About

Welcome to Dine With Rita!

Hi there! I’m Rita Lawrence, and I’m delighted to welcome you to Dine With Rita—a recipe blog where every meal is a reason to celebrate. My passion is helping home cooks create delicious, approachable dishes that bring joy and comfort to everyday life. Here, you’ll discover tested recipes, honest kitchen advice, and a welcoming community, whether you’re searching for breakfast inspiration, crowd-pleasing appetizers, comforting dinners, or irresistible desserts. My food philosophy? Good food is simple, seasonal, and best when shared.

Dine With Rita has been featured in Gather & Taste Magazine, recognized in the Home Kitchen Innovators Awards, and partnered with local culinary collectives. I’ve had the joy of teaching cooking workshops and collaborating with talented home chefs from all walks of life. Through it all, I’ve learned that the heart of any kitchen is the people—and that’s why Dine With Rita is as much about connection as it is about food.

Every recipe you find here has been created, tested, and enjoyed in my own home, often with a bit of laughter and plenty of taste-testing. My hope is that you’ll feel inspired, empowered, and excited to try something new in your kitchen—knowing that I’m here to cheer you on, every step of the way.

How It All Started

My journey began in a bustling family kitchen, filled with lively conversation and the aroma of simmering sauces. From a young age, I loved helping my parents cook for big family gatherings, learning that the best recipes often come with a side of storytelling. Cooking became my favorite way to unwind, express creativity, and show love.

As I grew older, I started collecting family recipes and experimenting with new flavors, always eager to host brunches, potlucks, and cozy dinner parties for friends. What I cherish most about recipes is their power to turn ordinary days into celebrations and bring people closer together, one shared meal at a time.

Dine With Rita was born from my desire to document these traditions, explore new ideas, and encourage others to find joy and confidence in their own kitchens. I believe that every cook has a story, and every meal is a chance to create memories.

Why You Can Trust Me

With over 10 years of home cooking, recipe development, and food education, I bring both passion and practical experience to every dish. My background includes hosting hands-on cooking classes, catering community events, and contributing to local food publications. Every recipe on Dine With Rita is tested multiple times and written with clear, friendly instructions—because I want you to feel confident and successful, whether you’re making your first loaf of bread or planning a special celebration.

I’m committed to quality, transparency, and sharing what I learn along the way. You’ll find honest notes, helpful substitutions, and approachable techniques in every post. I style and photograph each dish in my own kitchen, aiming to capture not just how food looks, but how it feels to make and share it.

Outside of recipe testing, I love visiting farmers’ markets, gardening, and volunteering at local food pantries. Exploring new cuisines, cultures, and ingredients inspires me to keep learning and growing as a cook—and to share those discoveries with you.

My promise is to keep Dine With Rita a supportive, reliable resource for every home cook. I’m here to answer questions, offer encouragement, and celebrate every kitchen win—big or small!

Let’s Connect

I’d love to connect with you! Share your questions, kitchen successes, or recipe requests anytime—I’m always here to help and cheer you on.

Thank you for joining me at Dine With Rita. Let’s make every meal memorable, together!

Meet the Dine With Rita Team

Rita Lawrence – Founder & Recipe Developer
I create, test, and photograph every recipe, drawing inspiration from family traditions and global flavors. Outside the kitchen, I love gardening, volunteering, and hosting friends for dinner.

Sara Kim – Assistant Recipe Tester
Sara brings creativity and precision to every test, especially in desserts and appetizers. She’s passionate about sustainable ingredients and loves experimenting with plant-based cooking.

Henry Scott – Content Editor & Food Storyteller
Henry makes sure every recipe and post is clear, engaging, and fun to read. His background in food journalism and his love for culinary history shine through our stories.

Jasmine Lee – Community Engagement Manager
Jasmine is the friendly face behind our emails and social channels. She connects with readers, celebrates your wins, and helps make Dine With Rita a true kitchen community.