Elements of Taste-Mary Karlin

Mary Karlin • info@elementsoftaste.com •

Mary Karlin, founder of Elements of Taste

Mary Karlin is a founding staff member and chef- instructor at Ramekins Culinary School, Sonoma, Ca, where she has taught wood-fired cooking, cheesemaking, and Mediterranean-themed cooking classes for over ten years. Mary has also taught at Rancho La Puerta, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone.

In 2010, she adds teaching at Sur La Table, Scottsdale, AZ to her class locations. Mary's acclaimed first book, Wood-Fired Cooking, was published by Ten Speed Press in spring 2009. Her second book, Making Home-crafted Artisan Cheese, will be published by Ten Speed Press in spring 2011. A freelance food writer and traveling instructor, Mary currently splits her time between northern California and Arizona where she teaches her seasonal Live Fire Cooking Camp , in Superior, AZ. She also teaches regional cooking camps and cheesemaking workshops around the United States. She has contributed articles to notable culinary print and online publications such as Fine Cooking magazine and Leite's Culinaria.

Mary's seasoned experience in the culinary field is extensive. Her creative entrepreneurial spirit as business owner, educator and passionate cook has contributed to her involvement in a variety of culinary projects.

In the early 90's as Sonoma became noticed for its artisan foods, wine and creative chefs, then-gourmet -kitchen- shop owner Mary recognized the interests of both customers and local chefs to share their love for cooking so she created private cooking classes in her home, instructed by soon-to-become culinary stars of Sonoma County.

Mary then served for three years as the Retail-Restaurant Liaison and Event Coordinator for Select Sonoma County, a nonprofit agricultural marketing organization that developed promotions, educational programs and marketing opportunities for Sonoma County's agricultural producers.

As a staff member at Ramekins for over ten years Mary's well-honed leadership skills lead her to serve in a variety of management roles: Retail Buyer, Hospitality Manager, Culinary Staff Manager, Culinary Tour Developer, Winemaker Dinner Cooking Class Coordinator, and Coordinator of large-scale cooking demonstrations for such notable cookbook and television personalities as Rick Bayless, Michael Chiarello, Sarah Moulton, Jacques Pepin and Ming Tsai.

For four years Mary worked with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau as the Project Manager for the Sonoma Valley Olive Festival.

As a valuable "link" to the growers and producers of the Wine Country's culinary bounty, Mary's passion for the local food and wine producers is fed by her work as educator, consultant and writer in her culinary endeavor, Elements of Taste. Her investigative nature and passion for discovery are generously woven into her work.

Mary is a member of the American Cheese Society, a founding member of A Million Cooks, and a former Board member of Sonoma County Farm Trails.

“Mary Karlin is about passion: passion for life, food, health, community and humanity. In the seven years I have known and worked with Mary, she
has impressed me with her vision, good taste
and kindness.

Mary's passions come through in her recipes, lessons, and interactions with others.

I have been enriched by Mary Karlin, and I know you
will be too.”

–Bob Nemerovski