Ready to Serve

Ray debuted on television in 2006 but initially,all she remained famous for were her gorgeous looks. That was until 2008 when she bagged an Emmy and became a household name. But Ray likes to call herself a cook rather than a chef. “I didn’t go to school and get the fancy certificate and papers,so I don’t want to take anything away from the actual chefs out there. I have always loved food,” she says,reminiscing her childhood which was instrumental in introducing her to the world of food. “My grandfather grew the food we ate and I remember being on my mother’s hip as a little girl as she stirred a pot. I couldn’t have really planned this journey,quite honestly,but I am thankful for it. I am doing what I love to do,everyday,” she smiles.

Just as more and more of the Western palette is adapting to Eastern cuisine,the vice versa also holds true. Western cuisines enjoy a strong presence in India now and Ray’s show on prime time will help further the influence. Over the years,Indians have developed a penchant for cookery shows and the big ones like Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations,Top Chef and MasterChef are hugely popular locally too. Rachael Ray will be an addition,to the ever growing list. But one person she would face stiff competition from is Nigella Lawson who has already made her way into Indian homes. “I really like Nigella. She has taught me a thing or two in the kitchen when she visited us on the show. Even the best chefs in the world learn new things about food everyday,” says the renowned chef.

Hailing from Sicily,Italian food is what hits home for Ray. “No cuisine has as few and fresh ingredients as Italian food. I can eat it every day of the week,” states Ray. But India seems to be on her priority list too. “Some of my favourite restaurants in New York happen to be Indian. I like spicy foods,I like family-style dining and yes,I cook Indian food a lot. There are some great Indian markets in NY and I frequent them to always keep my spice cabinet fresh and smelling good,” confirms Ray who is yet to make a trip to the sub-continent. She,however,has a few friends from the Indian culinary world. “I had Sanjeev Kapoor on my show. We both taught each other a thing or two. Some of my most favourite chefs are Indian too.”

The pretty cook’s priority isn’t her cooking show alone. She runs a non-profit organisation,Yum-o! that empowers kids and their families to develop healthy relationships with food and cooking. “I think my food in general is approachable for the average busy worker and pretty healthy when you consider the fresh fruits,vegetables,and grains I use. If I can inspire India to follow this notion,then it will be easy for me to build a healthy relationship with food and cooking around the world.” says Ray.