Today we have a very special guest. Chef David is here to tell us all about being a “Foodie.”

Check out his awesome interview!

Q. Tell us a bit about yourself?

A. I am a retired government worker. I am 65 years old. I was born in Vancouver, BC but always like the wilderness over the big city.

Almost 30 years ago, I got the opportunity to move to Cranbrook, a community in the mountains of south east BC. My wife and I moved here and have loved it so much we will likely never leave.

Most of my working life, I have worked for the WorksafeBC but was very active in the union and did a lot of union work as an executive.

I love golfing, curling and cooking!

Q. Have you always been interested in food?

A. “I started cooking when I was in elementary school. Both my parents worked, and I would help prepare easy dishes to help out.

I found I really liked making food and sharing it with friends and family. I found people connected with each other, had fun and enjoyed themselves over food. I loved people, so I Iove making them food!

I worked as a cook until I met my wife. In those days, cooks didn’t get paid very much unless they worked in isolated camps. I stopped working as a cook to be with her. Although I didn’t cook professionally for many years, I always loved cooking and sharing food with family and friends.

When I retired, I had time to start getting back into cooking, started my food blog and produced a community TV program, You Can Make It. I have written a book that is currently in the process of being published. It is called The Old Fat Guy’s Guide to Smoking Meat, For Beginners.”

Q. How did you get started?

A. “When I was 16, I joined the naval reserve to make some extra money. One of the trades available was to be a cook. I liked cooking at home and chose that as my trade.”

Q. Do you have any formal education in the food industry?

A. “After getting started in the navy, I went on to attend Vancouver Vocational Institute Chef’s Training.”

Q. What type of cooking do you do?

A. “I love all kinds of cooking and baking but have a particular interest in smoking meat. I make my own bacon, hams, and sausages. I have taught several friends how to smoke meat and they now do all their own bacon.

While smoking meat is my favourite style of cooking, my favourite kind of meal is a potluck where everyone brings food. I love to see what others have created so I can learn from them.”

Q. What is your favorite dish to make?

A. “While I love smoking meat, I am addicted to home made cookies. All kinds of cookies. Cookies are easy to make, and everyone loves them! My favourite cookie is a plain Sugar Cookie because I had them growing up.”

Q. Do you have any advice for a young person wanting to be a Chef?

A. “If you want to be a Chef, my best advice is to have fun and learn from people around you. If your Mom or Dad make something you really like, ask them to show you how to make it or let you help. If a friend who makes your favourite meal, get them to help you learn the recipe.

Everytime you eat something you like, ask how it was made. Once you have learned how, change it a little. Add something you really like or leave out something you don’t. It may not work but it may be great!

By learning things that other people do well and experimenting, you will be building the basic skills to become a great chef.”

Q. Anything else you would like to add?

A. “All the great food in the world started by someone making something and then people making it better. Every cook loves it when someone improves their recipe.

The first hamburger was just a beef patty on a bun. Someone put some mustard on it. Someone else brushed barbecue sauce on the meat. Then a cheese slice was added. Now there are hamburgers with bacon, avocadoes, pineapple, teriyaki and mushrooms!

Cooking is about sharing ideas, trying new things, having fun and making people happy.”

Thank you, Chef David for your awesome interview. If you want to see more of Chef David’s creations, check out his blog.