Let’s see what’s cooking in the kitchen

Hi Everyone,

The Neighborhood Chefs shoot this past Saturday was full of surprises.  I have got to compliment each one of these chefs on sharing their talent with us.

 Brooklyn Public Advocate, Saquan Jones is a blog radio star who graced our kitchen with his version of fried, juicy catfish with cheddar cheese macaroni & corn on the cob basted with cinnamon & honey cooked in the husk.  I went home and the next night used the honey and cinnamon on the corn. MM-MM good!

Our Guest host,  David Rivera and Saquan got on like a house of fire.

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Chey B, a life & relationship coach, put his charms in the pot and created Rotini Pasta with Turkey)Turkey Sausage. The sauce, people, the sauce was made with cream cheese, green & red peppers,  and was a fresh tomato taste  with a hint of pepper for spiciness that was brought to life by the turkey sausage.  For the sauce, I highly recommend dipping bread in the sauce.

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One day a few weeks ago,  I was on the train with my daughter returning from NYC, and saw a lady get on the train holding a bag of vegetables but she looked upset.  I inquired to see if maybe I could help her and we ended up talking. This lady is a raw food specialist! Ms Regine Bigler proved that vegetarian food is so not boring.  I am not a big fan of kale but I have new found respect for this veggie.  She made a salad with kale and showed how to made it edible with red & golden beets.  It had a garlic, lemony taste. Then she made a dish called,”Holy Rollers“.  It looked like vegetable egg roll but made with tortilla, filled with slivers of carrots, red cabbage, marinated mushrooms, pickled ginger and a dipping sauce made with tahini & smoked paprika.  She made a cilantro pesto that i wanted to eat with a spoon!  Man, this was delicious because everyone was looking like uh uh, I am not touching that, and was one of those experiences you won”t soon forget.

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 Then Unique Shaquasia Brooks was up next with Beef  Empanadas.  These tender little packets of pleasure can be made in minutes with the cheese being a lovely compliment to the seasoned beef.

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Kyle Bonner was extraordinary with his pan seared Flounder with green salad and homemade balsamic vinaigrette.  I  got the recipe,  but I am not telling. LOL!

 

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Dhalimu Robinson is phenomenal!  He gave us a taste of Fried Cornish Hens with whipped potatoes with swiss cheese with lemony broccoli on the side.   Cornish hens are the little brother of the chicken and when you marinate little brother in seasoning you get a crispy skin with flavor.

 

An arrest -Ed Development on Neighborhood Chefs Show ( Pastry Chef Ed Myers)

 

Ed is his name, Pastries of all kinds is his game. Pastry Chef Ed is by far a true Sweets Genius ,his passion and love for creating one of the hardest things to do in cooking is baking and he does it well. Pastry Chef Ed found that in High School he was making Cheesecakes  for whomever ask for it and that made him quite popular. Pastry Chef Ed, was born in Yonkers, NY raised in Mt. Vernon, he attended the Mt Vernon Public Schools where he met and Later married his wife(Deanna) Dina of 16 years, now that’s a blessing.

Pastry Chef Ed, has enjoyed baking every since he can remember; growing up watching his Beautiful Mother cook meals and bake and the great smells that it brought throughout the house  was enough to get him hooked, He enjoyed it so much that he was sure this would be the profession for him….But a brief detour from his  culinary career. In 1988, the now Pastry Chef Ed was instead Trooper Edward M. Myers of NY State Troopers (Police) covering  Westchester and the surrounding Tri-State area is now Retired as Sergeant; and even while still on the force this man found the time to do exactly what he loved to do make Pastries,
Working as a Pastry Chef In various Kitchens in NY since 2001. He loved it so much, in 2006 He attended Culinary School at the Institute of Culinary Arts in NYC and earned a degree in Pastry and Baking Arts. Those that bake know that baking is a science….. Baking requires discipline and structure and that’s what the Police Force has  brought to his Culinary Career.

