My childhood meals centered around my parents' Indian food, Greek once a week, the ice cream truck and craving the forbidden McDonald's. As a teen working in a terrific restaurant, 'Mussels in casino butter' and 'grilled fish with béarnaise sauce' became phrases to swoon over. I loved eating out, but after leaving Michigan, it was horrifying to discover not everyone out there had a burning desire to create or eat mind-alternating dishes. As I began my culinary attempts so relive my memories, I started asking: do you eat to live, or live to eat? Ah, many a friendship began with the right, and tasty, answer .
Much later, in New Orleans, it was wonderful to find the love of cooking was strong and spicy and began trying my hand at seafood. Italy taught me to live without meat at any meal, if I only imagined the potential of every vegetable on hand and patience, versus using a food processor. Cooking shows threw out tidbits, (panko, zester, porcini, etc.) adding to make me the cook I am today. My style leans more towards 'experiment' more than anything, just to figure out if I can do it, just to emit groans from the recipients of my dishes. After a stressful day at work, this is how I relax. But I've also discovered how a wonderful meal can bring together good people, sweet romance, zesty conversation, bubbly laughter, and a simple appreciation for a life and, of course, champagne. What a timeless tradition!
