Marino

Hey there! I'm Jake Marino, 38 years old, born and raised in Portland, Oregon, where the rain is steady, the produce is rich, and the kitchens always smell like something good’s on the stove. My path to cooking wasn’t fancy or fast it was the kind that started with boxed mac and cheese and slowly grew into a full-blown love affair with real food, real flavors, and the kind of meals that bring people together.

Growing up, my mom worked double shifts and my dad wasn’t exactly a wizard in the kitchen, so I took over dinner duty somewhere around age 13. At first, it was pure survival hamburger helper, frozen pizzas, you name it. But then I stumbled across an old cookbook at a yard sale, and I remember flipping through it like it was some kind of treasure map. It taught me the basics, sure, but more than that, it showed me how cooking could be creative, grounding, and even joyful.

After years of working odd jobs bartending, landscaping, even a stint as a bike courier I realized that every spare moment I had was spent in the kitchen. So I went all in. I never went to culinary school, but I read everything I could, asked a million questions, and cooked for anyone willing to eat. Eventually, I started hosting small dinner parties, then teaching casual classes out of my home, and before I knew it, I had built a little community of folks who just wanted to cook better food at home.

And that’s really who I’m here for people like you. People who might not have the time (or interest) to make five-star meals every night, but still want to feed themselves and their families with heart. I believe cooking at home shouldn’t be intimidating. It should be a little messy, a lot forgiving, and always satisfying. I’m here to help you make meals that feel like a warm hug, not a test.

I focus on approachable recipes, smart shortcuts, and those tiny kitchen victories that build your confidence over time. Burned the garlic? Been there. Forgot the salt? Welcome to the club. Cooking isn’t about perfection it’s about showing up, trying again, and maybe laughing a little along the way.

So pull up a chair, grab your favorite wooden spoon, and let’s figure this cooking thing out together. You don’t need a fancy kitchen just a little curiosity and a good appetite.