Ask Mario
Welcome to my new digs.
Well, it’s not like I moved somewhere new. It’s more like a new property if you will — in conjunction with my For Starters column in GO! Magazine. I am very excited for the opportunity to contribute to the new Food Section right here in the 缅北禁地.
To be more specific about what is coming — I will be writing a weekly column where I will be fielding your food/cooking questions and comments and provide answers and insights through my experience and research.
Think about any foods that you would like to learn more about or have a question about cooking, eating, etc., and simply send an email about them to: features@heraldstandard.com with the words “ASK MARIO” in the subject line. I will select one submission to be featured in my weekly column in the new Food section of the 缅北禁地.
One of my columns each month will be dedicated to seasonal recipes and food. This particular column, Just Cook It!, will be a larger monthly piece with a recipe and photographs attached that highlight a current recipe or food for that specific time of the year. It will also include a video that you can watch online where I will show you exactly how to prepare that recipe.
Now, I would like to tell you a little about myself to let you get to know me a bit better.
Name: Mario J. Porreca
Occupation: Chef, food personality, author and radio/TV host
Training: Predominantly in French cuisine, but I have experience in all types of cuisine including but not limited to Italian, American, Asian, Spanish, health-conscious and Scooby snacks.
Favorite cuisine: Italian
Favorite food: I have a lot of favorite foods, but I enjoy the simple foods from my childhood the most — more specifically the foods my grandparents cooked that provided the foundation for my palate development and culinary interest.
Favorite food to cook: Simple dishes prepared with fresh seasonal ingredients.
Hobbies: Cooking, writing, entertaining, and I am a huge Pittsburgh Pirates and Pittsburgh Steelers fan.
Food idol: My grandfather who introduced me to cooking at a young age. I was named after him not the Nintendo character or hockey player, and just to be clear — I have no idea where Luigi is. I thought I’d get that out of the way now because everyone seems to find it hilarious to ask where Luigi is hiding. I don’t know, he doesn’t tell me where he is going. He is an adult.
You can find more about me at JustCookIt.net by clicking on “Meet The Hosts” on the menu on the left hand side of the homepage.
Keep those questions coming and always remember that when in doubt — Just Cook It!
Mario J. Porreca of Belle Vernon is a food personality, author, and the host of Just Cook It on WMBS Radio 590 AM. He can be reached via his website at: www.JustCookIt.net.