About

My Culinary Journey

Growing up near the water and spending the last 18 years cooking seriously in Florida, I've developed a deep appreciation for the kind of food that makes you feel good—light, fresh, and full of sunshine. The coastal lifestyle here in Clearwater has shaped everything I create in the kitchen, from the seafood I select at local markets to the tropical ingredients that inspire my recipes.

To refine my techniques and deepen my culinary knowledge, I completed a culinary fundamentals program at a local cooking school. This formal training gave me the confidence to elevate simple ingredients and taught me the foundation skills that make cooking feel intuitive rather than intimidating.

Before focusing on food blogging full-time, I worked as a hospitality coordinator at a beach resort here in Clearwater. That experience taught me the importance of presentation, timing, and creating memorable dining experiences—lessons I bring to every recipe I develop.

Why I Started PaulaPlates

I launched PaulaPlates.com in 2021 because I wanted to share the kind of cooking that defines coastal Florida living—fresh seafood, bright salads, light dinners, and tropical-inspired dishes that make every meal feel like a vacation. Living near the coast and cooking regularly for my husband and our frequent visiting family, I've learned what works for gatherings, weeknight dinners, and everything in between.

What started as a way to share my favorite recipes has grown into a collection of over 300 dishes, all tested in my Clearwater kitchen and inspired by the flavors of coastal life.

What Makes PaulaPlates Different

My Specialty: I specialize in seafood, light dinners, fresh salads, and tropical-inspired dishes that celebrate the abundance of coastal ingredients. Whether it's perfectly grilled fish, a vibrant citrus salad, or a dish featuring tropical fruits, my recipes capture the essence of Florida's relaxed, sunny lifestyle.

My Cooking Philosophy: Fresh, clean ingredients and simple coastal flavors. I believe the best cooking doesn't mask ingredients—it highlights them. My approach is straightforward: start with quality seafood and produce, use simple techniques, and let natural flavors shine.

Who I Cook For: My recipes are designed for seafood lovers and anyone who appreciates light, flavorful meals. Whether you live near the coast or just want to bring those fresh, beachy vibes to your table, my recipes make it easy to cook with confidence and enjoy the process.

What You'll Find Here

• Fresh seafood recipes featuring fish, shrimp, scallops, and more
• Light, satisfying dinners perfect for warm weather or healthy eating
• Vibrant salads with creative flavor combinations
• Tropical-inspired dishes that bring vacation vibes to your kitchen
• Simple techniques for cooking seafood perfectly every time
• Coastal lifestyle tips from my years living and cooking in Florida

Every recipe on PaulaPlates has been prepared in my own kitchen, often for family gatherings and dinner parties. My coastal Florida location gives me access to incredible fresh seafood, and I love sharing how to make the most of these beautiful ingredients.

Let's Connect

I love hearing from fellow coastal cooking enthusiasts and seafood lovers! Whether you've tried one of my recipes, have a question about selecting fresh fish, or just want to share what's cooking in your kitchen, I'd love to connect.

Email: [email protected]
Pinterest: pinterest.com/paulaplates

Follow along on Pinterest for daily recipe inspiration, seafood cooking tips, and a taste of the coastal Florida lifestyle straight from my Clearwater kitchen.

Thank you for being part of the PaulaPlates community. I'm so glad you're here.

— Paula Richardson
Creator & Recipe Developer
PaulaPlates.com
Clearwater, Florida