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Check out our interview with talented celebrity chef, restaurateur, television host, cookbook author and Juno (Canadian Grammy) award-winning recording artist Roger Mooking.
Roger has earned an international reputation as a renowned chef executing a culinary style that showcases his globally inspired vision. He is best known for being the host of Travel Channel’s Greatest of America, the host and co-creator of the internationally broadcast television series Everyday Exotic on the Food Network, and co-host of Heat Seekers on the Food Network alongside celebrity renowned chef Aarón Sanchez. As if he didn’t already have a full plate, Roger is currently the host of the Cooking Channel’s Man’s Greatest Food in which he sets out on a culinary odyssey around the country on the ultimate search for man’s greatest food. He is currently the host of grilling and barbecue show Man Fire Food (over 100 episodes) on the Cooking Channel.
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Please tell us a little about you.
I’m a father of 4 girls, husband, maker of a variety of things that are all entertainment related, perpetually curious, love, love, love sharing what I’ve learned, and love learning what other are willing to share – both good and bad.
Describe yourself in 3 words.
Curious, creative, stubborn.
When was it that you first realized that you wanted to pursue being a restaurateur/chef/tv host as a career?
I wanted to be a Chef / Restaurateur from 3 years old. I reluctantly became a tv host, but the situation was right and an opportunity presented itself that I couldn’t pass up, now over a decade later I’m still going stronger than ever.
Did your family support this decision?
Yes, there was never any hesitation from anyone.
Tell us about your chef experience and where the love of cooking comes from.
I grew up in a cooking household, and I loved eating and trying different things from an early age. It struck me very early on that if I wanted to eat something the best thing was to learn how to cook it myself. So I’ve been cooking for as long as I could stand on a chair and get up to the counter.
Now tell us about your work as host of “Man’s Greatest Food.”
I travel around and eat food, and have fun with guests who make me their best version of their best thing that they are known for. I have to hit the gym alot to maintain.
What was it like working on other shows like “Greatest of America,” “Everyday Exotic” and “Man Fire Food”?
Each show has its own group of people around it, its own theme, its own voice, and its own approach so I have to settle into each vibe and maintain my authentic self in the midst of all those variables all the time. All these shows have been a great adventure.
And how about “Heat Seekers”? What was it like working with celebrity renowned chef Aarón Sanchez?
That’s my homie and we are like high school buddies on and off set together. That show was hard on the body if you know what I mean.
Can you recommend our readers some summer recipes for an amateur chef?
rogermooking.com/recipes/fennel-and-watermelon-salad/
And can you share some BBQ options for your Veg/Vegan friend?
sunsetgrown.com/recipes/charred-campari-gazpacho/
Any advice for upcoming chefs?
Don’t underestimate the amount of hard physical labour that is involved. What you see on tv is not like the real life of a Chef. The hours are gruelling, the work is very physical and it’s not neatly edited and lit beautifully like it is on Instagram or TV. But…the instant gratification of watching a customer enjoy something that you made with your two hands is addictive.
What is your next goal as a chef/tv host?
I don’t talk about goals, I set them and then do them, thats the only time the world sees my goals.
Now that the summer is here, can you share your playlist for entertaining?
I have several playlists on Spotify, check it out.
Tell us about your album ‘Eat Your Words’? What was your inspiration for creating the album?
Eat Your Words is about speaking my mind candidly with no holds barred. I was specifically inspired by observing how social media culture is such a bad outlet for sharing ideas, and as thoughts build up I let them out on records. Music is a very encompassing art form and every element contributes to the main idea when done well.
Tell us about your new single “2 Bad 2 Be Tru.”
2 Bad 2 B Tru is about expectation versus reality wrapped up in an upbeat playful soundscape and story. The video is disorienting and feels like you just got off an amusement park ride by the end.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
So many ideas, you shall see.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to look in the mirror every day and knowing I did my best every day, and I did something to contribute to making someone else day a little brighter.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
I used to think about this, then life kicked my ass a few times and I learned that this is a silly concept. So really; air, water, food, shelter.
Best advice ever given?
The mind is a drunken monkey dancing on hot coals.
What is next for Roger Mooking in 2020?
So much, keep watching and you will see.
Something people don’t know about you.
I give more than I receive.
What would be the dream holiday, and who would you go with?
I would go to the village in Quangdong Province in China where my grandfather was born with my wife and kids.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Bob Marley.
What is your favorite healthy food?
Green Smoothies.
And your favorite cheat food?
Goat Roti.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
A good workout, dim sum, walking with my family in the woods somewhere, making pizza in my pizza oven followed by ice cream, and then some adult fun 🙂
Do you support any charity?
Any exciting news you want to share with us?
I just release a new single from my album Eat Your Words called 2 Bad 2 B Tru.
How would you explain your fashion style?
ADD.
How important is social Media for you?
It’s currently purely a necessity for my career.
Where can we follow you?
@rogermooking across all platforms
Quote: The more you know, the less you know.
Song: Redemption Song by Bob Marley
Photo Credit: Lumenville Inc. (lumenville.com).
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