With the now iconic South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) only weeks away, it is time to unleash the beast or at least my inner foodie. This year, the festival is taking things in a slightly new direction with an infusion of hot bodies as only Sports Illustrated can. One such body that also is connected to a brain and a wonderfully wry sense of humor is Chrissy Teigen who will host an event SOBE-style.
Prior festivals have offered over the top food and libations and this year appears to once again redefine the art and science of cooking and eating. Lee Schrager and his team have done it again with the likes of Teigen and other celebrity guests making this what many have come to know and love as a socially acceptable "foodgasm."
In a recent sit down with Chrissy she exuded a genuine excitement to be part of the festival and create dishes that reflect who she is and the life she leads. A true joy to meet, I can't wait to visit her at the "Q" and taste what she planned to dish up.
Photo Credit: Cooking Channel
Joshua Estrin: Why do you think so many different kinds of people are drawn to cooking?
Chrissy Teigen: Well I know not everyone may be able to cook, but everyone certainly enjoys eating. So the connection is simple as cooking leads to eating (she jokes). Seriously, I recognize not everyone is comfortable in the kitchen and that's ok. In fact, the great thing about the South Beach Wine and Food Festival (SOBEWFF) is that it allows people to experience both cooking and eating in little bites.
JE: When did you first begin cooking?
CT: Honestly, I did not grow up with a spatula in my hand. I didn't even cook that much in high school. I was busy being a teenager and doing everything that goes along with that. Besides, my mother is an amazing cook especially with Thai food and my dad is a master with breakfast so I was spoiled. It wasn't until I began to work and travel that I became intrigued and inspired and now I get off the plane after being on location and I drive straight to the supermarket. I love being at home and creating in the kitchen.
JE: You will be cooking at the "Q" at the South Beach Wine and Food Festival this month. Are you allowed to share what will be on your culinary menu?
CT: Well... I would like to leave it as a surprise, but I can tell you that it will be fun and reflect the flavor of Miami. My hope after people experience the "Q" is that they will leave feeling they have had an adventure.
JE: What new projects do you have on the horizon?
CT: I am so excited to get my snack on... People are still under the misguided impression that models don't eat. Not sure about the other girls but I do! My reality cooking series called Snack-down will feature amateur chefs taking on cooking challenges in the name of all things snack-able. The idea is that I will serve as one of three celebrity judges, joining chef Jason Quinn.