Welcome to The Greasy Pen!

The fact that you are reading this makes you an awesome person and I think it is safe to say we share something in common. A little something we do daily to sustain us and keep us happily alive is eating good food. Not only do we find food fascinating but I want to know more about it, food has a story to tell. I’m here to listen to what food wants to tell us and I want to share my findings of flavors and goof around a bit.

Hi!

My name is Otis, I first fell in love with music and DJ’d my way across my teen years and my twenties in Europe until I moved back to Los Angeles and found myself working in French and Italian kitchens. I fell in love with my knives, the heat, the adrenaline, and my team, and became quite obsessed with the meditative sport and art of cooking.

I now work as a full-time food stylist for a massive company and I’m learning quite a lot. I started The Greasy Pen because I love writing about food and finding my way, routine, and voice. I never thought I would end up pursuing what I’m doing now, but I know that I love it.

I am a member and graduate of Slow Food’s Youth Academy and an IACP member and I am on the road to learning as much as I can about food, the politics involved, the history, and the countless stories told through food.

I love cooking for my close ones and nerding out about anything that comes my way. Food is political, beautiful, and powerful and I believe we forget what it takes to bring food to the table. Let’s not take it for granted and cherish everything it gives us.

Join the “greasers”

If you enjoy stories about food, history, and sometimes some general rants or essays please consider subscribing. I’m not the type to ask for money — because I love what I do — yet I know that if you do something well, you shouldn’t do it for free. If you feel inclined to support me, I would be very grateful and would love to give back by cherishing this community I am trying to grow so we can all learn and share these stories among ourselves and loved ones.

I wish you a hearty meal, and I appreciate you taking the time to get to know a little about me. I can’t wait to learn something from or about you! Let’s stay in touch!

Bœuf bourguignon-ly yours,

Otis Hagen Chevalier, aka The Greasy Pen