Chef Annie Payton has always known that the heart of a home - and the birthplace of the best stories - is the dinner table. Raised in a big, boisterous Italian family where meals were equal parts nourishment and entertainment, Annie grew up watching her mother, Connie, transform simple ingredients into unforgettable moments. It was Connie's steady hands, generous spirit, and unshakable belief in feeding people well that shaped Annie's earliest culinary instincts.Annie's journey officially began on a Christmas Eve when Santa - the real Santa, according to family lore - delivered a Suzy Homemaker oven to little A.T., as she was lovingly called. But throughout her life, the true teacher was always her mother. Connie's influence quietly guided Annie from childhood kitchen helper to seasoned chef, businesswoman, and storyteller with a heart full of tradition.Later in life, Annie and her mother became partners in building not just one but two beloved restaurants in Henderson, Nevada. Working side by side, they created welcoming spaces where families gathered, traditions were celebrated, and the recipes passed down through generations came alive. Their partnership - equal parts laughter, grit, and late-night menu planning - became the foundation of Annie's culinary success and one of the great joys of her life.More recently, Annie hosted a 13-episode cooking show with the EatThis TV network, Annie's Gourmet - An Italian Indulgence, with Season Two set to debut in 2026. On screen, she shares the same warmth, humor, and heartfelt Italian comfort food that defined her upbringing. Her brand, Annie's Gourmet, has earned an impressive seven Best of Las Vegas awards - including Best Italian Restaurant, Best Family Restaurant (a nod to the iconic pet patio inspired by Pal the Labrador), and five awards for Best Catering and Best Charcuterie. Aunt Mary would be proud - and Connie would be smiling right beside her.At the core of it all is a simple truth Annie learned from her mother: food is love, and sharing it is one of life's greatest gifts.Memories Are Made Around the Dinner Table is Annie's tribute to that legacy - a blend of cherished family stories, beloved recipes, laughter, and the heritage that continues to shape her life both inside and outside the kitchen.When she isn't cooking or writing, Annie loves spending time with her husband, Rik, and their two Labrador retrievers, Arthur and Frannie, while dreaming up new ways to honor the traditions her mother helped her carry forward.
