After graduating from Columbia College in Chicago, Cari spent several years as a self-described ‘starving actress’ while working a ‘day job’ in foodservice as a hostess/server/bartender. That restaurant experience was put to good use when she opened Ristorante Teatro in Springfield, Mo., where she continued as manager for six years. Cari later joined Noble Communications, in the firm’s culinary department, working there under the tutelage of experienced chefs and attending the Culinary Institute of America on a continuing education basis. Cari has worked with some of the world’s leading food brands, and now brings a culinary focus to her position as food trendspotter for CultureWaves™, a marketing insights organization that examines human behavior and offers insights on emerging trends as they are happening.