A lifelong curiosity about stories and tradition led Kirsten to become a librarian and historian. Yet, it was in a different kind of archive—a well-worn collection of cookbooks and family recipes—that their next chapter began.

Alongside studying and preserving the past, Kirsten discovered a calling in the slow, patient art of barbeque. The craft of a pitmaster, with its deep roots in regional history and community, proved to be the perfect blend of their passions. Each brisket, rack of ribs, and smoked chicken became a new story to tell, a new tradition to honor.

Driven by a love for history and a dedication to quality, Kirsten trades the weekly quiet of the library for the weekend heat of the pit. The result is VALLEE BBQ, where every dish is a tribute to the past and smoked to perfection.