Meet Chef Brittany
She’s always asking questions... Do you have cooking experience? Any allergies? Favorite food? Least favorite food?...we’ve heard ‘em all. So it’s only fair to turn the table and find out more about our favorite chef.
Q: Any experience cooking?
Chef Brittany: Haha! A little. Seriously, I pretty much cook all the time and I honestly can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.
Q: How did Lettuce Cook get started?
Chef Brittany: After culinary school and working in a couple of restaurants, I had the opportunity to mentor under an executive chef who helped me realize I could (and should) take the two things I love, cooking and children, and find my true happy place. It was then, a little over 8 years ago, Lettuce Cook was established. Now I get the best of both worlds. I teach children to cook, I’m a personal chef, and well, I’m excited to have a few more things I’ve got “cooking”!
Q: Do you have any food allergies?
Chef Brittany: Unfortunately I’ve finally come to accept I’m lactose-intolerant.
Q: What’s your favorite food?
Chef Brittany: Hmmm, that’s a hard one. I’d probably have to say anything my grandma made...and tortillas!
Q: Do you prepare any of the dishes your grandma made? And how do they compare?
Chef Brittany: Definitely! And I’ve even taught my students some of the recipes. According to my grandma and family, they’re right on!
Q: What’s your least favorite food?
Chef Brittany: Sushi. I prepare it, but prefer not to eat it!
And now for some additional questions-
Q: How old is the youngest child you’ve taught?
Chef Brittany: Officially? Three years old. Unofficially, as soon as they can hold themselves up in my arms. Seriously. Cooking, in a lot of ways, is like driving. I believe children start learning to drive as soon as they’re no longer rear facing. It’s the same with cooking. And when children are exposed to cooking early on, they’ll not only learn to cook and appreciate it, it’ll help establish a firm foundation of self esteem, confidence, pride, and work ethic.
Q: Okay, how about the the oldest person you’ve taught?
Chef Brittany: Ha! Nice try. I’m not divulging anyone’s age over 18, including mine! I will say I’ve worked with many adults. From parents taking private lessons with their child(ren) to young adults who didn’t do much cooking growing up and want to now start. Or sometimes it’s an elderly parent whose family wants to keep them active and they LOVE it….and frankly, so do I. I enjoy hearing the stories they have and I always learn a few things too!
Q: Do you have any children?
Chef Brittany: Not yet. But I like to think I play a small part in raising hundreds of children every year by helping them learn to cook.
Q: What’s the most unique dining/cooking experience you’ve had?
Chef Brittany: Hmmm. Good question. I’d have to say it was when I traveled to China. I had the honor of cooking with a host family.
Q: What’s your favorite dish to make?
Chef Brittany: I love making Italian and Mexican food, and sometimes I combine the two.
Q: What meal do you make that your family loves?
Chef Brittany: Ugh! Do I have to answer this one? My family has lots of favorites but I guess I’d have to say they love my breakfast tacos, potatoes, and homemade salsa. I know it’s Houston, unofficial breakfast taco capital of the world, but that’s so basic, right?!
Q: Do you have any hobbies?
Chef Brittany: Wait. I’m not finished with the question you just asked. Think about it. I can prepare you pretty much any food in the entire world and the one you most request is breakfast tacos?! They say it’s because dinner meals should change daily, but breakfast can be the same every day. (rolls eyes) Whatever.
Q: Got it. Soooo. Do you have any hobbies?
Chef Brittany: Haha, oh yea, back to your original question. Yes, COOKING!
Q: Last question. Do you have a favorite quote or saying?
Chef Brittany: Um, let’s see…. “don’t be sorry, be better.” (laughs)