Cooking is Sexy

Copied from Main Street Magazine
April 2009
Vol.1

Streetlight Feature
by Tilly Rivers

Canada boasts of a lineup of celebrity chefs. Lynn Crawford is a Canadian born chef, known for her appearances on the hit Food Network show “Restaurant Makeover”, which is seen in over 16 countries worldwide. She has appeared on the Food Network's “Iron Chef America”, the third chef from Canada to do so.

Robert Rainford is a Canadian chef and host of “License to Grill” (LTG) on Food Network Canada, Discovery Home in the U.S. and Asian Food Channel across Asia.

Mark McEwan is a Canadian Celebrity chef and host of Fine Living Network's “The Heat with Mark McEwan”, and is a judge on Superstar Chef Challenge.

Bob Blumer is the host of Food Network's “The Surreal Gourmet” & “Glutton for Punishment.”

These chefs and others like them have shown us that cooking is sexy. The average person is more educated regarding fresh ingredients, and have come to demand better value foods, in our own kitchens and when dining out.

While Chef Mike Benninger is not a Canadian know celebrity chef, he is well know in his area and has appeared on a local news program CHCH Television to demonstrate his craft, and educate the audience regarding the importance of fresh, quality food preparation.

Benninger owns “Thyme Management” which offers private chef, personal dining and catering services. He began his career at the age of forty, packing up and moving to Australia for a year to learn his new chosen profession. “When my father passed” Benninger said “I had a moment of clarity, I no longer wanted to be the manager for a steel company, even though I was successful in my career at the time.” When I asked him why he choose cooking and become a chef he explained that he had always had a natural talent for cooking.

“My wife and I discussed it, and we gave it a year to see if Thyme Management could become a success or not, we are now in our fifth year of business with a core group of clients. I am taking bookings into December.”

Mike explains that “having a personal chef come to your home is about the experience. You do not have to worry about parking issues or babysitters. You can tuck your children into bed in their own homes while enjoying a great night ‘in’ with friends and family. The guests you choose to share great wine and wonderful food with.”

Thyme Management has menu suggestions, or will cook your favorite recipes. “Once,” Benninger told Main Street, “I was cooking for ten and the power went out. With a little bit of luck we were able to finish the meal on the BBQ and the guests ate by candlelight.”

A candle light dinner certainly adds creditability that cooking is sexy, especially one that has been cooked for you in the comfort of your home.

For more information about Thyme Management, please visit www.thymemangagement.ca