Hello and welcome! Claire Sanders here, the girl behind Éclaire.  Culinary Institute of America alumni, cheese advocate, wine enthusiast. 

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I was born and raised in Wisconsin, which I'm certain contributed to my appreciation for everything cheese related.  After all, us Packer fans are appropriately nicknamed cheese heads.  Currently I'm living back in the Madison area and enjoying the plethora of farmers markets and our thriving local food scene.

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Shortly after high school, I moved to New York to pursue my passions and attend The Culinary Institute of America.  Before I knew it, three years had passed, I was a college graduate with an associate degree in Baking & Pastry Arts and a bachelors in Applied Food Studies.

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I have had the privilege to work at two exceptional Relais & Chateaux properties.  The first being Castle Hill Inn, in Newport, RI.  And the later being Canoe Bay, in Chetek, WI.  Another noteworthy memory was created as I staged at the acclaimed Inn at Little Washington.

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Currently you can find me working alongside another CIA alum from my hometown as his family recently opened their second restaurant late January of 2017.  I jump between front and back of house depending on the day, and count my lucky stars that I am able to be apart of the opening staff on such a new and exciting venture.

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After following countless food and travel blogs, eagerly anticipating the next issue of Conde Nast Traveler, and trying my best to stay up to date on current food trends, I found myself once again wanting to share my life through food.  Whether or not anyone keeps tabs on what I've been up to, well that's up to all of you.

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Cheers!

Claire Sanders 

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