Welcome to Kitchen and Compass
Navigating Life, One Plate at a Time.
If you’re looking for a blog about “fine dining” chains or crowded city tours, you might be in the wrong place. But if you value a perfectly brewed cup of coffee, a Christ centered approach, a quiet mountain trail, and the search for the best non-chain eats, then welcome home.
I’m James. I live in Southwest Virginia, and Kitchen and Compass is my digital home base for the three things that keep me grounded: God, the food on my table and the path I’m walking.
Above all else, my life is built on my faith. I am a Christian, and my worldview is based on my walk with Christ. For me, that means valuing community, family, and the recognition that every trail we walk and every meal we share is a blessing. Whether I’m in the kitchen or on the road, I strive to live with the grace and purpose that my faith provides.
What to Expect Here:
In the Kitchen: I love to cook. Whether it’s recreating a dish from a local hole-in-the-wall or prepping a game-day spread for a Steelers Sunday (Go Steelers!), you’ll find my favorite recipes and kitchen experiments here.
On the Trail (The Compass): My wife, Christy, and I are constantly scouting. From our favorite mountain escapes like Asheville and Pigeon Forge to our frequent trips down to Florida, I’m documenting the best “non-tourist” ways to experience the coast and the high country.
The Daily Practice: You’ll also find updates on my Tai Chi journey—a practice of balance and flow that I started back in November—and the occasional deep dive into a good martial arts fantasy novel.
Ultimately, this site is about living authentically. It’s about ditching the chains, avoiding the crowds, and finding the “good stuff” in the everyday.
Thanks for stopping by. Grab a coffee (no decaf allowed here), pull up a chair, and let’s see where the compass leads next.