April 20th, 2009 by raffie

Up until now food shows have been serving the upper end of the food chain. Unfortunately, the food and the “cookie cutter” approach is becoming more and more foreign to the  masses.

How to find a new way to get the message across…

It might surprise you to learn but I think actor and musician Andre Benjamin of the rap group Outkasts may have said it best, “Find your niche…and freak it.”

It’s like the question my mother so often posed when I was just a youngster knocking things off the counter in our small kitchen in Venezuela. Are you a leader?  Or a follower?

Well, there’s a young brother oozing with talent who is carving his own path and has established himself as one of the leaders of the pack. By educating our youth to understand the link between diet and health, building more just and sustainable cooking systems and including our youngsters in the conversation it’s fair to say Bryant Terry has found his niche.

But he’s doing it a different way…Check out Terry’s new book, Vegan Soul Kitchen: Fresh, Healthy, and Creative African-American Cuisine.

He’s used his Memphis roots and infused the Southern flavors of his childhood with fresh, whole, animal free recipes at just a fraction of the cost we are used to shelling out.

Come on healthy Southern foods?  This is the true future of cooking!!

 I’ve been asked to be  a special guests along side Terry at upcoming conference. The Future of Food: Transatlantic Perspectives Saturday, May 9th @ Boston University’s School of Law. 

I’m so honored to have been selected amongst my peers to share the knowledge I’ve been blessed with throughout the years.  

Learning is for Life.

Peace.

CR

April 12th, 2009 by raffie

Chelsea Market - New York, NY

Every Wednesday and Saturday in, “Hell Kitchen” located right below the film studios for the Food Network you will find “The Knife Sharpening Lady”.

You can find anything in NYC, even true love — atleast when it comes to sharpening your knifes that is.  So, twice a week some of most esteemed chefs and other cooks from all other walks of life drop their tools of the trade off to be sharpened by this lovely lady.

Affectionately known as just “Margery”, Ms. Cohen’s sharpening is second to none.  When it comes to giving your knifes the TLC they need after taking a beating in the kitchen this young lady will not let you down.

For me it’s almost theraputic watching her work — all the while maintaining a Zen like state of mind while in constant motion with the knives. In a way it reminds me of when I’m reducing a sauce that will eventually decorate and enhance a dish for my client.

We both agree that if there’s a job worth doing, it’s a job worth doing right. That common ground and mutual respect for the way she approaches her craft makes, “The Knife Lady” a sure stop anytime I’m in the city and need to sharpen up my blades.

However, regardless if I’m in Manhattan or in the Grenadine Islands we both (Margery and I) are sharpening our dreams of making this world a better place for future generations one day at a time.  And it’s my hope that the same is for you!!

Put your own stamp on the world today…Be the catalyst for the type of change you wish to see in the world!

Cheers!

CR

If you are in the area give her a visit and say hello on my behalf!

Chelsea Market

75 9th [Between 15th and 16 Streets]

New York, NY 1001