Rachael Ray. Paula Deen. Bobby Flay. Emeril Lagasse. The Naked Chef. Celebrities these days aren't only 80-pound starlets wearing the latest Prada bag. Thanks to the increasing popularity of cooking shows and the Food Network, the ability to create elaborate, flavorful meals from simple ingredients is nothing short of a work of art. And it sure makes for good, mouth-watering entertainment.
One ambitious freshman has decided to jump on the culinary bandwagon and become UB's own on campus celebrity chef.
When 23-year-old intended mechanical engineering major Chris Bishop asked about a club related to cooking at summer orientation, he was told there was nothing of the sort. With that, and his desire to share his passion for food, Bishop proposed a new culinary arts club to the Student Association for approval.
"I just want a place where people who love to cook can be with people just like that. Where we can teach each other and get fat together. I want to be the reason the 'freshman 15' exists," Bishop wrote on Facebook to describe the club.
"(I want) a place to cook and make better meals than people get on campus," Bishop said.
The group has been slow to gain members due to lack of awareness, and have yet to become a temporary club, according to Ayo Onikute, SISH council coordinator.
Any new club needs at least 10 undergraduate student members, a constitution stating the purpose of the club and officers in order to officially join the SA ranks. Additionally, they must maintain a steady membership, fundraise and volunteer for community service.
"To meet and share cooking ideas and skills seems like it would be both beneficial and fun. I'm really looking forward to getting the club on its way," said Kim Cuddy, a sophomore biomedical sciences major.
Although Cuddy doesn't consider herself a chef or baker she says she is "just a novice who enjoys cooking and baking, learning cooking skills and trying new things."
Club member Jeff Fritz, a sophomore computer science major, joined the club to expand his culinary prowess.
"Anyone can cook dinner, but a real chef has style, technique and other things that make his job easier, unique and better tasting all at the same time," Fritz said.
Bishop has a passion for cooking that he plans to bring to the club, including his own recipes like his chocolate concoction, "Cadbury egg on steroids." He said he doesn't mind giving up his recipes, because there will always be more.
A particular love for making desserts does not leave Bishop adverse to other types of food, however. He said he loves all food and is willing to go in any direction the club's members decide to take it-hosting everything from Iron Chef-style competitions to spagetti dinners is possible for future fundraisers.
"Iron Chef Italian, Iron Chef junk food, Iron Chef anything," Bishop said. "I'm a college student and yes, ramen noodles are amazing, but I also love real food."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
