The beginning of the “The Flavor Queen” … Moving to Virginia from southern Germany when she was almost 6 and gaining her U.S. citizenship by 16, she embraced her new southern roots by creating menus with her sister and helping her mother cook the weeknight meals. Her love of food began at an early age when her mom would let her plant her own garden with whatever she liked if she learned how to cook and eat what she planted. Okra was one of her first choices. Neither she nor her mother had ever heard of it much less knew what to do with it. It was one of her first culinary adventures and a subsequent disaster after letting the pods grow to nearly 12” in length! This fueled her desire to learn about ingredients, cooking techniques, and traditions, especially those of the south. In fact, she will be the first to tell you that there are quite a few similarities between the cuisine of southern Germany and the southern United States – whether it is jowl meat, or dumplings! 

Her love affair of Farm Life Began …Washle lived on a century old farmstead in Kentucky, which she named CloverFields. The McGuffin house, the original farmhouse, is a registered state landmark. On almost 200 acres she raised bees and collected their honey, harvested hay from native grasses. There was a large garden where heirloom vegetables were grown; many of them from seeds she saved year to year. She held classes and hosted parties/events.

In 2020, Janine Washle purchased K’s Café & Cateringin Clarkson, KY. She rebranded it as Flavor Queen’s Kitchen, and after a successful run serving up bold flavors and comfort classics, she felt it was time for a new challenge in a bigger city.

Now in 2025, “The Flavor Queen” is bringing her signature style to Elizabethtown (Etown) with a brand-new café and catering concept, set to open in late summer/early fall.

Known for her creative spin on Southern comfort foodwith a touch of German flair, bold ingredients, fresh herbs, and a heartfelt sense of community, Janine is ready to serve up something truly special to a whole new crowd.

“The Flavor Queen” Loves to Compete…Washles’ competitive side is reflected in her very notable awards in national recipe competitions. She has taken grand prizes in Hidden Valley, and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt competitions, along with several other recipe awards. Was coined “the flavor queen” by a judge on “Bakers vs Fakers” where she won! But she still gets the most satisfaction from showing people how to cook and entertain with creativity!

Janine Washle, former owner of CloverFields Farm & Kitchen in Big Clifty, Kentucky (Hardin County), is busy preparing to open her newest venture: 109 N. Mulberry in Elizabethtown — a German-American café coming soon. It’s never boring and always full of flavor when the Flavor Queen’s in town!

Visit The Flavor Queen Facebook page for recipes and more.

Interesting facts about Janine - "The Flavor Queen":

• Janine was the proud owner of K’s Café in Clarkson, KY, which later evolved into Flavor Queen’s Kitchen.

• A self-taught chef, Janine’s passion for cooking was inspired by her mother and her German roots. Her love for bold flavors and comforting, soulful dishes started in the family kitchen and never stopped growing.

• In 2019, she competed on Food Network’s “Bakers vs Fakers”—and WON $10,000!

On the episode “Cream Puff Tuff”, she wowed judges with a Pineapple Ginger Cream Puff.

Judge Sherri Yard said, “I would sell this cream puff in my bakery,” while Zac Young crowned her the “Flavor Queen.”

• A lifelong learner, Janine dives deep into culinary traditions and techniques—basically a food historianwith a modern twist.

• She’s a contributing food writer for Kentucky Monthly, where she shares stories, flavors, and food wisdom.

• Catch her on WAVE Country with Dawne Gee every Friday for “Fridays with The Flavor Queen”—a regular dose of delicious!

• She appeared for the past 2 years on the WBKO Morning Show every other Tuesday, showcasing creative recipes and food knowledge.

• As a regular cooking instructor at Cooking at the Cottage, Janine’s classes are always educational, engaging, and full of flavor.

• Janine is passionate about giving back. On certain months she donates a dish or treat to support APRON Inc at their Happy Hour events.

• Whether she’s cooking, teaching, or appearing on air, Janine always brings a story and a personal connection to every dish.

• She’s dynamic on TV—ready to demo a dish and tell the story behind it with warmth and energy.

• Janine is all about the ingredients—and she knows her food history inside and out.

• Today’s Woman nominated her as a 2025 Most Admired Woman in the Home & Garden Category

• A true nature girl at heart, she brings urban soul, German heritage, and farm-style flair to everything she cooks.