpected bonuses such as fewer dishes, lower stress, and healthier eating habits. And most of all, it was FUN!

Because of the economy, everyone is cooking more at home now. Although it saves a lot of money, it could take time when you cook the “normal way”.

I’m here to eliminate that dilemma. By following a few simple tricks, you too can optimize the unrealized assets you already have in your kitchen, and use that time and money saved to treat yourself or your loved ones. I look forward to your frequent visits, and sharing your success stories!