In praise of a bow tie wearing fat man

I don't like gourmet cooking or "this" cooking or "that" cooking. I like good cooking. -- James Beard (1903-1985).

Do you remember when the notion of a celebrity chef was as preposterous as a celebrity bus driver? Chefs were hidden in the back of restaurants, away from the prying eyes. Who knew or cared who was preparing their food when they ventured out?

One of the men responsible for creating the celebrity chef was James Beard, the anniversary of whose death we honor today. Beard is remembered for his 22 cookbooks each of which successfully transmitted Beard's love and passion for food. Beard was a great chef, one of the earliest television chefs but more importantly he lived the life he preached.

So how did he create the era of the celebrity chef? The James Beard Foundation created by Julia Childs after Beard died offers scholarships and grants to aspiring chefs. The James Beard Foundation Awards are the annual Academy Awards for top chefs and culinary professionals. To win a Beard Foundation Award is to mark the winner, by his peers as one of the best in the industry.

Have a great weekend, we are off the a Bobby Burns dinner and...

Toad

A night out in KC

Date book empty for April 28th?

Should you find yourself in or near Kansas City I might suggest the Riedel Wine Glass Seminar at the American Restaurant.

Chef Debbie Gold allegedly is preparing a perfect match of hors d'oeuvres for the Mantanzas Creek, Byron Nelson and Arrowhead wines, each served in their unique Riedel Crystal Sommelier series glass.

Proceeds to benefit the James Beard Foundation, and guests will be given 3 crystal stems as a gift.

Sadly, Mrs. T and I will be unable to attend. I find that wine spoils my taste for gin, and we are not expected in KC until May 1.

Toad