New Foodie on the Block

[Mark Webster]

Hello everyone,

My name is Mark and I have been cooking professionally for many years. I have traveled to over 35 countries (living in several) and have lived in different regions of the USA. I am a big Foodie and love the fact that its not only my passion, but also my profession. I started in the industry when working in a restaurant was not the popular thing to do. Thanks to the media and outlets like TV Food Network we are finally getting our much deserved attention. I have had the opportunity to take classes at several culinary schools and continue to do it whenever I can. I also use my knowledge and experience to judge Culinary compeitions at schools, the Kansas City Royal BBQ Competition and the VICA chapionship each June.
I am Certified through the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as a Executive Chef and Culinary Educator, have been a Chef Member of the James Beard Foundation for many years and I am also a member of the National Ice Carvers Association (NICA). I didn't intend for this to seem like a Promo for myself, but really as a this is who I am and love disccussing everything regarding food.
I cannot wait to interact with everyone.

Mark

 

[GB]

Hey Mark, welcome to the site. You are going to fit in perfectly here. We are a group that has a true love of food and cooking. We are glad you joined us!

 

[Andy M.]

Welcome Aboard!

 

[Shaheen]

Wow Mark Thats impressive! We are all going to be happy receiving your advice and recipes Welcome to DC!!

 

[urmaniac13]

Welcome Mark!! We are really glad that you are here!! I am sure you have a thing or two to teach us and many ideas, techniques and recipes to share, we look forward to them all!! Make yourself comfy and join in the fun!!

 

[texasgirl]

Welcome to DC, Mark!!

 

[Mark Webster]

Thank you one and all for your gracious words. I can already tell that this will be a great place to talk to other foodies.

Mark

 

[SizzlininIN]

Welcome Mark! I can't wait to read some of your recipes and suggestions.

 

[kadesma]

Welcome to Dc Mark,
Can't wait to see your favorite recipes and ideas..Love of cooking and each other makes this forum hum..
kadesma

 

[jkath]

Wow! Great intro!
What types of foods do you passionately love to cook?
And, what is your favorite comfort food?

 

[MJ]

Welcome to DC, Mark!

 

[callie]

Hi, Mark! Welcome to the group

 

[Mark Webster]

Good Morning everyone,

I just wanted to thank everyone again for your warm welcome. As I get to know everyone I would like to learn your favorite cusines and why they are. I love Greek food because of the use of oil, fresh veggies, olives and yogurt. Kalamatas rock!! I had the opportunity to live on the island of Crete in Greece for a year and also traveled to other islands. Like to hear from you.

Mark

 

[GB]

I would never be able to pick a favorite. I love so many different things so much. Greek and Mediterranean food is amazing. I also love all types of Asian food be it Chinese, Thai, Korean, Indian, Japanese you name it. Mexican, American, African, Russian, Polish...the list goes on and on. I do not think I have tasted food from a specific cuisine that I have not found something that I loved.

 

[Mark Webster]

GB,
I love all types myself and beleive that each has its place. The only point I draw the line at is when Chefs/Cooks become overly creative and they term their food fusion cooking when they try to blend 4 or 5 cuisines into a single dish. Fusion cooking should enhance a dish not confuse the diner.
Mark

 

[GB]

I couldn't agree more Mark.

 

[mrsperky]

hey mark nice to meet you, i am also new here, i am christina. i was wondering, how many people on here are actually chefs? i am in culinary school right now so this is a great place for me but i was wondering how many professionals are around?

 

[urmaniac13]

It's been over 3 years since I came to Rome, discovering and then learning the authentic Italian cuisine has been so enlightening as well as delightful for me. I came to appreciate such wonderful diversity of specialties from different regions, and the way they treat each of their meals. As a globetrotting foodie, I am pretty sure you have been to Italy, too... what are some of the memorable experiences here?
And I also can relate to your thoughts about "fusion" cooking... I must admit doing something like eating curry or sugo over quinoa, or guacamole with falafel and actually enjoying them, but I agree there is definetely a boundary between creativeness and "abuse" of it...

 

[GB]

guacamole with falafel

That actually sounds quite good

 

[urmaniac13]

That actually sounds quite good

It IS good, I swear!! Try it!!