Peeps in the Neighborhood - Elaine Sher

The random treasures in this neighborhood never cease to amaze. Take for example, the discovery — per a flyer pinned to a wall in Bloom Bistro — of a culinary school conveniently located on Corson Avenue. Full of curiosity, I contact the owner, extend an introduction, and after a brief electronic exchange, schedule a meeting.

Name: Elaine Sher (she/her)

Residency in Georgetown: A transplant to Seattle over 20 years ago for a career in tech, Elaine purchased her property in the neighborhood in 2018 and established her culinary school in 2019.

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The air is brisk as I make my way to Elaine’s home (Dash of Soy headquarters) on a dark, grey Thursday afternoon. With cups of freshly brewed oolong tea and an offering of ginger snap cookies — because what chef doesn’t present their guests with something to tease the palette? — we sit to talk about her history in Georgetown.

How you might know her: Owner and chef of Georgetown-located cooking school, Dash of Soy. Advertisements for her assortment of cooking classes. Gazette deliverer. Recently appointed Treasurer of the Georgetown Business Association (GBA). Artist. (If you visit the school, you might spy a tea towel or apron with one of Elaine’s beautiful illustrations of a cooking recipe.)

What do you do (e.g., your profession, personal mission, passion, etc.)?

“I remove barriers through food. For me, food is a path to the heart and a way for me to share my culture.

My previous career in marketing taught me how to take something complex and make it digestible and applicable. This skill is quite transferable in teaching cooking. I make Chinese cuisine — something that is intimidating to most — accessible so it becomes a normal rotation of people’s regular cooking.

We can all learn to make simple foods — it’s a life skill.”

NOTE: The idea to open a cooking school spawn after Elaine completed 18 months of travel during a career break, prompting a career transition.

Elaine in the Dash of Soy kitchen. Image by shon't.

What brought you to Georgetown? Why this neighborhood?

“I was attracted to the quirkiness of Georgetown. I used to explore Airport Way, the pubs and whatnot, to get a sense of the area, and always felt a sense of belonging that I really liked. So I knew when I was ready to buy a house — which also would be where I started my cooking school — I wanted it to be here.”

What keeps you here? What do you like about our ‘hood? 

“My neighbors, [particularly those near me]! We even have a group chat! In the absence of a homeowners association (HOA), we have to come together and figure things out.”

A piece of advice for your Georgetown neighbors, new or old?

“Cook something and share it with your neighbor — it brings immediate joy! And you don’t need to be a professional chef.”

Your future Georgetown looks like …

“Me continuing to be part of this community. I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It is, hands down, the best neighborhood. My future is here!”

Visit Dash of Soy’s website to learn more about Elaine. The school currently has 7 chefs and offers over 40 classes which are inclusive of both Asian and African cuisines.

If you are interested in being featured in “Peeps in the Neighborhood” or want to recommend someone for us to consider, please forward an email to shon’t at shontatgtowngazette@gmail.com.