Chuck Federici of Hanover Park
When asked about any ingredients he hopes won't be a part of the Cook of the Week Challenge, Hanover Park resident, Chuck Federici, said, "Nothing ... that's what makes this a challenge!"
Federici's "bring it on" attitude begins in the grocery store as he chooses among ingredients that appeal to him that day. "Due to my recent retirement, I cook most weekdays, but I don't really plan," he pointed out. The three things that are always in his pantry are olive oil, garlic and pasta and he's prolific in his use of olive oil.
Echoing countless Midwestern gardeners, he noted that olive oil is not only necessary but "especially good this time of year with fresh tomatoes and basil from my garden ... there's nothing better!" His shopping list always includes fresh vegetables and greens." The more you cook, you realize the importance of side dish pairing," he explained.
Since Eataly Italian Market in Chicago is a favorite spot, he has his pick of olive oils and discovers new guilty pleasures whenever he visits. "Eataly is a cook's dream place and I have spent hours there sampling cheeses, salumi, pastas and pizzas along with a glass of vino," Federici said, "and I love to browse at all the wonderful products."
Federici does give a nod to cooking shows on television or cookbooks. "I will give it a try but usually with my spin on it," he noted. His interest in cooking was launched from sheer boredom about 16 years ago when he was home with an injury and started watching cooking shows and attempting to replicate recipes." I still watch countless hours of cooking shows, and I have to say my dishes have improved a bit!" Federici bumped into Top Chef Stephanie Izard in front of her restaurant, Girl and the Goat, after dinner there and he was thrilled to meet another TV Top Chef, Fabio Viviani, at Bar Siena in Chicago, "What a great guy and the pizza was fantastic," Federici assured.
The 59-year-old looks forward to the competition with gusto. "The Cook of the Week Challenge is an opportunity for good home cooks to take part in a competition. And, it's fun!"
- Jacky Runice