In my younger years I had several cook's jobs as a back-up to my career as a musician. Being exposed to professional cooking had a lasting impression and I continue to hold down the head chef position at home with my partner Michelle here in Maine. My family is from Virginia. My mother was a fabulous Southern cook and my father was a very adventurous eater (poached cow eyes in Mexico was a high point!), so food and cooking was an everyday topic and activity. My three sisters are all avid, accomplished cooks so I guess there's no avoiding the passion when you grow up with it.
I think that cooking provides a perfect way to relax and take control of a very important portion of life, that is, nurturing myself, loved ones and friends, and also enjoying the bounty that nature has to offer. It's my way of fitting into the planet.
- What is the strangest food you have ever eaten?
- In my imagination I've eaten the poached cow eyes my father told me about.
- What do you cook when home alone?
- Udon with whatever there is in the fridge to add to it.
- Your most treasured kitchen possession:
- My knives.
- The ideal number of guests for a dinner party is:
- Seven
