There's something about Bill. There's something about his eclectic and original food. There's something about sharing - all entwined. He is exactly as he appears in my photograph above. After the brownies post, I was emailed about Bill Granger so had to blog a bit more about him. Why? He has an abiding love of cooking, giving and what I admire most in talented people, a lack of pretense.
Hence him being able to place brownie recipes in a cookbook that contains Spicy Prawn Stir fry, Italian Onion Soup and Pumpkin and Pea Coconut Curry. I am not one to recommend what you should buy, but his "Feed Me Now!" is an All season favourite I could not put down. I think it is a good indication that a cookbook is a success when you want to eat the entire book, I mean literally.
This is surprising as he is a self-taught cook and one of Sydney's most successful Chefs and Cookbook writers. His background was not easy, less about that here. He is an amazing success story not primarily because of his talent, achievements and innovation- but because he is still a nice guy, speaking in the voice of a teenager about his life, loving family and an unabashed enjoyment of food. We shared a "few" words after watching him cook for the first time in London the other evening. The condensed version is below.
Bill:
On Growing up:
My mother was a vegetarian and my father was a butcher, so you can imagine what our mealtimes were like. Sometimes meat would be placed in the oven until a few hours later it had settled into a grey solid layer. Other times dessert for me would be: add water, eat.
On Cooking:
I believe that meals should centre around the family, good cooking, great ingredients, just taking time to sit down and talk together.
On Other Chefs:
I really like Cooks for whom it is not about ego, but a real respect for food.
On Special Ingredients:
I am not that fussy about branded ingredients, even Soy Sauce. My emphasis is on ingredients that are fresh, delicious and simple. It's natural sometimes for people to be fussy; at home my daughter will only eat cheese that is Buffalo Mozzarella - not just any old Mozzarella, it has to be Buffalo!
Home life:
I am the designated cook at home! Although I run the restaurants [he is also opening another soon in Japan] my family expects me to come home and cook dinner and that is incredibly gratifying to me.
On his Cookbook:
I wanted a book that makes easy home-cooked meals into joyful and delicious experiences. Time is of the essence nowadays, so whether you're cooking for family, friends and even on a Shoestring, this book will have lots of choices for you. There are breakfasts, teatime treats, small meals and fabulous dinners. With a young family, I am very aware that feeding the eyes is just as important as feeding the body, so the foods are as delicious as they are healthy and fresh.
His Cooking Philosophy:
Cooking for others is about giving, if you cook with love then it will show.
Bill's books are available via amazon and his website is http://www.bills.com.au/home.htm
Have a lovely weekend, Peace, x
9 comments:
This is wonderful and Bill sounds like a great guy...and talented. I love the effect of the photo. Oh and thanks for your comment too...definitely made me smile. Do you write for any specific publications? meaning, can I see your writing/interviews/photography anywhere else?
Clarity - Can I have your e-mail address so I can write in more detail about my last post? Thanks.
My Father "Paul" - began his food business in 1945 in Louisville, KY. It is still growing strong. We always had fresh fruits and veggies and something good to eat. Growing up one of seven, we learned to love sharing meals. It is an honor and a gift to serve our families, the extended - we each savour our family recipes and love for good quality ingredients. I shall take a look at Bill, on his site.
pve
My Father "Paul" - began his food business in 1945 in Louisville, KY. It is still growing strong. We always had fresh fruits and veggies and something good to eat. Growing up one of seven, we learned to love sharing meals. It is an honor and a gift to serve our families, the extended - we each savour our family recipes and love for good quality ingredients. I shall take a look at Bill, on his site.
pve
Dear Bel, I'm a Filmmaker but used to write/design for Haymarket.com's publications, thanks for your compliment.
Purple Flowers, of course you can have my email, I'll forward it to you.
Pve, your family life sounds wonderful and I agree that it is a gift to carry on the tradition of sharing. You should post more about that, I'd love to read it.
wow, what a talented guy! I love a man that can cook well! :)
There is something about Bill. Love his open smile and his thoughts on food and life. Thanks so much for the intro.
Clarity - did you receive my e-mail?
Kwana, welcome and I hope you enjoy the recipes!
Purple Flowers, I just fished out an email from spam and will reply this evening, x
Post a Comment