Claire
Master Chef
How did I miss this line (isn't there a way to see if you've already responded without going through all the posts?)? I think I've always loved food, exotic and otherwise. I had a sister who hated food, and went through a phase (maybe a month) where I competed with her for attention at the table, but in reality, I've always loved to eat and try different dishes. My parents took us to restaurants from an early age, and sometimes Daddy would order by just pointing at the menu, having no idea what he was ordering. Because of my background, my mom's freinds and my freinds' mothers were often "war brides" -- German, Japanese, Korean, French -- so I grew up with a huge exposure to unusual foods -- be it sukiyaki or rabbit in red wine or snitzels. I liked it all from day one. Or at least liked trying it, even if I didn't like it (I didn't like fish/shellfish as a child, but remember I grew up in almost landlocked areas and much of it was pretty bad in those days). I liked cooking almost from the day I was tall enough to reach the stove. Actually before. Mom always had a big electric skillet, and would put it on the table so I could cook, too!!