I mentioned earlier, about this arrested development, we are grateful to Pastry Chef Ed for gracing the set and taking timeout of his busy schedule and the busiest time of the year for Him …….Christmas!!!!!!! He not only brought us some very moist, extremely delicious Red Velvet cupcakes,He made for the crew and between us I’m not that fond of cake but I tried it and tried to take more than 1 YES, they were that incredible. On the set of Neighborhood Chefs Pastry Chef Ed made these Shortbread Cookies with Christmas themes on them, some had Santa , nativity scene, Hanukkah, Menorah  etc. He demonstrated how he did this technique on a cookie, it looked like beautiful artwork on a cookie,again there is a science to this so you have to Check out exactly how he did this……

I love Pastry Chef Ed Myers, He’s hilarious had the whole set cracking up with his witty sense of humor, we had a great day with him, His personality exudes confidence, he speaks highly and with such admiration for his Family and his Business Pastries Anyone?  He and his Wife Deanna started it a few years ago and he is always busy, they offer  all types of different pastries, including sugar- free, glutton-free and wheat-free treats . Pastries Anyone? will have you covered on all aspects of desserts for all occasions providing the freshest ingredients…..

you can check out Pastries Anyone? on Facebook and like his business page….. Thank You Pastry Chef/Sgt. Ed Myers for Gracing the Set of Neighborhood Chefs with your talent and delicious treats, can’t wait until you return….Psst…… Bring More Red Velvet Cupcakes, Please 😀

His “Ill-ness” has hit the Neighborhood

The chef I am going to be writing about goes by many titles such as “The Ill Chef” and “Food Network’s Chopped Champion.” Who am I talking about, you ask? I'm talking about Chef Shehu (pronounced Shay-u) Fitzgerald. You can catch him being crowned Champion on season 7 episode 1 of Food Network’s series Chopped. His culinary skills and techniques are sickening— in a good way, hence the given title “The Ill Chef”

Shehu’s own birth given title is a unique name one to say the least. One of the questions I asked him was where did his name come from. Although he's not Nigerian his name is of Nigerian origin and it came about when his mother was reading The Sword of Truth: The life and times of the Shehu Usuman dan Fodio by Mervyn Hiskett.

As aforementioned chef Shehu appeared on the popular Food Network show Chopped Season 7 Episode 1. For those who have not watched the show Chopped is a competition where there are 4 Chefs competing in 3 rounds of a “mystery basket” challenge. The chefs are unaware of the items in the basket and the items are different during each round.

The chefs get a certain amount of time to come up with a creative dish from the mystery basket; they must incorporate all basket items. This may seem simple but let me tell you, when you’re under pressure of a strict time frame it is very difficult. Chef Shehu had no problems at all with the mystery basket items, he said that the pressure was definitely put on with the little time to do it in but ultimately he proved he had what it takes to think outside the box and won the competition.

Many of us, who love to cook, love to eat and that's what started chef Shehu in the business as a kid—EATING. Growing up as the son of a pastry chef, Shehu’s mother played a major part of growing the seed that has helped him become the man he is today. Thank you Momma Fitzgerald, you did an awesome job! This man obviously exudes confidence, love, and passion for what he does.

Chef Shehu is a single father of a four year old daughter. Another thing that's to be admired but needless to say he is a very busy man, very humble, very unique like God made him. Being a single father however is no burden for him at all, it doesn't take away from but it accentuates everything he does. Our friend Shehu took the time out of his busy schedule to make time to appear on our show Neighborhood Chefs, I think if you reference my blog I've mentioned Season 2 is going to be fire!!!! Well let me tell you Shehu brought the heat not once but twice already.

He was being modest with us the first time he made this incredible Peppered Crusted Seared Scallops w/Carrot Puree and Watermelon w/ Roasted Feta/ Pine Nuts Salad.

After his first appearance he opened up his first restaurant called The Phunky Elephant Gastropub” located at 1271 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY. The Phunky Elephant has been open a little over a month in a half and is doing quite well. Chef Shehu calls his style and technique “Twisted American Fusion.” You can enjoy many things on his menu including his open faced oxtails, which he marinades for three to five days; the sauce is incredible, served with homemade pasta. Chef Shehu recommends trying his risotto balls, he has been speaking highly about these delectable delights, so they are definitely a must try.

