Hi.

I’m a freelance writer, editor, and foodways researcher with a background in television production (Netflix, IFC, Comedy Central) and the pastry kitchen. I cut my baking teeth with the James Beard-nominated Rustic Canyon Restaurant Group, launched the pastry program at Chulita, and was assistant pastry chef at La Petite Grocery in New Orleans. My most recent endeavor was helping to open the wine bar Bar Pomona in the Marigny neighborhood of New Orleans.

As a writer, I profile chefs and tastemakers, exploring the intersection of food/wine and archive. I’ve conducted research for museum exhibits and developed recipes for restaurants and a gardening book. I lead writing workshops focused on evoking the senses and have co-curated a live reading series that showcases some of New Orleans’ best literary talent. I’m always game to put together an event or project, especially ones that highlight the goings-on of the cities I’ve called home—Los Angeles, New York, and New Orleans.

My essay “I Carry My Weight in Groceries” was nominated for the Pushcart Prize in 2021.

I’m a graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I studied screenwriting, and I earned my MFA in creative writing from the University of New Orleans. I’ve also tasted my way through WSET Level 2.

My Substack, Culinaria, is a place to explore and question what we’re eating. I’m currently working on a novel.

Contact: sophieanau (at) gmail.com.