Food Fight

Elevator Speech As an experienced catering manager and self-proclaimed 'foodie', I am pleased to say that some of my most rewarding and fulfilling moments have involved creating, delivering, and even eating foods of all varieties. My passion for this subject started relatively young when, as a child, I would always look forward to the weekend breakfast of hotcakes, waffles, bacon, sausage and eggs my mother used to whip up for my sister and me.

Before long I was following behind her in the kitchen and, when I got old enough to be left at home by myself, delighted in hours and hours of cooking. Most people get their first car when they turn 16; I got my first cookbook. As a homebody I have always enjoyed preparing various dishes for my family and friends, so it was only natural that I turn this pursuit (or talent, as my father likes to say) into a professional career as well.

I took food courses throughout high school and throughout my undergraduate tenure as well, and was fortunate enough to get a job with a catering company during summers following the completion of my freshman year. I really could not think of a better place of employment, and before long my superiors were anticipating my coming home from school for summers and winter break as much as I was -- so I could cook professionally.

I rose through the ranks and was appointed one of the managers of the catering company following the completion of my junior year. During my time with this particular catering company I have had some memorable occasions related to the delicacies we've prepared and served at numerous occasions. Perhaps one of the most memorable was the time we worked a 15th birthday party for one my neighbors.

Not only was I credited with getting the company this particular tidbit of business (I have long raved to my neighbors about the wonders we were able to produce in the kitchen for people), but I also had the pleasure of overseeing the operation. The adulation on the face of my neighbor and her parents is something that I will never forget.

As much as I am able to enjoy professional experiences related to food and my experience in the catering industry, I think I probably like my own as a foodie even more. I have kept a travel blog of sorts for the past couple of years; virtually everywhere I go I make a substantial attempt to sample the local cuisine.

My blog is actually fairly involved; I take pictures of various dishes, have a fairly stern criteria for evaluating dishes, and frequently ask to speak to chef's to try to pilfer a few secrets regarding the creation of their concoctions. One of the best dishes that I have ever experienced was an ice cream cake that an Italian restaurant just outside of Santa Barbra served up. The cake was sumptuously chocolate, with a caramel type.