Chef Gina Worthy (Executive Chef/Owner)
"The Queen of House Music Cuisine"
Since the beginning, I have always been dedicated to the art of gracious entertaining. I have searched timelessly for dynamic new cuisine, flavors, and color combinations to enhance any event. I believe a tabletop is a stage, and every occassion is an opportunity to present an unforgettable experience with food, style,and decor.
Mz.House Diva: When did you realize that you wanted to be a culinarian professional?
Chef Gina: At the age of 6, my parents bought me a Hamilton Beach hamburger press. I carried that gadget everywhere , so I was able to make grilled cheese and burgers for family and friends.
Mz.House Diva: Who inspired you must as a young cook?
Chef Gina: My parents and Julia Child.
MzHouse Diva: I have done my homework on you..I understand that you were classically trained. What advice can you offer an aspiring chef?
Chef Gina: Never be too proud to work all the stations in a kitchen.
MzHouse Diva: What was your first job as a professional cook and what was it like?
Chef Gina: Never worked for anyone, walked in faith and started a catering business, primarily high end and corporate.
MzHouseDiva: What would you say to a novice in the kitchen, to help them get over the fear of cooking?
Chef Gina: The stove is your friend. Don't be afraid to use it.
MzHouse Diva: What is your most important gadget in the kitchen?
Chef Gina: Termometer
MzHouse Diva: What is the most underrated ingredient in your opinion?
Chef Gina: Smoked Paprika
MzHouse Diva: As a professional chef, what was your funniest kitchen incident?
Chef Gina: At a high end event, I was told to fill water glasses. At the end of the night, when the person found out that I was the chef/owner, it was a very awkward moment.
MzHouse Diva: When cooking at home, what do you like to prepare for yourself?
Chef Gina: Oxtails, white potatoes and cornbread. Although I prepare a vast varieties of cuisines, i'm a simple person.
MzHouse Diva: What is your signature dish or favorite recipe?
Chef Gina: Lately, " The Farley Jackmaster Funk Burger"
MzHouse Diva: You are currently doing several cooking series shows @Kenmore Live Studios. How did that partnership come about?
Chef Gina: I was featured on Chef Isreal's of (My Soul Cafe') Sunday dinner. A "Neo Soul Food" dinner party themed show. From there I was invited to host my own, my series, "Music to your Mouth", a house music inspired show.
MzHouse Diva: What inspired the concept of the "Music to your Mouth",cooking series; where you infuse cooking and house music together?
Chef Gina: I would always listen to house music while cooking on the line. I'm very passionate about my work and house music puts me in the zone.
MzHouse Diva: I attended the first "Music to your Mouth Series", and I had a great time. The food was excellent and Farley was banging the box as only Farley can do. So what can we expect in the future for the "Music to your Mouth Series"? Hopefully there is more to come and soon.
Chef Gina: Yes, a total of four shows starting in June @Kenmore Live Studio..Let me tell you..my summer lineup is simply ridiculous.
MzHouse Diva: When did you first fall in love with house music, Chef Gina?
Chef Gina: When I attended parties that I had no business in..lol..Music Boxx with Ron Hardy, Farley(JMF)@Playground/Sauers and Frankie Knuckles at the Power Plant.
MzHouse Diva: You've been labeled, "The Queen of House Music Cuisine", by the King of House Music himself, "Farley Jackmaster Funk". Chef ..how do you feel about the accolade?
Chef Gina: Smiling..it feels great..Farley and I go back along way. I was so excited he agreed to be my first guest on my "House Music Themed Food Show Series, Entitled "Music to your Mouth"..Since that show, people from all over the world have inboxed me asking, "what is house music cuisine"? Simply stated, think of a moment in the past, I mean a moment that gave you and still does a great feeling that's indescribable..That first party you attended and heard house music and just went wild..Back then, everyone danced..My dance partner then were the speakers..lol..The old school househeads know exactly what i'm referring to. House Cuisine is a feeling.. when a party was a party..It's funny reminiscing, because back in the day, alcohol wasn't in the equation..House Music inspires me to create things that may be frowned upon in the classical realm of prepartion... If you think back, to January 2011, during the Kenmore Live Studio Event; Can you tell me where you could have experienced a steak burger topped with braised short ribs of beef and smoked red onions? That's exactly why I named it "The Farley Burger"..can't duplicate it or the man..all that matters is that it's going to be a great time if either is in the midst of a "House" event. Never know what will be served..when i get inspired ..Whatever it is..It's House Baby!!!
MzHouse Diva: Chef Gina, besides Facebook and Twitter, are there any other sites our readers should know about that follow your work professionally?
Chef Gina: I'm glad you asked that question, MzHouse Diva..As a matter of fact there are two http://www.chocolatecity.cc/ Blog and http://www.clickeatdrink.com/ all made possible by Mr. Charles Mombo, of http://ww.click.com/ , Inc. and have supported Chef Gina Worthy brand 200%. For that I am truly grateful. You can also find exclusive recipes by me on these sites as well.
MzHouse Diva: Have you any plans (personal or business) that you can share with us about your future goals and plans?
Chef Gina: Underground Dining and teaching food safety certification classes.
MzHouse Diva: Is there anything else, you would like to share?
Chef Gina: Yes..Thanks for the interview and support, MzHouse Diva. I wish you and the Lost in House Music Blog much success.
MzHouse Diva: I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to do this interview. I am looking forward to your summer series of "Music to your Mouth" and the underground dining experience. I will definitely, keep my readers posted because these are events , you dont want to miss.. and like always Peace..Love..House
...@HouseDiva,
ReplyDeleteThat was a very excellent down to earth conversation with Chef Gina Worthy. I would like to hear more success stories from native Chicagoans that would give inspiration to others to become successful.