Growing up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, April always planned on a life on the stage, but secretly the kitchen had always been her sanctuary. After studying theatre at Northwestern University and the University of Wisconsin, Madison and earning her bachelor’s degree, she moved to New York City in 2001 to pursue a career in acting and writing about the theatre. While auditioning and studying towards her masters in theatre history, April had the opportunity to work in some of the Big Apple’s premier restaurants . . . in the front of the house. Being around some of the best chefs and some of the best food in the world inspired her. Unfulfilled with her life in theatre, she finally realized that what had always comforted her and fed her soul – cooking - could be her life. So, April took the big leap and set theatre aside to enroll in New York City’s world-renowned culinary school, The French Culinary Institute.
After graduating from the FCI, April melded her culinary skills and her writing experience and created Culinary Casual - her blog about life and the stories that food helps us tell. As a freelance food writer, April has written for a wide range of publications including Pastry Scoop, an online pastry magazine, and The Nibble, a gourmet product review and foodie information site. She has also had the opportunity to work as a chef instructor, teaching cooking to 3rd-5th graders at Manhattan’s PS 158’s outstanding after-school program. April also teaches home cooking classes.
April is a member of the Women Chefs and Restaurateurs and lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Additionally, April was a proud member of her high school golf team - sequestered to the driving range during meets and used to work as a professional magician’s assistant - yes, she was sawed in half and no, she will never reveal how it’s done.
