Coming to the table to share stories of community, culture and tradition through food

You’re probably used to seeing a different face in this space. Dave Cathey, the Food Dude, brought his take on food and dining in the 405 to reader's screens and pages for 14 years. Now, with a new opportunity on the horizon, he's passing the baton.

If you're a subscriber or regular reader of The Oklahoman, you may already know me and recognize my name. I’ve been at The Oklahoman for nearly two years and up to this point, my work has been covering Oklahoma County government, homelessness, and general assignment work for the paper.

You may be thinking switching to food seems like a huge divergence from that path — and you’d be correct.

The food beat is a completely different world. But if you ask my colleagues, they’ll tell you that food and cooking for others are embedded in my love languages.

More:Cheers! The Oklahoman's Food Dude reflects on 32 years as journalist

Growing up, my parents introduced me to a wide variety of cuisines, partially because we were a military family and traveled often. Some of my earliest memories involve gatherings hosted by my parents that involved food, usually potluck-style meals that families from across the military bases we were stationed on contributed to. I was encouraged to try everything, and I continue that adventurous approach toward food today.

My mantra is: Try everything once; if you don’t like it, find a different person to make it and try it again.

I am a millennial with a cabinet full of cookbooks, some of which were passed down to me. I love cooking and baking because they allow me to use a love of science and math in a way that has a much more rewarding result than my algebra and chemistry classes ever did. My grandmother also loved to bake, and her peach cobbler was sought after, but she didn’t use recipe books or measuring cups. As such, I'm still trying to nail down a version that tastes like the memories she made for 5-year-old me.

I like to think I have embraced her heartfelt approach, marrying it with my own methods in the kitchen. These days, I can opt to follow a recipe specifically for a guaranteed result, or when I am feeling spontaneous, there is always a never-ending choose-your-own adventure of outcomes available.

More:Oklahoma food bank demand spiking in metro area as residents are squeezed by inflation

One of the other things I love most about food is the way it ties us together. We all eat, usually love the food we grew up eating, and have stories and memories connected to food.

Let's explore those stories, how food makes Oklahoma unique and the ways it inextricably links us to the world around us. Along the way, I’ll share some of my favorite dishes, places I’ve stumbled upon and more with you.

I hope you will join me as I dive headfirst into the dining, drinks and beyond that set the state's ever-changing food scene apart from others.

Food allows us to share cultures and traditions. It can inspire innovation and spark conversation. And perhaps most importantly, it offers common ground that can unite us.

Do you know of a uniquely Oklahoman establishment for dining or drinks, or just want to share your favorite place to grab a bite in the 405, or beyond? Reach out to me on Twitter or Instagram at @janaebwilliams, or send me an email at jbwilliams@oklahoman.com. I’d love to hear from you.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: The Oklahoman's new food writer talks about what she brings to the table