Welcome to IMARECIPE – Your Home for Flavorful Creations!
My name is Emma Hale, and I’m a 42-year-old professional chef based in Portland, Oregon. My journey through the culinary world has been anything but linear, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I started out like a lot of chefs—washing dishes in a small neighborhood diner when I was sixteen, mostly just looking for gas money. What I didn’t expect was to fall in love with the rhythm of the kitchen, the clatter of pans, the hiss of onions hitting hot oil, and the quiet camaraderie of the line.
After culinary school in New York, I spent years working my way through some of the most demanding and exhilarating kitchens in the country—from a seafood bistro in Charleston to a high-pressure steakhouse in Chicago. I’ve burnt more sauces than I care to admit and sliced open my fair share of fingers, but each mistake taught me something. Cooking, to me, is part art, part science, and mostly about heart.
Now, I run a small but fiercely proud kitchen in Portland where we focus on seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients. I don’t believe in overcomplicating things—if you’ve got a perfect heirloom tomato, why drown it in 14 garnishes? My style is rustic refinement, food that’s honest but elegant. I want each dish to tell a story, not just fill a plate.
IMARECIPE isn’t just a platform to share what I’ve learned; it’s a space where I hope to connect with fellow chefs, both seasoned and just starting out. I believe in mentoring the next generation of cooks, in sharing the good and the gritty, and in always staying curious. Whether you’re here to perfect your béarnaise or just want to talk about the best way to cure duck breast, you’re in good company.
This site is my kitchen table—pull up a chair, bring your questions, your hunger, and your passion. Let’s cook something unforgettable.