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Traci Des Jardins on Being a More Savvy Home Cook
I had the chance to speak with one of San Francisco's most prominent female chefs, Traci Des Jardins. You may be familiar with her, thanks to an appearance on the Food Network's Next Iron Chef competition. Now Des Jardins is happy to be out of the spotlight, "I don't like being that recognizable," and back in the kitchen.
Putting on the Ritz!
If you're looking for a nice splurge for your foodie, then send them to the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay — 40 minutes south of San Francisco — for their Inside the Kitchen series. The series brings a top chef from the Bay Area and beyond into an intimate classroom environment. Meet and learn from renowned chefs like Traci Des Jardins, Ryan Scott, and Top Chef Season 3 winner Hung Huynh.
Where Are the Women Chefs?
For most of history, women played a large role in the kitchen, and now in 2007, the majority of chefs that dominate restaurant kitchens are male. All three winners of Bravo's Top Chef were males. The final contestants on the Next Iron Chef are male.
Will You Keep Watching "The Next Iron Chef"?
Here's a novel idea: Take eight ridiculously qualified chefs and make them compete against each other. Add a lot of over-the-top theatrics, a knowledgeable — if not slightly patronizing — host, throw in a beautiful backdrop, and you've got yourself the first episode of "The Next Iron Chef." [Warning, spoilers ahead.]
Did you watch it?
You Ready For The Next Iron Chef?
Somewhere along the line, Food Network changed its programming from cooking to reality tv. If you don't believe me, then just check out the new publicity stunt show that's premiering on October 7th. The show is called "The Next Iron Chef" and they're looking for, well, the next Iron Chef - as in someone to join Flay, Batali, Cora and Morimoto.
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Fast & Easy Dinner: Skirt Steak With Pita and Yogurt Sauce
To be more savvy, professional chefs like Traci Des Jardins are encouraging home cooks to use lesser cuts of meat. While some are ideal for slow-cooking techniques like braising, others are great for quick-searing. Skirt steak, a cheaper cut from the cow's diaphragm muscle, is ideal for grilling.
What's Yummy This Week — YumSugar Weekly Recap
- Start your morning with this bacon and egg breakfast tart.
- Enter to win our biggest Easter giveaway ever!
- Food & Wine announces its Best New Chefs for 2009.
- Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse into PartySugar's Earth Hour party.
- Plan a rich Seder dinner — and test your IQ of foods that are kosher for Passover.
- Acclaimed chef Traci Des Jardins shares tips for being a savvier home cook.
- I took advantage of exceptional weather to make slow-cooked chile verde tacos.
2007 James Beard Award Winners
Last night the who's who of the food world all came out for the James Beard Foundation Awards. If you're not sure what that is, let me just say that it's sort of like the Oscars of the food world. They give awards to several categories of cookbooks, journalism, chefs, media, and more (including humanitarian & lifetime achievement awards).
Bocuse d'Or Announces Superstar Judge Lineup
The panel of judges for next month's Bocuse d'Or — the Olympics of the culinary world — were announced last Friday. Many of the judges, such as Laurent Tourondel and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, hail from New York, which makes me wonder if the giants of the gastronomic world really do believe that New York is the center of the culinary universe.
As if the list of uber-chef judges isn't intimidating enough, Paul Bocuse, the French founder of the competition will be on hand to observe and officiate.
Noteworthy Nibbles — July 24-30, 2008
As usual, there are lots of delicious occasions to celebrate this week. For the more adventurous eaters, Rocky Mountain oysters will be on the menu in Wyoming. Not to worry if you aren't: You might enjoy celebrating the venerated garlic or, on the milder side, the sweet cantaloupe.
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