Foodies of Happy Hour is my little corner of the internet!

I'm the voice, author, and creator behind Foodies of Happy Hour. 

A little background on me; my parents immigrated from Cambodia as refugees to the United States in the 1970s and ultimately settled in California. For as long as I can remember, food has always been the life force that brought family and friends together. With just crumbles of beef and a few chayote squashes, my Ma was able to make the best stew you could sink your mouth into. And boy....all you needed was a side of rice. No Asian meal is complete without a side of rice. We grew up with very little, but we always had each other.

2015

My mom lost her battle with cancer after fighting viscously for 7 months. During those 7 months, my family would bring her comfort foods of Cambodian dishes and rice. It was beautiful seeing how attentive my Pa (what we call our dad in Khmer, the spoken language of Cambodians) was to our Ma. 

2017

I suffered significant injuries from a motor vehicle accident to the spine, vocal chord, central nervous system, and brain. 

2020

Covid devasted the world, and the pandemic also shook my world. Within a week of each other, my Pa and little brother had passed away from complications of Covid. My Ma, Pa, and little brother were connoisseurs of foods; they were fearless in trying new food. Not to mention how excellent cooks they all were.

2021 

Grief surely knows no bounds, and my loving bulldog Craig drifts away to the rainbow bridge during his sleep.  

2022

All the while, with everything, my family has always taught me to practice gratitude. I never thought it would be possible a day would come I would be able to type to tell our story.

This hobby has been more than just the casual happy hour nights and weekends. The experiences with be to bring friends, family, and new friends together. 

I live in Escondido, CA, with my husband Joshua, our daughter Caelan and our dog Onyx and Draco. My favorite things are a big plate of pad see eww, sunny days, swimming in the pool, and simply relaxing on the couch with my family. 

Food has a special ability to bring people together. I often find this in my own life, and I hope you will find that this online community feels just as welcoming as a real kitchen. 

I'm Lyna Cisneros, a local of San Diego County. Foodies of Happy Hour LLC started as a way for my daughter to help ease me back into being able to sit down and enjoy a meal out in town. In 2017 I sustained multiple injuries from a motor vehicle accident to my spinal cord, affecting my central nervous system and brain, among other areas. However, I have found comfort and ease in being able to focus on a single person or intimate group without overstressing my nervous system. 

Food brings joy and provides nourishment, honestly eases stress. I love how this endeavor has become therapeutic for me. I have never thought there would come a day where I could sit and articulate my feelings, the immense joy....I want to exclaim and express gratitude for life. 

Gratitude for being able to share a meal with my loved ones

Appreciation for each day.