Born in New York City to parents of varying backgrounds, James was exposed to a variety of ethno-centric food styles at an early age. Some of his earliest recollections include a duck beheaded in a Chinatown restaurant, his Polish grandmother's Lobscow and Sicilian grandfather's homemade pizza. Watching his parents' do their homework for a Chinese cooking class help foster his love of all Asian eats. During his first year of college, James provided his roommates with his favorite culinary staples like homemade Italian "gravy" and Rutmus (Scandinavian style mashed turnips). Having lived in St. Pete for over 20 years, he thrills at the opportunity to try a new restaurant or taste the latest microbrew at one of the 'Burgs many watering holes.
email:james.ostrand@creativeloafing.com
James's Complete Daily Loaf Archive
This article appears in Jan 14-20, 2009.