What was your favorite aspect about filming your cooking shows?
The camaraderie of our production team "family" was wonderful, as was the entire process of doing the shows - from the planning and prep work to the actual taping. I very much enjoyed working on the whole thing.
You have mentioned that your love of cooking began during your time in China. What was it about the flavors and ingredients there that so intrigued you?
The food was all so delicious and so very different from anything I had eaten before.
What is the most important thing Americans need to
understand about food?
Food is an important part of our life, and meals should be enjoyed. People need to think of dining as a pleasurable experience - from planning the menu to preparing the food to sitting down to enjoy the tastes and smells and appearance of their meals. Eating is not merely for sustaining life; it is a joyous time for socializing and communicating with friends and loved ones.
Do you think the majority of Americans are still intimidated by complex cookery?
Yes.
What has been the most positive change in American culinary history?
There are a wide variety of food products readily available in this country because of advances in transportation and food storage. This has changed the way people think about food and it has certainly exposed a lot of people to flavors, textures, and smells that would never have made it into their home kitchens otherwise.
What about the most negative?
I would have to say this obsession with diets and "health" foods has made many people stop thinking about food in a positive way.
You have always encouraged Americans to think of wine as the Europeans do; as more of an everyday beverage. Do you think this has occurred?
Yes. Americans are much more knowledgeable about wines and are gaining more confidence in matching flavors in food with various types of wines.
Do you have a favorite ingredient?
Yes. Butter.
Is there anything about food that you are still learning?
Avocados don't ripen until after they are picked off the tree. |
|
What programs do you like most on the Food Network?
I don't watch TV often enough to have a favorite. But I do like to see Emeril Lagasse and Sara Moulton because they have good training, know what they are doing, and have fun while in the kitchen.
Who is your greatest culinary role model?
Escoffier.
Which food trend do you dislike the most?
Diet foods that taste like cardboard and take all the pleasure out of food. It is far better to have small portions of absolutely delicious food than to eat large quantities of extremely unsatisfying food.
What is your favorite restaurant?
I don't have one.
Has French food "fallen out of fashion" as many believe?
No. That is silly. The people who say that don't know enough about it. Classical French training is the basis of fine cooking and can be applied to almost any type of cuisine.
What is your favorite meal to eat at home?
Breakfast. I love to have eggs, toast with butter and marmalade, bacon, oatmeal, orange juice, and coffee.
|
