Chloe Cooks on Pickles in Her Pocket to Anchovies & Soup
Nov 25, 2024
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In this engaging chat with chef and food stylist Chloe Walsh, known as Chloe Cooks, she shares her culinary journey from the UK to Los Angeles. Chloe dives into the art of cooking, balancing energy levels while managing chronic illness, and the power of food to foster community. She shares nostalgic food memories, favorite LA eateries, and her dreams of opening 'Cafe June'. The conversation also touches on body image, societal pressures, and the joy found in cooking, encouraging listeners to follow their culinary intuition.
Chloe Walsh emphasizes that food presentation is equally crucial as taste, highlighting the artistry in culinary expression.
Nostalgic family meals and diverse culinary experiences significantly shaped Chloe's palate and cooking style from a young age.
The discussion reveals Chloe's complex relationship with her identity in the culinary world, embracing her roles as a cook and recipe developer.
Chloe shares her journey of balancing personal taste with diners' expectations, underscoring the importance of authenticity in cooking.
Deep dives
The Aesthetic Value of Food
The speaker emphasizes that the presentation of food holds just as much importance as its taste. This perspective stems from a design-focused mindset that values aesthetics in all forms of expression, including writing, photography, and food plating. By treating food as an art form, the speaker finds joy in the creative process of preparing and serving meals. This aesthetic approach enriches the dining experience, making it not just about sustenance but also about visual and sensory pleasure.
Childhood Culinary Influences
The speaker reflects on their childhood eating experiences, showcasing a preference for pickles and savory foods over traditional sweets. Growing up, they were nurtured by parents who were excellent cooks but had differing culinary styles, which included classic dishes and adventurous flavors. This early exposure to diverse tastes played a significant role in shaping their palate and cooking style. Nostalgic memories of family meals and food rituals have greatly influenced their current culinary preferences.
Navigating Culinary Identity
The conversation reveals the speaker's contemplation of identity related to their passion for cooking and food. They express a certain discomfort with the label of 'chef,' feeling more aligned with being a cook or recipe developer. This self-reflection leads to a broader discussion on the complexities of defining oneself within a creative field. As they embrace their diverse roles, they acknowledge the fluid nature of their culinary journey and the importance of trusting their instincts.
Culinary Confidence and Audience Reception
The speaker discusses the challenges of gaining confidence in their culinary skills and menu choices when presenting food to others. They highlight the delicate balance between personal preferences and the expectations of diners, grappling with feelings of imposter syndrome. Ultimately, they stress the importance of authenticity in their cooking, striving to create dishes that resonate with their own tastes regardless of outside opinions. This journey of self-acceptance fuels their passion for cooking and encourages others to embrace their culinary identities.
The Joy of Community in Cooking
The speaker emphasizes the joy of sharing meals and hosting gatherings, viewing food as a medium for building community. They recount fond memories of dinner parties and their intention to create spaces where friends can come together over shared meals. This reflects their belief that food serves not only as nourishment but also as a connector of people and relationships. As they contemplate potential future ventures, the desire to foster community and connection through food remains a driving force.
The Impact of Living with Chronic Illness
The conversation delves into the speaker's experience with chronic illness and its influence on their relationship with food and cooking. They candidly share the struggles of managing their health while pursuing their culinary passions. This intertwining of health and creativity sheds light on the resilience required to navigate both personal and professional challenges. The speaker's openness about their journey fosters a sense of understanding among listeners who may share similar experiences.
Travel and Culinary Inspiration
The speaker discusses how travel plays a vital role in shaping their culinary inspiration and perspective. They express admiration for Italy and the rich food culture experienced there, encapsulating the joy of savoring simplistic yet profound flavors. Through travel, they gather influences and ideas to bring back home, enriching their cooking repertoire. This continual exploration of global flavors not only enhances their culinary skills but also reflects their love for diverse food experiences.
This week I spoke to chef, recipe developer, writer and food stylist Chloe Walsh, also known as Chloe Cooks. A Brit based out of Los Angeles, she hosts pop-ups, writes her incredible Substack (Anchovies & Soup), swims, and is known for her potato recipe and so much more. In addition to loving her food, I love her. I’m lucky enough to get to call her a friend and neighbor. She had me over a couple weeks ago, made us lunch, and we talked for hours about everything from her favorite places to go in LA, to meals to cook when alone, food culture as it relates to bodies, chronic illness, writing, design, growing her audience, managing her energy, and following her intuition in the kitchen. I loved every second of this one and I hope you do too!
Show notes:
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