Culture, cuisine, comfort.
In many ways, Cultivated by Caryn is a reflection of how I grew up and the things I have always loved: culture, cuisine, and the comforts of everyday life.
Culture has been part of my world for as long as I can remember. My parents frequently entertained friends, guests, and colleagues from overseas. I loved sitting among the adults, listening to their stories about life in other countries and imagining what their homes, food, and daily routines might be like. When our schedules allowed, we traveled, often accompanying my father on business trips while also exploring destinations on our own wish lists.
A Cultivated Life
Culture
A lifelong curiosity about the world, its people, languages, traditions, and ways of life.
Cuisine
Rooted in family traditions and inspired by a world of flavors, ingredients, and culinary discoveries.
Comfort
The art of living well through everyday pleasures, meaningful connections, and the rituals that restore and inspire us.
My story
“Everything you do adds to your experience.”
— My mother’s advice, and a motto I still live by
Those early experiences shaped my curiosity about the world and continue to influence how I live today. As a budding linguist, I was in my element, practicing different languages, connecting with people, and immersing myself in new cultures. I quickly learned that language is more than a means of communication; it's a gateway to understanding people and the way they live.
And then there's Cuisine. The food! I've always loved discovering new flavors, trying unfamiliar dishes, and recreating these culinary traditions, at home. Both of my parents enjoyed spending time in the kitchen, and my European heritage played an especially important role in my culinary upbringing.
My Danish grandmother taught me to bake, from traditional Springerle and almond butter cookies to cakes, candies, and tarts. My Italian grandmother, my nonna, and other relatives in Italy introduced me to the pleasures of cooking: soups, pastas, contorni, and desserts, along with the techniques and little secrets that make a dish traditional and memorable. Perhaps the most important lesson? Learning to cook by instinct rather than relying on a recipe or, as my family would remind me, knowing when enough seasoning is enough.
I'm adventurous in the kitchen and rarely shy away from trying something new, whether it's preparing Fijian ceviche or mastering a classic French cooking technique. For me, food has always been about more than what's on the plate. It's about heritage, tradition, creativity, and the wonderful ways it brings people together.
And finally, Comfort. This one is a little more personal because it encompasses so many of the things that make life enjoyable. I often think of them as life's creature comforts. It might be the simple pleasure of sitting around a long dinner table, surrounded by good food, lively conversation, and laughter. Or it could be taking time for myself: a long, relaxing bath, a homemade cup of honey-lemon-ginger tea, or an afternoon hike that allows me to unplug and recharge.
I believe that feeling comfortable in your own surroundings, making time for the things that restore you, and finding a healthy balance between life's many demands are just as important as the places we go and the experiences we seek.
Ultimately, these three elements are what inspire me and shape the world of Cultivated by Caryn. Through food, culture, travel, hospitality, and the people and stories I encounter along the way, I hope to spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and celebrate the experiences that make life richer.
A Journey of Experiences
My mother once told me that everything we do in life adds to our experience. At the time, I couldn't have imagined how the different pieces of my own journey would eventually come together. Looking back, I can see how my upbringing, travels, exposure to different cultures, and love of languages have all shaped the way I see and experience the world.
That curiosity eventually led me to Georgetown University's School of Languages and Linguistics, where I explored how children acquire language. Combining my interest in languages with my love of working with children, I went on to found Early Lingo, developing language-learning programs and apps that introduced young children to foreign languages. It was one of several entrepreneurial ventures that allowed me to bring my interests and ideas to life.
Over the years, my path has also taken me into television and media, sharing my expertise on a range of subjects. Today, I host The Cultivated by Caryn Show, a podcast and radio program exploring the stories, traditions, and people behind food, culture, and the places and experiences that bring us together.
My work also extends to the written word and immersive experiences. As a monthly culinary columnist for Palm Beach Illustrated, I explore the people, places, and traditions shaping the culinary landscape. Through Cultivated Experiences, I bring people together around food, culture, and conversation, creating thoughtfully curated gatherings, tastings, and bespoke occasions.
As a mother of two boys, I also appreciate how important it is to keep learning, exploring, and sharing new experiences across generations. In many ways, that same curiosity that shaped my own childhood continues to influence the way I approach life today.
Ultimately, these experiences and interests are what inspire and shape the world of Cultivated by Caryn. Through food, culture, travel, hospitality, and the people and stories I encounter along the way, I hope to spark curiosity, encourage discovery, and celebrate the experiences that make life richer.
I'm so glad you're here. I hope you'll join me!
As seen on
Thank you for joining me on this journey of learning and discovery!
