Recipes
10 Foods Famous Chefs Can't Bring Themselves to Eat
2024-12-02
In the culinary world, where food is often celebrated and savored, there are some surprising aversions among renowned chefs. These chefs, who are experts in creating and tasting a wide variety of dishes, have their own set of foods that they simply can't stand. Let's take a look at the 10 foods that famous chefs hate with a passion.

Discover the Hidden Food Dislikes of Celebrity Chefs

1. Cilantro - Ina Garten

The herb cilantro has a polarizing effect on people. While some adore its fresh and zesty flavor, others find it repulsive. Ina Garten, the renowned "Barefoot Contessa," falls into the latter category. In a 2017 interview with Vice's Munchies podcast, she openly expressed her hatred for cilantro. "I know people love it, and you can add it to the recipe. I just hate it. To me, it's so strong - and it actually tastes like soap to me - but it's so strong it overpowers every other flavor," she revealed.This aversion to cilantro is not uncommon among chefs. It shows that even those who work with food on a daily basis have their own personal preferences and dislikes.

2. Eggs - Guy Fieri

Guy Fieri is known for his adventurous palate and his ability to eat all kinds of strange and questionable foods. However, there is one food that he simply can't stand - eggs. The spiky-haired "Mayor of Flavortown" has been vocal about his hatred for eggs for years. According to him, his aversion comes from a traumatic experience he had as a child when he ate a rotten egg.During an appearance on The Tonight Show, Fieri admitted, "I'm not a big egg fan. They're great for different parts of the menu, and as a chef, I use them all the time, but I'd rather have some corned beef hash or just a sandwich."This shows that even the most fearless chefs can have their own food-related phobias.

3. Truffle Oil - Martha Stewart

Truffle oil is often used to add a touch of luxury to dishes, but it's not for everyone. Martha Stewart, the domestic guru, is one of those who can't stand the pungent flavor of truffle oil. In an interview with Today, she said, "Oh, I would never use truffle oil, oh never. It's bad. It's synthetic, it's fake, it's horrible. It clings to your taste buds; it's a hideous thing. Forget truffle oil."Stewart isn't alone in her dislike for truffle oil. Many other chefs, including Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain, have also bashed the fancy ingredient mercilessly. Bourdain famously called it "the ketchup of the middle class."This shows that not all expensive ingredients are worth the hype.

4. Wagyu Beef - Wolfgang Puck

Wagyu beef is considered the Rolls-Royce of beef, with its rich marbling and tender texture. However, Wolfgang Puck, the Austrian-born celebrity restaurateur, steers clear of this fatty steak. In an interview with The Telegraph, he said, "The Japanese Wagyu is really fatty, and you're not meant to eat a lot of it. I wouldn't eat steak like that... because of the fat."This shows that even the most luxurious and sought-after foods can have their drawbacks.

5. Airplane Food - Gordon Ramsay

Gordon Ramsay is known for his sharp tongue and his uncompromising attitude towards food. He has tried everything from a cobra's beating heart to tar, but there is one food that he would never touch - airplane food. In an interview with Time magazine, he said, "I worked for airlines for 10 years, so I know where this food's been and where it goes and how long it took before it got on board."This shows that even the most experienced palates can be put off by certain types of food.

6. Store Bought Mayo - Rachel Ray

Rachael Ray is a big proponent of homemade food and fresh ingredients. She believes that homemade mayo is far superior to store-bought mayo. In an interview with EatingWell, she said, "I hate store-bought mayonnaise. I will eat aioli or mayonnaise all day long if I make it or if I know the person who made it, but I do not want shelf-stable."This shows that chefs value the quality and freshness of ingredients and are willing to go the extra mile to make their own food.

7. Bananas - Ree Drummond

Ree Drummond, the host of The Pioneer Woman, is known for her cooking skills and her love of food. However, there is one fruit that she avoids like the plague - bananas. In a blog post in 2011, she wrote, "In my entire 42 years on this earth, I've never eaten a whole banana. I've had accidental bites here and there, half of which were promptly spit out into a napkin."Although she includes bananas in some of her recipes, she keeps her distance from the fruit. This shows that even the most versatile chefs have their own food-related quirks.

8. Takeout - Marry Berry

British baking legend Mary Berry has never had a takeout in her 84 years. She believes that cooking at home is the best way to enjoy food and that takeout is a waste of money. In an interview with My Weekly magazine, she said, "We want to get people cooking at home. We're a nation that orders in and eats out. I have never had a takeaway. Why should I? I can muster up things very quickly, and there are many things you can buy to help if you're busy, and which don't cost that much extra, like grated cheese."This shows that Berry values the tradition of home cooking and believes that it is an important part of our culture.

9. Julia Child - Arugula

Julia Child, the legendary chef and TV personality, had a strong dislike for arugula. She once said that she would pick out arugula and throw it on the floor. This shows that even the most accomplished chefs can have their own food-related prejudices.

