Hi there! I’m Ethan Reid.
A 28-year-old part-time barista, full-time vibe curator, and above all, an enthusiastic amateur cook living in Austin, Texas.
This whole adventure began with a bowl of very confused guacamole.
Two summers ago, I brought my now-legendary “honey-guac” to a friend’s backyard party. It was… a character-building experience.
A single bite earned me a gentle pat on the hand from my friend’s abuela and the realization that some souls are meant to enjoy food, not make it.
But instead of fading into the background, I leaned in. I laughed at the mess and decided to document the whole beautiful, blundering journey.
That’s how An Amateur Cook was born. Here, “amateur” isn’t a disclaimer. it’s the whole point.
My tagline, “Mistakes are just extra seasoning,” is my cooking philosophy. This isn’t a showcase of flawless meals from a professional chef.
It’s your invitation into my bright, slightly chaotic kitchen, where spills happen, smoke alarms occasionally sing, and every now and then, something truly delicious emerges.
What You’ll Find Here:
- The Full Story: Glorious successes and glorious failures, all documented with equal humor.
- Real-Time Learning: From “Date Night Disasters” to “Abuela Adopts Me”, where I receive monthly lessons in culinary grace.
- Austin on a Budget: My attempts to recreate the city’s famous flavors without blowing my barista budget.
- Recipes, But Make Them Friendlier: Written like we’re chatting over coffee, complete with honest tips and “don’t-do-what-I-did” asides.
More Than a Blog, It’s a Party.
The greatest surprise hasn’t been learning to cook; it’s been finding a community. You, my readers and co-captains, vote on my next kitchen challenge, share your own stories in the comments, and turn every mishap into a shared laugh.
This space is built on the belief that the kitchen shouldn’t be intimidating. It should be fun, creative, and open to everyone.
I still pull espresso shots part-time (the human connection is priceless), but my heart is here with you, cooking, writing, and discovering that the best meals often come with the best stories.
So whether you’re a total newbie or a seasoned home cook who remembers your own “great disaster,” welcome. Grab a virtual apron, and let’s make something memorable.
Thanks for being here,
Ethan
P.S. My “Best New Food Blogger” award hangs proudly beside my favorite apron that reads, “I Promise It’s Supposed to Look Like That.” I think Abuela would be proud. Or at least amused.