The social lounge is a place close to my heart - A cocktail bar in which I had my first legal drink after moving to Asheville to finish up my bachelor of fine arts degree from University of North Carolina at Asheville. A few years later I would be hired at the sister restaurant next door, Strada Italiano, as the hostess for many years. The owner, Anthony Cerrato, has always shown to be a huge supporter of the arts; of fine food and giving. I’m grateful to him for allowing me so much space in his restaurant to expand on my confidence as an artist in an immensely creative community.