I was raised James Arthur Wallman in small rural town in Northwest Florida during the early 70's through the early 80's. Born to a Mexican mother and German-Hungarian father there was always lots of rich flavors in the house. Being on a small farm with pigs, horses, dogs, chickens, ducks, goats, wild game and large gardens really shaped my palette about how fresh food should be.
There were fund raisers for the church and my Mother organized many catered events with her "exotic" cuisine. This is where I learned to produce large amounts of food and still made it taste good. From the first burrito to the five thousandth. This also fostered my desire to see what else the world offered. 

I found myself many nights out in the yard with a shortwave radio trying to understand the music and languages that I heard. When I had the first chance to step out and visit other countries, it was easy, I found myself walking through that door many times. 

This set in motion the desire to travel to many countries, visit many families and study food. This continues to this day, although the locales aren't as exotic the dynamic is the same.
Food is where we stop and nourish ourselves, it is a language that identifies our connection with our environment and each other. Food can bring great comfort, grand pleasure and simple reassurance.
This year 2010-2011 will be a time to distill what  I know into a solid holistic nutritional model for success. A model that is at once delicious, affordable and sustainable.
Spring of 2011 brings me to Austin Texas. A time of movement and renewal. Austin is a very invigorating food town and I look forward to participating in the wealth of food culture and community
For a peek at a menu I served at the 2009 Triboriginal Belly Dance camp click on this link:
blog.chefoso.com

Mortar & Pestle

 Mortar & Pestle is the culmination of all my world travels and studies in cuisine, culture and food language. It is a service that will offer up a bridge to support students, non profits, and schools. A bridge that educates, nourishes and entertains while deepening a greater understanding of cultures around the globe. We are at the beginning of Food as Language research studies both locally and abroad. We are documenting food stories of our local elders. We are supporting non-profits by deepening a connection through cuisine. It's a very exciting year to be here. More details on the services page. 


peace you

Chef Oso