Celebrity Q & A

• What created your passion for cooking?

  I always love to eat. Somebody once said that Gluttony is not a secret vice. A little knowledge is dangerous, so as I immersed myself in the culinary arts, the more I learned, the more I realize how little I know. In the process of learning and rediscovering the power of magic from our illustrious predecessors, the more respect I acquire for the people ( the farmers and ranchers ) that dedicate their lives to providing us the raw ingredients, without which we would be silent, and the more humble I become. Evoking an emotional response thru our food created my passion for cooking.
  
  

• Where is your favorite place to eat?

  My own kitchen! When I go out, I frequent places that are chef driven independent restaurants and cook food that I know very little about (Pacific Rim cuisine), places like Asia, Cyclo3.

• What’s your favorite dessert?

  I love desserts that feature local seasonal fruit but my real favorite is something we call: The Morning After White sponge cake soaked in sangria with blackberries, white chocolate mousse and puff pastry layers, enrobed in dark chocolate ganache and served with rose petal chutney
  
  

• What’s your favorite thing to cook?

  PORK. Growing up in Transylvania, we used to slaughter a hog or two every year. I loved seeing how it all got transformed (snout to tail) in a few hours. At Romeo’s Euro Café we offer a dish that reminds me of that. Pork Molise Grilled pork tenderloin, wrapped in bacon, roasted garlic, horseradish mashed potatoes, honey caramelized onions and apricot - dark cherry sauce
  
  

• What ingredients can you not do without when you’re cooking?

  Olive oil, garlic, onions, most of my herbs and spices (sea salt, black pepper, etc) acid (lemon, wine, vinegar) some cream, some cheese and YES …….BACON!
  
  

• What’s the most basic advice you give when you’re talking to someone about cooking?

  Systematically, educate your palate. Understand your ingredients. Stay shy with the measurements, once you add something in you can’t take it out.

• Share your thoughts about Arizona agriculture?

  Arizona agriculture ROCKS! The farmers, ranchers, CSA, Farmer’s Markets, wholesalers and retailers are very much in touch with what the consumer’s request. The agriculture industry does meet the needs of the hospitality industry. As the demand increases (for sustainable, seasonal products) the supply and quality may suffer, also becomes a pricing issue. The true farm to fork concept could only work in a few zip codes. The process of educating the consumer continues….. Thank you AFBF for being a leader in that field.
  
  

• Any advice about food and nutrition?

  Learn and know where your food comes from. Use fresh, natural or IQF products. If you can’t pronounce it don’t eat it.
  Stay away from any refined products and don’t become a slave to fat, salt and sugar unless natural. Seasonal, peak of ripeness and moderation should rule.
  
  

• What is unique to Arizona when it comes to food, restaurants and/or anything related?

  There are some things that are unique to the High Sonoran Desert. Indian fry bread, products from cactus, nopales or prickly pear, cheese crisps or quesadilla or most tings in a tortilla, carne seca (marinated and sun dried beef) We got the GRAND CANYON.
  As far as restaurants, I wish there would be more support for chef driven kitchen independent restaurants.
  Don’t let food just feed you; let it evoke a positive emotional response. Trust your Chef!