Executive chef/partner, the Elite Café, 2049 Fillmore St. (at California), 415-346-8668, www.theelitecafe.com

Upcoming projects: Renting a warehouse to make her famous Meeting House biscuits, which she plans to distribute nationwide as well as locally; consulting with two new clients on a restaurant/nightclub, and a restaurant/bakery.

Fun fact: Growing up in New York City, Karlinsky’s family lived in the same building as author Truman Capote, who used to correct her school English papers.

Last thing you cooked for yourself?
It was for an Oakland A’s tailgate party. I made barbecue pork ribs; broccoli and rice salad; vine-ripened tomato, avocado, cilantro, and lime salad – and lots of margaritas.

Favorite food from your childhood?
I’d have to say that my claim-to-fame childhood favorite was escargot from Restaurant Laurent in New York City. I just thought it was so cool to eat snails! Then I tried soft shell crabs at Christ Cella (also in New York), and I was hooked on odd foods forever.

How would you describe working in your kitchen?
Fun, exacting, demanding, and more fun. Something in your fridge or freezer at home that would surprise people? Kraft American cheese singles. I use the low fat singles and mix them with cottage cheese and pasta – (smiles) cottage cheese melts really well – and that satisfies my craving for macaroni ‘n cheese.

A meal or a dish that, as a young chef, was an inspiration or a revelation?
Everything I ate at Lutece and Bouley in New York; specifically at Bouley – white bass with blood oranges, black olives, and capers – all flavors I don’t like and I thought I would hate it, but it was extraordinary.

Last restaurant you ate at besides your own?
Ino Sushi – the best traditional sushi in town – in the Japantown mall (Miyako Mall, 22 Peace Plz). Ino and his wife have become friends of mine from eating in each other’s places. He always has the freshest uni and some other odd things from Japan and he just doesn’t serve something if it’s not perfect.

The dish on your menu that will follow you wherever you go?
Johnny cakes and pork chops. Oh, and my biscuits, of course! Favorite offal? I love sweetbreads and any kind of liver.

What are your guilty pleasures?
I don’t turn away when my dog kisses me (laughs). Emma’s a French kisser – I tell my friends “Close your lips tight! I think she just took the tartar off your teeth!” And swimming illegally with the dogs in Lake Anza in Tilden Park.

What would your last meal on earth be and where would you have it?
Somewhere in South America – I’ve never been and I’m aching to go – and I’d have Peruvian potatoes, Kobe beef, and homemade cheese and chocolate.