Interview with Netchef

How did you get started with cooking?
I asked my Mom for some toast. She told me to make it myself. I said that i couldn't and my Mom said even charlie brown could make toast. so thats where i started when i was around 8 i think. I started cooking after i was tired of working in the dish pit at a guiessepi's and decided to become a fry master.

Where have you cooked and where are you currently cooking?
Guiessepi's Wharf 3 years, Outback Steakhouse 4 years, TGI Fridays 4 months, Oakwood Grill 5 months, I currently work at Bonefish Grill. All in florida.

What kind of training did you go through?
Standard restaurant line training. I was fortunate to have worked under a former research & development chef at outback where he trained me extensively on quality food fast. As a line cook you get bored of the food that is on the menu and you are always cooking special meals for yourself and other employee's.

What styles of food do you prefer?
Southern Cuisine, Mexican, Chinese

What other cookbooks do you recommend?
I have both Alton Brown books "I'm Just Here for the Food", "I'm Just Here for More Food" Antony Bordain's "Les Halles"

What cooking shows do you watch?
Good Eats, Naked Chef, Oliver's Twist, Iron Chef, Surreal Gourmet

How difficult is it to become a working chef?
I have never been a real chef. I have been called one but i have never held the position. I imagine it is fairly difficult if you have to design everything in the kitchen from the ground up.

Is there anything that you regret regarding this career?
Well the hours arent the best. I am getting out of the biz soon and just cook for my family and friends... thats where the real joy is.

Tell us a funny thing that happened to you while on the job.
This is a story that happened this last christmas while making cookies. Me and my girlfriend where making the icing and i asked her what colors she needed as i got the colorings. Red, Blue, Green, White... I said white huh? Well i cant make white because i don't have that color. She asked if i was kidding and i said no. The icing was white to begin with! brain fart.

You cook all day – so what's your favorite dish?
When i have been cooking all day and i get home i want something quick and easy. It always changes but i normally go for the Grilled Cheese and Tomato soup (condensed can with milk instead of water)

What do you like to do when not cooking?
I like to mess around with computers and electronics. I also skateboard from time to time to get some exercise.

What's the most memorable thing someone said about your cooking?
That my food was art that you could eat.

What advice would you give someone interested in becoming a chef?
Work up and down the line. Speak to people in a professional manner. keep your cool.