Why write a blog?
They say contractors who can’t build houses build pools instead, just like chefs who can’t cook end up teaching. Well I’m a failed cookbook author who’s tried writing a book for the past 30 years, unfortunately I’m far too impatient and impulsive with a dash of dyslexia to spice things up! Not the most ideal traits for a writer to possess. Plus cookbooks are so irrelevant these days anyway. I own almost 500 cookbooks and I can’t remember the last time I opened one up for a recipe. Where would you go to look for a rosemary aioli, or taco seasoning for fajitas? Exactly! The internet. While I respect the art of creating a cookbook, the act of using one is for dinosaurs.
I’m looking forward to sharing my life’s experiences, tips, tricks and ideas. I’ll review restaurants, share recipes, craft cocktails and share some dating advice. (Lord knows I need some advice as well!) Hopefully you’ll learn a little, laugh a lot and feel engaged. There may be poor grammar and bad spelling (I’ve viewed the English language like playing a game of horseshoes: get ‘em close enough then go from there!) but everything will be in good taste. I won’t discuss religion, politics or review what I’ve eaten in someone else's home unless it’s excellent. Even after owning many restaurants and working in countless kitchens, my recipes will not be perfect and I will always encourage you to make them your own. Remember, food is like a haircut, if it’s bad it will grow back. Enjoy!
JOHN ELKHAY
Since his explosive debut on the Rhode Island culinary scene in the early 1980's, John Elkhay has been considered one of the industry’s top chefs and restaurateurs on the east coast, receiving local, regional and national accolades. Upon completing his culinary studies at Johnson & Wales University, John honed his skills at several acclaimed restaurants including the Waldorf Astoria Hotel and Nantucket’s Jared Coffin House. Finding his way back to Rhode Island, John began turning local hot spots like Inprov, Catering Collaborative and Atomic Grill into goldmines. He stoked the flame of the fire of Providence’s culinary renaissance in 1997 with the opening of his first restaurant - the sexy, romantic and artistically inspired XO Café.
Now, John is the ever-present, creative genius and culinary Maestro of Chow Fun Food Group, which owns and operates some the most acclaimed dining locations in Providence: 10 Prime Steak & Sushi, Xaco Taco, Harry’s Bar & Burger, the highly anticipated Oz Tacos & Tequila. While he’s not drafting up plans for a new restaurant, he can be found on a golf course in Florida, trying out a new restaurant in town or entertaining friends and family at home. Anyone who knows John can agree that his zest for life is contagious!