About

And now we get to the fun stuff…

I have always had a passion for cooking, crafting, and creating. Throughout my youth I found solace in being able to put my imagination to work. I loved producing tangible representations of my sometimes-outlandish thoughts, and I still do. 

I spent most of my childhood and early adult life in art classes of some type or another. The first three years of my college education was spent switching my major between Art Education, Graphic Design, and Interior Design before finally tackling Culinary Arts with gusto. 

My love of design has segued into a knack for creating beautiful plates, platters, and table-scapes. I still find time to hone my artistic skills through conventional means I.e., drawing, illustrating, and painting. In the last year, I have finally found my way to being a published illustrator. My original design, “Love Blooms in Every Color,” was chosen to be the cover image for the first LGBTQ newsletter for Williams- Sonoma Inc., The Tea. 

I have also partnered my artistic skills with my love for crafting. I have created a variety of unique designs to turn into gift baskets, mugs, t-shirts, window displays, and more. Learning new skills and putting them into play is an integral part of my crafting experience. I have tried my hand at creating felt flowers, designing, and sewing seasonal aprons, and some light floral arranging.

In the last few years another love I have had since childhood has blossomed, Lego designing. I have always collected Lego, but in recent years my collection has exploded. I have not only expanded my set collection, but my loose bricks are dominating my office. A little OCD and a lot of patience has brought me to a happy sorting place and now I can create uninhibited. I have entered multiple contests and posted two separate product idea submissions, one of which is still gaining traction. 

I have always believed that finding your passion and embracing it is the most crucial factor in achieving happiness. It does not spark joy in you, it is not your thing and something else will suit you better. I hope that you all enjoy my site and just maybe find something that brings a little happiness to your life because it has already brightened mine. 

Professional Bio

Jonathan Neil is a classically trained chef with a passion for sharing and teaching anyone willing to learn. His education started at a young age assisting his mother with her small restaurant. From there he flexed his early talents through constant 4-H cookery contests, receiving top accolades in many competitions. Jonathan honed his skills in the culinary world through a formal education at The Art Institute of Houston, receiving a bachelor’s degree in Culinary Management. 

From there Jonathan’s hands-on experience began with an internship at Soma Sushi, where he ran the cold bar and dessert stations through happy hour and dinner service. After Soma he was brought on to be the sous chef and pastry chef at Good to Go, a gluten-free and diabetic friendly establishment.

After three years the restaurant was sold, and a new path made itself available. Jonathan worked for a brief period as a restaurant consultant. Immediately after the consulting job, he found his current home. Destiny brought him to Williams- Sonoma.

For the better part of a decade, Jonathan has been the go-to culinary authority in Williams- Sonoma stores throughout Houston. Over the years, He has hosted a wide variety of classes for both adults and children, several times a week. He has also been the head chef for a bevy of in-store events including celebrity cookbook signings such as Giada de Laurentis, Bobby Flay, Tyler Florence, Chris Shepard, Trisha Yearwood and more.

In his spare time, Jonathan has worked part-time as a private chef and caterer. He has planned, prepared, and executed private events for up to 50 guests. He also has been known to whip up a multi-tiered cake or a few dozen decorated cookies for friends, family, or private clients on a whim.