Hi, I’m Sonya

I’m a writer, culinary educator, avid cook, and podcast host, based out of Portland, OR.

I specialize in Soviet cuisine, modern Jewish food, and seasonal cooking. My first cookbook, Braids: Recipes from My Pacific Northwest Jewish Kitchen is available now!

My culinary background includes cheffing, food styling, and recipe development, and I was also the founder and owner of Beetroot Market & Deli.

I co-host Food Friends, a weekly podcast all about home cooking, with my dear friend Kari Lauritzen.

I teach classes on Zoom and in person, and love sharing the tips and tricks I’ve learned professionally cooking for over a decade.

You can book me for a private, group, or team-building class and I love sharing my favorite Soviet, Ukrainian, and Jewish dishes here, and during my online classes.

You can reach me at sonyamsanford@gmail.com

I’d love to hear from you, and thanks for stopping by!

head shot of chef sonya sanford
 
Couldn’t ask for a better instructor. Sonya is incredibly knowledgeable, patient and pragmatic —she meets you at your level, encouraging questions and suggesting modifications. In my case, the proof was in the latkes —crispy and delicious!
— Jordan Riggs
 
Sonya’s classes are infused with warmth, whimsy, and expertise that make for a non-intimidating, highly rewarding communal experience. Cooking with Sonya is a delightful invitation to connect with the rich histories of food and the people who prepare it!
— Blue Simcha