How to be a Celebrity Chef, Top Tips and Advice from Cookbook Author, Virginia Willis
What does Julia Child, Martha Stewart and Paula Dean have in common? They've all worked with author, professional chef, food stylist and cooking reality show producer, Virginia Willis. One of last year's episodes of The Healthtopia Radio Show features a fascinating interview where listeners got a sneak peek at the life of a professional chef from Atlanta who has enjoyed a varied career working with culinary celebrities and icons.
Virginia shared:
Her thoughts on reality TV cooking shows
(Not everyone should be on TV)
Delightful anecdotes about the times she was able to spend with Julia Child in France
Advice for aspiring young chefs
-put yourself out there, be willing to volunteer, and never stop growing
-read, Letters to a Young Chef, by Daniel Boulud
Tips for seasoning food
-sour, salt, bitter, sweet and savory--hit those points makes food delicious
-acid makes flavors pop
-season as you go, taste and think about what it needs before you
serve
Listen to this exciting episode of The Healthtopia Radio Show to hear everything else Virginia Willis had to share about the publishing process, working with celebrities in Reality TV cooking shows, and launching her own signature line of products.
A graduate of L'Academie de Cuisine and Ecole de Cuisine LaVarenne , Virginia Willis is also the author of, Bon Appétit, Y'all! Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Ten Speed Press, 2008). She has served as the Kitchen Director for Martha Stewart Living Television, and Virginia was also responsible for preparing private meals and events for Martha and her guests including, President Clinton, Aretha Franklin, and Julia Child.
Virginia's culinary career began in Atlanta as an apprentice to Nathalie Dupree. She also served as an editorial assistant with culinary authority Anne Willan.
She has served as Executive Producer for Epicurious on The Discovery Channel and other cooking shows, and her work has appeared in several local and national magazines, She has appeared on national cooking shows and in TV commercials. Willis is an accomplished cookbook author, TV producer, editor and food stylist. She serves as the president of the Atlanta chapter of Les Dames d'Escoffier, and she serves on the board of several local Atlanta culinary associations.
Bonnie Mechelle is a Christian weight loss counselor, personal fitness trainer, and author and host of The Healthtopia Radio Show on Blog Talk Radio and WAEC Love 860 AM. Over 24,000 listeners tune in to hear compelling interviews, and get useful information about how to enhance their lives and health through nutrition, physical fitness, weight loss and spiritual awareness. You can actually sign up for their free e-Magazine at www.myhealthtopia.com today.
Mechelle says, "You must cater to the mental, physical and spiritual needs of an individual to achieve lasting change and progress," She is also a life coach, and a motivational speaker who is having an impact on the weight loss industry by producing amazing results for her clients. Bonnie Mechelle's 100 pound weight loss inspires the listeners of her Atlanta based Christian radio program and readers of her new holistic wellness e-Magazine.
Here is Bonnie Mechelle's review of Bon Appétit, Y'all! Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Ten Speed Press, 2008) by Virginia Willis:
"This beautifully styled book really has something to offer cooks from all skill levels. I enjoyed the wonderful and sometimes personal memories that Virginia shares. The recipes reflect the theme that the title suggests--a melding of the best elements of classic French cuisine with all of the warm, comforting elements of Southern cuisine. Willis's love of food and family shines through every recipe and every page of this delightful cookbook." Willis' website can be found at, http://www.virginiawillis.com .
The Healthtopia Radio Show and e-Magazine is Atlanta's #1 Christian Health and Wellness online and live rado station for women which can be found on Blogtalk Radio, iTunes and WAEC Love 860 AM on Fridays at 12 noon. This special program is hosted by women's health advocate, Bonnie MeChelle for motivation to live a healthier happier life through Jesus Christ. Learn more and listen to our awesome web Christian radio station at http://www.myhealthtopia.com/
