We all know that the French started the modern culinary trends that we have right now... As a lot of Chefs would say; "We Owe These to the French"!!! I guess what captivates the interest of the food lovers around the world on them, is the level of sophistication that they put on every plate..
But let's not forget the roots of all these fancy cooking.. "The Home Kitchen" most of the people I meet would ask me "Who is your favorite Chef ????" Some of us would say Gordon Ramsay, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson, Devagi Sanmugam,..... and more... But did we ever tried their food?? Or is it just the hype that the media has created, have made them our favorite Chefs???
Well I was quite privileged to have tried food made by some famous chefs. They are all awesome in their own way! It has to be! Beco'z their reputation is at stake in every dish that they prepare. But personally,
I enjoy food prepared in the home, for they are the most simple yet, the most delicious dishes you would ever have. And in the streets, (god I miss manila!) for they give me a sense of adventure in every bite.
Going back to Home cooking, I have to be honest! "I love house kitchens" I have worked in the busiest industrial kitchens, to top fine dining restaurants. But I have never felt this sense of joy and peace of mind while cooking, in any other kitchens than in a house hold. Maybe this is one of the reasons why I always take a part-time job as a private chef. In home cooking, I always got to be extremely creative with no pressures, I set the boundaries!
But let's all accept it! We chefs have to prove our skills and talents in the out side market in order for us to be recognized.. The only sad part is, most of us don't really care about the culture behind the recipe, that gives identity to dishes we prepare nowadays.
While working for a company who caters traditional Gulf-Arabic food, gives me the chance to look back again to the smallest bits of culture influencing their recipes. Like why does the dish 'Saluna Badawi' was called that way, and why this feast food is consisted of these such simplest ingredients. Why on earth do they roast the 'Arabic Qouzi' that way.
It is really enlightening when you discover the history behind these dishes! Whether it is true or just a tell tale, it all counts! For it gives out the identity and culture behind these dishes that we enjoy. It also gives us some hints of the past, a taste of our ancestors life style, and it may also show the colorful traditions the have passed on to us these days..
Well I was quite privileged to have tried food made by some famous chefs. They are all awesome in their own way! It has to be! Beco'z their reputation is at stake in every dish that they prepare. But personally,
I enjoy food prepared in the home, for they are the most simple yet, the most delicious dishes you would ever have. And in the streets, (god I miss manila!) for they give me a sense of adventure in every bite.
Going back to Home cooking, I have to be honest! "I love house kitchens" I have worked in the busiest industrial kitchens, to top fine dining restaurants. But I have never felt this sense of joy and peace of mind while cooking, in any other kitchens than in a house hold. Maybe this is one of the reasons why I always take a part-time job as a private chef. In home cooking, I always got to be extremely creative with no pressures, I set the boundaries!
But let's all accept it! We chefs have to prove our skills and talents in the out side market in order for us to be recognized.. The only sad part is, most of us don't really care about the culture behind the recipe, that gives identity to dishes we prepare nowadays.
While working for a company who caters traditional Gulf-Arabic food, gives me the chance to look back again to the smallest bits of culture influencing their recipes. Like why does the dish 'Saluna Badawi' was called that way, and why this feast food is consisted of these such simplest ingredients. Why on earth do they roast the 'Arabic Qouzi' that way.
It is really enlightening when you discover the history behind these dishes! Whether it is true or just a tell tale, it all counts! For it gives out the identity and culture behind these dishes that we enjoy. It also gives us some hints of the past, a taste of our ancestors life style, and it may also show the colorful traditions the have passed on to us these days..
