IN THE KITCHEN WITH . . . / KAREN CLYDESDALE, 52, MARIETTA
Grilled Lobster With Asian Dipping Sauce and Drawn Butter

Nominated by Kelley McLellan:
"Whether it is a 'light supper' for 50 on the back deck to celebrate a graduation, or an intimate dinner for family for no special reason at all, my Mom never ceases to amaze me. Although the meals are always prepared from scratch, and often quite complicated, she seems to float from the kitchen to the table effortlessly. In fact, whenever you compliment her on a dish, she says, 'It was so easy!'
"Mom loves all aspects of preparing a meal, from planning it to setting a gorgeous table. But it is clear to me that her reason for cooking is the simple satisfaction and delight she derives from it. She has taught my sister and me that cooking is not a task, but an experience to savor and enjoy . . . like all the wonderful foods that come from her kitchen."

From her work as an interior designer, Karen Clydesdale knows that the more she can engage her clients' senses, the happier they will be with the space she creates for them. So it is with those who experience her table. The food is always imaginative, delicious and memorable. But there is also the lively mood she creates: dramatic eye appeal, a pleasing ambience and a little bit of surprise.