About The Chef

I've always cooked, but after moving to Austin after college and being introduced to the terrific selection and variety of foods available here, my cooking quickly went from hobby to obsession. At the time, I had been accepted to graduate school. I took a "fork in the road" and traded my books for a nice set of knives. Restaurant work didn't appeal to me - I wanted a healthier, fresher, and more personal business. I don't just like to cook; I like to feed people. I love making someone's day better by cooking them a great meal.

So, Fork In The Road was born. In the summer of 2002, I started out cooking for families in their homes. That was a terrifically rewarding experience but it did a number on my body after a while. I was too exhausted to cook my own dinner. My poor Jason, the husband of a chef, was eating pizza half the time! In July of 2004 it was time to expand to a commercial kitchen and the current delivery service you see now. I have been so happy with its success.

Austin is such a foodie-friendly place. We are blessed with great farmer's markets, restaurants, and a population of adventurous eaters. Even besides Central Market and Whole Foods, the regular HEB's often have unusual variety and quality of produce. Add in the numerous ethnic markets, and we've got access to just about anything. I enjoy offering this wide variety to folks who might otherwise choose a quick-but-will-eventually-kill-you dinner from the freezer, a box, or a restaurant that drenches everything in butter or gets produce from the freezer. I try to keep my healthy menus full of variety and fresh ingredients.

One of my lovely customers once said that with my dinners waiting in the fridge, she once again looked forward to coming home at the end of the day. The struggle was gone. I take that message with me every morning that I start out to the kitchen in the wee morning hours. I wouldn't trade this work for the world. Thank you to all of my customers who make it possible for me to do what I love.

--Darla Cohen