Amanda hails from Maine and holds a B.A. in archaeology from Boston University. She served as a U.S. Navy Officer for six years active duty and two as a reservist while obtaining a culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. She worked at the Los Angeles Times in the food section then attended Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism where she wrote for the Uptowner, NY Table and PolicyMic. She loves travel and adventure and is an avid athlete, having competed in marathons and triathlons, including the Ironman.