This weekend the Food Network debuts its newest show, The Cooking Loft. Like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, the host of the show, Alex Guarnaschelli is the head chef of a popular New York City eatery, Butter. The Cooking Loft is an interactive show in which Alex teaches a group of students how to make several dishes with a specific ingredient. After watching an episode of the show, I was excited to speak with Alex on the phone. To find what she had to say, read more

As much as I love complex cooking techniques and innovative recipes, sometimes I crave a pure, simple, delicious meal. A dish with no frills or exotic ingredients. A dish like this comforting bread and tomato soup.

Garlic and fresh basil act as awarding-winning supporters to the lush, sweet tomatoes. For a real treat, serve with a grilled cheese sandwich. To learn how to make this uncomplicated soup, read more

One of my favorite chefs, Nate Appleman of San Francisco's A16, has debuted a new book co-written with his wine director, Shelley Lindgren, entitled A16 Food + Wine.

To celebrate the cookbook's debut, Williams-Sonoma, which will carry the book, hosted a launch party with the authors on hand. There, I not only scored a copy of the book but also sampled some entries from the new tome.

I couldn't get enough of the moist, complexly flavored meatballs. The recipe can be time-intensive, but once you taste the finished product, you'll think it's totally worth the wait. Learn how to make the meatballs (and check out photos from the bash!) when you read more

While most eighth graders whittled away this Summer at swim camp, one young man became the hottest rising caterer in the Hamptons.

Meet Greg Grossman, a 13-year-old chef prodigy from East Hampton, NY. Recently profiled in the New York Post, Grossman so far this Summer has "seared 75 pounds of scallops, cured 30 pounds of salmon, plated 200 micro-green salads and reduced at least 20 bottles of red wine" while catering for parties.

Despite the "killer" truffles and fish soufflés he made for a recent gallery opening, Grossman's not old enough to qualify for a catering license, so clients must employ him as a "personal chef." While his parents say he "practically teethed at Nobu, Cipriani and the Four Seasons Hotel in Palm Beach," they knew he was really something when he presented them with pan-seared sea scallops under a balsamic vinegar glaze with a wild-mushroom medley at the ripe old age of 10.

I don't know what to make of this preteen personal chef. On the one hand, I think it's an incredible feat; on the other hand, I think that true culinary mastery requires a bit of maturity. What say you? Would you hire him to cater your events?

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