In a very 2019 way. I “slid into his DM’s” on instagram. We had mutual friends in the restaurant industry and he was just so handsome. We met for the first time in person at a popular SF bar called Trick Dog. I had a napkin tucked into my shirt and was eating a bacon wrapped hotdog- it was love at first sight; we have been together ever since!

Getting engaged in Lisbon, Portugal. Roland had this whole plan that I knew nothing about- I was absolutely floored when he got down on one knee along the water in front of the Praça do Comércio. It was only the second day of our trip and the rest of our time spent in Portugal was so magical- we had never felt so in love and in sync. We are getting married in September 2025 and will end our honeymoon back in Lisbon!

We would use the $20,000 as a nest egg towards opening our own restaurant. We have a dream to move back to Rollie’s hometown of Monterey, CA and build a life where his family has lived for generations. We would love to add to the growing culinary scene in this area and have a place all our own that becomes a part of the fabric of the community. We’ll grow old together next to the beautiful ocean while providing rich and nourishing culinary experiences for our family and community.