10. Anthony Bourdain - McNuggets

Anthony Bourdain was a food lover who was not afraid to try new things. However, he had a strong aversion to McDonald's McNuggets. In an interview, he said, "Given the choice between reliving the warthog experience and eating a McNugget, I'm surely eating the McNugget. But at least I knew what the warthog was. Whereas with the McNugget, I think that's still an open question. Scientists are still wondering."This shows that Bourdain had a unique perspective on food and was not afraid to express his opinions.
For Chef JJ Johnson, Nochebuena Is Family and Food Celebration
2024-12-02
For countless families across the world, Nochebuena holds a special place. It's not just a holiday; it's a symphony of traditions that resonate through bellies and souls. In my Afro-Caribbean Latino home, the air is filled with laughter, the taste of sweet coquito, and the rhythm of dancing feet. Nochebuena is a time to come together and celebrate our heritage.

Experience the Soul-Stirring Traditions of Nochebuena

Childhood Memories of Nochebuena

When I was a child, my family's Nochebuena tradition was truly remarkable. My maternal grandmother, Bebe Iris, and my aunts would spend a month in preparation. The stock would simmer on the stove, and the yuca and plantains would be mashed weeks in advance. The kitchen would be filled with intoxicating aromas, reminding us that the holidays had arrived. On Christmas Eve, we would eat all night, indulging in tender chicken and pork pasteles, arroz con gandules, rellenos de plátanos, budin de pan, and more. The flavors were unforgettable, and I can still taste them in my memory. Each dish was a love letter passed down through generations, and every moment of laughter was a line in our family history.

The Significance of Nochebuena in Afro-Latino Heritage

Growing up Afro Latino in Pennsylvania, Nochebuena reaffirmed the importance of my Puerto Rican heritage. It became a part of my identity and influenced my cooking and family values. Although my grandmother passed away when I was eight, her spirit lives on every time we celebrate Nochebuena. We continue to make the same dishes she did, passing on her traditions and memories. Marinating meats and doing prep work ahead of time has become a part of our holiday routine. My sister takes charge of the coquito, and my kids join me in making the pasteles, tying the strings into cute bows. These activities strengthen our family bond and keep our heritage alive.

Modern Nochebuena Celebrations

Nowadays, we gather at my parents' house in Pennsylvania and recreate the Nochebuena experience. We set the table with a red tablecloth and light white candles, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. We used to start the meal late, but now we start earlier to include the kids. Each dish on the table is still a love letter, a reminder of our heritage. The laughter and joy as we feast together are a testament to the unbreakable bond of family. Although Nochebuena may look a bit different today, its importance remains the same. It is a time to cherish our traditions, share good food, and create lasting memories.
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How Feeding South Florida Battles Food Insecurity During Holidays
2024-12-02
In South Florida, a significant number of people are grappling with food insecurity during this holiday season. More than 1.2 million individuals across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, and Monroe Counties are facing challenges in accessing enough food. Paco Vélez, the CEO of Feeding South Florida, has witnessed families frequently relying on their network and pantry. The added concern is that the incoming Trump administration may potentially reduce the food-stamp benefit program, making it even more difficult for families to make ends meet.

Unraveling the Food Insecurity Crisis in South Florida

Challenges Faced by Food-Insecure Families

During an interview on WLRN’s South Florida Roundup, Vélez detailed the numerous challenges these families encounter. They often have to choose between paying for housing, medications, or providing food and gifts for their children. Rising food prices have exacerbated the situation compared to previous years. According to a study by No Kid Hungry Florida in April, nearly three out of four Floridians (72%) reported finding it harder to afford groceries. Middle-income families are also feeling the pinch.Protein items and dairy products are particularly hard for families and food banks to obtain, especially in locations with limited cold storage capacity. After the hurricanes, produce has become less cost-effective and affordable.

The Impact of the Holidays on Food Insecurity

The holidays add an extra layer of stress to food insecurity. Families struggle to provide food on the table while also creating a traditional holiday season for their loved ones. Housing, medication, and other expenses often take precedence over food. It's not just a matter of resources but also a psychological and self-esteem issue. Feeding South Florida aims to alleviate this stress by providing assistance and support.

Preparing for Possible Cutbacks

Feeding South Florida is part of the Feeding America Network with 200 food banks and 60,000 nonprofit partners. They have advocates in Washington D.C. Regardless of the administration or legislative changes, they will advocate for their families and partners. Food stamps or SNAP are not only important for families but also for grocery stores and economic stability. They will work with grocery store partners to educate elected officials about the significance of these benefits.

How You Can Help

We all live in South Florida and have neighbors around us. We can all do our part to make our corner more food-secure. Find something you're passionate about, whether it's food, housing, or the arts. By leaving the world in a better place, we'll lead happier lives. You can listen to the full conversation on The South Florida Roundup or find more information on their website.
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