IN THE CHEF’S CORNER
This month, Lise Watson... is in the Chef's Corner.
Lise Watson|Chives Café
Why did you get involved with Hands For Hunger?
There are 3 main reasons for my involvement in Hands for Hunger:
1) I believe that there is great importance for Bahamian business owners to give back to the community – one of the main reasons I chose New Providence Community Centre as my restaurant’s home is because I get to learn from and nourish persons who strive everyday to give back to the community. Being in this environment allows me to give back without having to leave my restaurant! We do food drives, develop hurricane food strategy for NPCC as a hurricane shelter, as well as simply donating excess food to Hands for Hunger. The ease of giving is accentuated by being in a environment that facilitates and encourages it on a daily basis.
2) I am inspired by persons in my generation that, at such a young age, are starting to make a difference in this country. Giving is a chain event – each hot meal that is served to a person who previously had nothing inspires and enables them to do positive in their life and in lives of others! To watch my peers serve the community makes me aware of the need and I desire to help in any way I can.
3) I am involved with H4H is because of my choice of profession – as a chef I am aware of the DAILY restaurant wastage and the true need for an outlet for food that is still edible and nourishing. Together through both personal and community efforts we can help to feed those in need. A hot meal can go along way in nourishing mind and body.
This year, you held a special food drive for Hands For Hunger. Why is hunger an important issue for you?
Hunger is a problem that affects all ranges of persons – young, old, sick, homeless. It is a universal problem that we should start to solve at home. As a community it is easier to feed a neighbor in need then a person a distance away – to have food go to waste that could benefit a person across the street is a true shame!!!
How has your involvement with Hands For Hunger affected your outlook on food and/or hunger in New Providence?
It has enhanced my awareness of the magnitude of this issue within such a small community. The more aware we become as a community, the better we can equip ourselves to tackle the problem.
What is your favorite local place to eat at in New Providence?
I love café Matisse! I love the quality of FOOD AND SERVICE!!
What is your favorite type of food to eat?
Italian – I love the flavors and demanded freshness from the cuisine.
What is your favorite type of food to cook?
I love to cook anything that involves cooking for/with my family. I believe that it is not WHAT you cook but the intention that you do it with that is important. Cooking with my mom, sister and family brings me so much joy that we could be making ice cubes or crème brulee and I would enjoy it just the same!
What can you not live without in your kitchen?
My sharp knife.
What is in your fridge?
Sadly I am not a great planner when it comes to my own “meal life”. On any given occasion there will always be MILK, EGGS, and chocolate – perhaps a frozen dessert. I am afraid my fridge is not very exciting unless I am planning a meal. My fridge at work is a TOTALLY different story!
What inspired you to become a chef?
I am not sure – the more I cooked the more I enjoyed the day – making a profession out of it just made sense.
What is your favorite junk food?
Junk food – I don’t eat junk food!! On a serious note – NUTTER BUTTERS ARE A WONDERFUL SNACK AND EVERYONE KNOWS CHOCOLATE IS HEALTHY!!!
What was the last best meal you had?
IT IS A TOSS UP!
Villa a la Bianca in Italy – 3 amazing meals in a row with my 2 best friends on our Italian adventure OR 700 Drayton – Savannah Georgia (on my honeymoon) – amazing wine and a 4 course meal- I am salivating while I write!
What plans do you have for the fall? Anything new coming up at Chives?
We are closing for SEPTEMBER for a small break. In October we will have added to our outdoor space – canopies and landscaping. I am looking forward to having our local growing season for greens and veggies back in action!!! Our goal at Chives is to support local farmers – nothing tastes better then food out of the garden and onto the PLATE!!
Do you cook at home? What do you make?
Given the sad state of my fridge, I can say that I do not cook at home as much as I should or as much as I would like to. However, when family is in town, we always make a home-cooked meal!! We often make fresh pasta, home-made pizza and melt in your mouth roast beef.
What makes you different as a Chef, and Chives different as a restaurant?
What would your last meal be? I have no idea...I have had so many delicious meals that I wouldn't no which to choose!
