Author Bio

Lali Hess and her husband Doug Miller own The Juniper Spoon, a community-driven catering business rooted in the belief that good food is a vital part of a thriving community. A passionate champion of local food systems, Lali works closely with regional farmers, producers, and artisans to procure ingredients at their peak and tell the stories behind them. Through thoughtful sourcing and creative menus, she highlights the value of sustainable agriculture and the power of food to bring people together. With a background in organic agriculture, hospitality and culinary arts, Lali approaches food as both nourishment and storytelling, as well as an important economic driver of community health. Her work emphasizes simplicity, integrity, and care—from the way ingredients are grown to how they are prepared and shared. Her extensive international experience along with her Hoosier roots inspire The Juniper Spoon menus. Lali and Doug also own The Table Spoon, an eatery and bodega, in Crawfordsville which features a private event space and community space. She also helps lead travel tours to Costa Rica, which focus on food, sustainability and birding. Both she and Doug are leaders in the Crawfordsville community, serving on various boards and committees. They live on 5 acres in Montgomery County with their two high school daughters.