MANILA, Philippines - Who is the American chef that has propelled the distinctive cuisine of his native Louisiana into the international spotlight, and was one of 12 chefs chosen from around the world to participate in the celebration of Jerusalem’s 3000th anniversary in 1996?
He was born in Louisiana and learned the importance of using the freshest ingredients while cooking at his mother’s side. As the youngest of 13 children, he was always adventurous. His strong curiosity of life and cultural customs motivated him to leave Louisiana in his early 20s and travel across the United States to experience every culinary environment possible — from an Indian reservation to the finest five-star hotel.
In July 1979, he opened the restaurant K-Paul’s Louisiana Cuisine, and soon his French Quarter restaurant attracted world travelers and continues to excite diners today.
As a result of endless requests for his seasoning secrets, he created his own line of all-natural (Kosher supervised) herbs and spices. Today, his Magic Seasoning Blends are distributed to all 50 states and more than 25 countries, and are popular with both home cooks and professional chefs.
In addition, he produces his own seasoned and smoked meats (andouille and tasso), and developed a line of sauces/marinades for retail and institutional use. For his products, he consults with restaurant chains and large food manufacturers around the world to develop complete menus or selective menu items and specialty dishes.
As one of America’s best known chefs, he has been featured often on the prime time programs of the three major television networks like NBC’s The Today Show, ABC’s Good Morning America, and CBS This Morning. He was the first chef to participate in Robert Mondavi’s Great Chefs of America series.
He is also a best-selling author who has written nine diverse cookbooks and produced six cooking videos, two of which were at the top of Billboard’s chart for 53 consecutive weeks. Five of these are based on his cookbooks: Fork in the Road, Fiery Foods, Kitchen Expedition, Louisiana Kitchen, and Always Cooking.
He has made personal appearances and given lectures and seminars all over Europe and Asia, and spends time at universities and culinary schools around the world, giving educational seminars for students from all walks of life.
He has cooked for heads of state as well as members of the US Congress, and was one of the 12 chefs chosen from around the world to participate in the celebration of Jerusalem’s 3000th year where each chef created a Kosher dish to be served at the King David’s Feast in March 1996.
Charity work is dear to his heart. He is devoted to feeding the American troops in bases all around the world, and lends his support to many major fundraisers that benefit charities like Meals on Wheels, the March of Dimes, and the National Alzheimer’s Association.
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Last week’s question: Who is the German product designer who has designed iconic products and furniture for brands like Authentics, Flos, Krups, and Magis, including the 360 Chair and Stool, which are part of the selection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York?
Answer: Konstantin Grcic
Winner: Wilfred Ariel Agbulos of Kamias, QC