The culinary tradition in my family is very strong. My mother, a very wise woman, spent the better part of her life in a kitchen. It's a very strong part of her identity. I grew up there next to the fire.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
Culinary tradition is not always based on fact. Sometimes it's based on history, on habits that come out of a time when kitchens were fueled by charcoal.
Cooking is an important part of a good, stable family life. I like to get the family together; there's a huge nurturing element in it.
The kitchen is the heart of every home, for the most part. It evokes memories of your family history.
I used to have a monthly cookery column, and am a big cook, so that whole sense of connecting what one does with food to one's cultural identity has always been fascinating to me.
For me, cooking is very connected to my family and friends.
Both my parents are chefs... I grew up in a restaurant and was always surrounded by cooks. I love food.
My parents traveled a lot, so my grandparents practically raised me. My grandmother and I really bonded in the kitchen. She's this amazing southern cook, and I would always help her - whether it was cracking eggs or stirring the green beans. It takes me back there.
I love to cook for people. It's my honor, honestly. It's what I have to give.
For me, cooking is an expression of the land where you are and the culture of that place.
I don't come from any great culinary tradition - I'm from London!