Who is behind Lulu Pork Chop?

I’m Kim O’Donnel — part chef, cookbook author, journalist, and teacher, with more than three decades of experience telling stories and stringing words together. Some of you may know me from my work at The Washington Post, where I wrote a blog and hosted a weekly cooking chat. I’m an avid preserver and vegetable gardener. I know a bunch about astrology. I am working on my headstand. I really like Bundt cake.

About Lulu Pork Chop, the name

Lulu is my diner nickname from my stint waiting tables at the American Diner in Philadelphia. Pork chop comes from the day I slipped and fell on my butt while carrying a plate of pork chops, which flew over my head. My mom decided on Kimberly Ann, but you can call me Kim or KOD.

About Lulu Pork Chop, the newsletter

I started this newsletter in April, 2022, to document my experiences as a World Central Kitchen volunteer cooking for displaced refugees from Ukraine. I’m particularly interested in how food is a bridge — how it connects us, how it’s a universal language. Food doesn’t show up in everything I write, but it’s a big part of how I navigate my place in the world.

Every new edition of the newsletter goes directly to your inbox. You can expect a mix of recipes and personal essays.

I hope you’ll join me and tell all your friends.

Love, KOD