CityView Magazine

CityViewNC.com | 31 constantly be the same. Or someone can view cooking as an art form, a place to be ultimately imaginative. Instead of measuring out consistent amounts of ingredients, an individual chooses their personal selection of spices, ma- terials and cooking methods to create a desired end result in order to create, not recreate. When asked if men and women cook differently, Chef Melanie laughed, "I can't talk for every man be- cause there are exceptions, but women have more of a passionate way of cook- ing, we cook with our hearts and that reflects in the food. Even in relation- ships we have more sensitivity." Chef Jelisa expanded on that idea by explain- ing, "Women are emotional creatures so we put love and spirit into our food." Chef Parker holds a different stance on the situation stating, "I don't think men and women cook differently when food is concerned - it really depends on the palette. Someone's interpretation of an ingredient is always different than an- other's. It doesn't take a different gender to define that." Empowerment Being a chef is not a glamorous pro- fession, to say the least, but the means justify the ends when it comes to pro- fessional cheffing. e outcome of hard work and passion is unique and deli- cious food. No matter what your rea- son, cooking can be used as an outlet in many circumstances. It can relieve stress, take you away from everyday life, or excite you in certain scenarios – it gives you release. As Jelisa said, "while you're cooking, all your worries deplete. You can play some music and be happy or bang some pots and pans – whatever it takes." Cooking can be anything from a creative expression to a form of em- powerment and self-assurance. "When a dish is done it's an achievement. It's a confidence booster. When you eat it and everyone enjoys it, it's the best boost. Cooking empowers me the privilege of enjoying the life I have. Cooking gave me the privilege of people bringing me into their lives and sometimes being a part of their family, in their home. It gives me strength and satisfaction that my work brings people joy." CV Build with us. Visit fayettevillenchabitat.org • (910) 483-0952 MAY4-6 APRIL 17 • Wool Rugs and Area Rugs • Pet Odor and Stain Removal • Deodorizing and Protectors • Truck Mounted Hot Water Extraction • Quick Dry Time • Licensed and Insured/Bane Clene Certified — I I C R C C E R T I f I E D f I R M — Pick Up & Delivery 9 1 0 . 8 5 0 . 4 4 9 2 i n f AY E T T E V I L L E L o c a l l y O w n e d a n d O p e r a t e d b y J o h n W i l l i s w w w . B a n e C l e n e . c o m o n t h e s p o t c a r p e t c l e a n i n g ORIEnTAL RUg CARE

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