The Queen of Tarts

Karen Moore has the most wonderful way of being in the world. She incorporates the best from all decades into her clothing and into her home and her uniquely delightful life.

In the Kitchen of her 1930's Lakewood home.

I met Karen a few years ago when a group of artists, writers, filmmakers and creatives met in Exposition Park for dinner every Friday night for a year. She was a friend of a friend and started out slow and easy with us... her way.

She first brought a small and lovely dessert. Yummy! She then continued each Friday with a new dessert or entree. Each week her offerings were more spectacular and beautiful than the week before. I will never forget the Friday she missed. Hearts were broken. Collectively we dubbed her the "The Tart Lady" and the name stuck.

Karen has a background in cooking. She worked at a friends catering business in Portland, Oregon before she became the pastry chef at her own resturant. When she and her husband David decided to move back to Dallas she ended up working for her friend Michael at Ahab Bowen. Michael's fabulous shop on Boll Street carried vintage clothing and accessories.... another love of Karen's. Last summer the store closed and with her new found freedom, Karen took a moment to consider the possibilities.

She has been organic gardening since 1991 when she and David first bought their home. Since it is legal to have chickens in Lakewood she adopted her egg providers and pets: Brandine, Nadeen, Maybelline (the flirt) , Darlene, and Jolene ( the thief and tramp).

Her decision at this turning point in her life is to cook for private parties and cater events. Her philophy is all about naturally produced vegetables, fruits and meats. If you are partaking in one of her delicious meals you are eating healthy happy clean food made with love and consideration. It is who she is.

Karen is also an advocate for growing local and farmers markets. "I fell in love with the farmers' market in Portland, and got to know many of the farmers, fishermen and ranchers. The closest thing I've found here is at the White Rock Farmers' Market at the Green Spot on Buckner Blvd. I believe it's important to support the people who grow food the way it was meant to be. More and more research shows how bad factory farms and feedlots are for the environment, the animals and consumers. On the other hand it's proven that organic produce and pasture-raised animals are far more nutritious. Even though it may seem a little more expensive, the more we encourage these practices, the more it becomes profitable for others to to do so, and then prices stabilize. We all stay healthier. "

Karen in her backyard with "the girls"