Dawn Blume Hawkes was born in Hollywood, California. She began living a bi-coastal life; parents toggling her from Boston to New York and back to California to earn her M.A. in English and Design. Her quest to travel, eat, perfect her design talents, and write for various publications, led to an appreciation of the diversity of cuisines and the skill of the chef.

Away From the Kitchen offers a glimpse into the joys and pressures of a chef’s life—satisfying the curiosity of those swept up in the wave of America’s chef-obsession. Here, selected chefs from across the nation disclose some of their most personal dreams and talents—revealing who they are inside and outside the kitchen. With its uniquely personal approach, Away From the Kitchen will appeal to foodies everywhere, as well as readers who want it all: the menus, the recipes, and the chef “scoop.”