I was born in a refugee camp in Thailand in 1980 and came to America in 1981. Growing up in Florida, I was immersed in Cambodian culture and food. I then traveled throughout Southeast Asia for 6 months in order to reconnect with my roots and fully explore my passion for food. During three of those months, I stayed in Cambodia, not only to educate myself on how to taste and cook authentic Cambodian food, but also to reunite with my family, including my grandparents whom I've never met. It was amazing to speak Khmer freely for the first time and cultivate deep relationships with family and new friends though the exotic rituals of preparing and sharing authentic food together. 

I am now back in New York and is sharing my passion by serving exotic dishes at dinner parties throughout New York. I am also expanding my offering and sharing stories and recipes on my blog. Please feel free to contact me if you are interested in tasting Cambodian cuisine or the flavors that I’ve discovered during my travels.  For more information, please read a recent feature written about me at http://keenhaven.com/cambodian-cuisine-at-nycs-dinner-by-lany-recipes-slideshow/.