Fabulously Fierce Friends, Jenny

Jenny defines her passions as food, wine and travel. When she's not, eating, drinking, or traveling, she's thinking about those things. She currently resides in Boston where she also dabbles in learning tennis and the violin.

1. Who are your role models - food related or otherwise?

I have to say that I don't really have role models. If I were pressed, I would say perhaps Julia Childs and Ina Garten as far as hostesses go. Maybe Nigella. Those were/are classy ladies. I think my favorite restaurateur right now is David Moore of Peid a Terre in London. I love the atmosphere he creates.

2. What is your drink of choice?

Single Malt Scotch. One cube. I prefer Islay, Isle of Skye and the Highlands.


3. What is your favorite cookbook or other food related book?

That's a toughy. I tend to read more food related articles than anything. I know too many bloody people with cookbooks to say that I like one over the other! :-)

4. What was your most memorable meal and why?

Oooh. Most? Again, that's tough. Loved Quince in San Francisco. It was a birthday meal and was just sublime. I think I did say a little prayer of thanks after every bite. Then there was Per Se. I could swim a vat of the oysters and pearls. Ooh, Gordon Ramsay (Claridges). Dinner was great but there is something absolutely hedonistic about going for lunch by yourself and getting a half bottle of champagne and getting the lunch tasting menu. (I soon realized the half bottle wasn't enough and got another. Don't judge me. I was there about 2hours.)

5. What is your favorite kitchen gadget or tool?

My Shun knife. I wish I could say the Kitchen Aid Mixer (really I would love the Viking but I am learning not to be greedy.) Also wish I could say an Aga stove...there are alot of things I wish I could say.

6. If you had to make dinner with ingredients at your home right now, what would you make?

hhhmm. I could make a kick ass stirfry. I always have an abundance of vegetables that are going to go bad... I've learned to at least keep my pantry stocked.

7. What kind of music do you like to listen to while you cook?

I really don't want you to think I'm indecisive but it depends. If I'm in a mellow mood, I might do some Maxwell or if I'm pumped, I'll go Abba. It really depends.

8. What is your philosophy on cooking and eating?

I live to eat and not eat to live. And if you don't like cooking, there's always someone who'll do it for you. Believe it or not, there are some that actually get paid to do it :-o

9. Are there any foods you can not stand to eat?

Runny eggs. Just can't do it. From the Caribbean and food like that has to be cooked. I've taught myself to at least have my eggs over-medium now.

10. If you could use any super power in the kitchen, what would it be and why?

Hhmm, super duper taste buds. Wait, that might not be good, I've read about where people can't eat a lot of different foods because of that. How about gogo gadget arms? Yeah! That's it! Gogo gadget arms. For example, I wouldn't have to reach say... for a can opener, I could have an extra mechanical hand to reach for such things