Carolyn J. Phillips is fluent in Chinese, having lived and worked in Taiwan for eight years. Her appreciation of everything from Chinese haute cuisine to street snacks provided her with rare entrée into local society. She met and dined with gourmands who helped her understand the nuances of China’s varied cuisines, and discussed dishes with famous epicures such as the renowned artist Chang Dai-chien. She also pestered proprietors of local restaurants and food stalls into handing over their family recipes and secret techniques.

Following her return to the States, Phillips became a Mandarin interpreter for the state and federal courts, working with attorneys on multimillion-dollar lawsuits and federal cases. 

During her off hours she ferreted out traditional recipes and classic cooking styles. Phillips retired from the courts five years ago to devote herself fully to food writing. Her upcoming book is titled Simple Pleasures from a Chinese Kitchen: Authentic Seasonal Recipes from Every Region of China.

You can follow Phillips on her blog, Out to Lunch, which offers humorous and insightful glimpses into the world of Chinese cuisine, as well as on Facebook and Twitter (@madamehuang). An accomplished artist and a junior black belt in kickboxing, she is a member of the IACP and the Slow Food Movement. Phillips lives in California with her husband of three decades, the author  J. H. Huang.