I have personally tried five of his dishes currently on the Phunky Elephant’s menu. Each and every one of those dishes was incredible and captivating. Something else that intrigued me is that chef Shehu has a line of spice blends called the Ill Chefs Spice Blends. These blends are different seasonings he put together and will tell you which blend goes well with the dish you’re cooking. I noticed chef used spice blend #709 during his second taping on Neighborhood Chefs as he knocked out these five insanely good dishes.

The ill Chef made us “coffee braised beef short rib with red wine reduction,” garlic mashed potatos, salmon and broccoli rabe with a yellow pepper coulis, opened faced oxtails, red coconut curry Prince Edward Island (p.e.i.) Mussels, and crab cakes w/homemade slaw that were devine.

All of these dishes are on the menu at the Phunky Elephant Gastropub check out the website http://www.thephunkyelephant.com you can also like the fan page on Facebook. It was a pleasure and an honor to see this chef in action. I love to see people that have a passion for what they do. Chef Shehu agrees and says “he is so much happier doing a job he actually loves even with the long hours.” He is finally happy and it shows in the quality work you get on your plate.
Finally, a bit of advice the ill Chef offered, “ If you have a passion in this business and want to do this as a career get to a place where you can work under a chef that has experience. They can show you how to work a line or the ins and outs of the kitchen, someone that will teach you techniques.” Chef Shehu has worked and studied at some of the best places from California, Rhode Island, NYC, and England all accredited schools and years of experience working with some of the best in the business.

This is spotlight here in the neighborhood for Neighborhood Chefs TV. Don't forget to check out Season 2! We have more to come with fantastic home cooks, mini chefs and professionals like Chef Shehu. I hope you enjoyed this special edition of the blog see you in and around the neighborhood more often.

Blessings,
Yolanda P.

Season 2 Episode 1 Featured Chefs

Blessings to all in and Around the Neighborhood,

How did you all like season 1? Well if you Think that was great, it only gets greater. Season 2 is up and in full effect; Episode 1 Started off this season with some amazing talented cooks, For Episode 1 you may have seen the lovely Cindy Thomas not only did she educate you as she made the Delicious tasting Salmon w/ Cucumber Mango Salsa and Jasmine Rice and very Healthy dish indeed.

Narine Blackwell, also appeared as he  made his famous Chicken Cordon Bleu w/ 3 Cheeses that was quite Delicious and good Ideal to use 3 cheeses, I love it…. cheese cheese good for your heart, oh wait that’s the wrong song. Anyway these chefs showed not only skill but heart; great job Cindy and Narine.

Each Episode I look to highlight each Chef that has appeared and feature 1 chef that stands out. The Chef that stood out was Chef Will Stephenson, the Comedian and Chef, Chef Will is the owner of Blue Lotus Catering, He Attended and graduated from Star Career Academy, Chef Will Came onto to the set with this light

and Funny demeanor which made it fun for all of us. Chef Will, Best supporters is his Wife Eli and Beautiful Twin Girls that will turn 2 later this month. Chef Will is Inspired to grow and share his talent and craft with others. We all have our rituals that inspires us when we’re cooking Chef Will’s is listening to music to the likes of  Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, O’jays and many more. Chef Will, let me find out you 2 step with the food you prepare (hahaha). Chef Will, started cooking at age 10 making his Mother a birthday Breakfast, Over the years of Cooking going to school and working in the field as well as having his own Business he would like to also give back by Starting a Culinary Scholarship Program and a after school program for the Youth. Personally, Chef Will is one of the Nicest Chefs I know, always willing to lend a hand wherever needed. Despite of whats going on be it personal or Business He will always make you laugh. Chef Will made  Pan-Seared Scallops, Sweet Corn and baby Heirloom tomato Relish; Fried Capers w/ Champagne Vinaigrette and Cilantro Micro Greens, Yum Yum Yummy. Take a Look at how he made this beautiful dish http://www.ibchannel.tv/chefs Episode 1 of Season 2. Please Look at all the deliciousness of all the chefs that appeared. Great job Everyone and Thank you for appearing on the Show…

If you know anyone or you have something different to bring to the show Taping will resume in February for Season 2 please contact our Executive producer 800-651-7826 ext.520 Justice Stewart   jstewart@ibchannel.tv or moi Yolanda Parker, yparker@ibchannel.tv

http://ibchannel.tv/nchefs-s2-e1.htm