The “Besh”t Chef’s Gumboo

Who is your favorite chef?  There are many to choose from. But, recently, I met a chef who’s one of my all-time favorites-not just because he can cook so darn well-but because he’s on a mission of bringing people back around the family table.

Chef Besh signing his newest book, with his wife Jennifer and one of the “Besh Boys” aka one of his sons.

Meet world-renowned Chef John Besh!

By Providence, my dear friend Msgr. Nalty knew a friend of a friend who knew Chef Besh.  You know my friend as the do-rag wearing priest that assisted me during the episode of “Throw Down with Bobby Flay.” (By the way, this show is also re-airing on Thursday, October 25 at 9:30am ET/PT.) I heard of the Chef’s new book, My Family Table, which makes a plea for people to return to the family dinner table-a message near and dear to my own heart.

Msgr. Nalty with his super fancy chef coat, Chef Besh, and me-the little cook in the kitchen.

Since the good Monsignor knew that I would be in New Orleans, he sent an email to the chef’s assistant asking if we could meet up with him at one of his restaurants.  It was a “Hail Mary” pass.  Never would we imagine his response: a personal invitation to share a meal with his family at his own family dinner table.

It was of great comfort to meet him, his lovely wife, his impressive children, and his own mom and dad-who recognized me from my show (which airs every Sunday at 8:30pm EDT on EWTN).

Chef Besh with his parents, wife, and children, although one was missing because he was part of his Catholic High School Retreat Team.

It was like one big happy family talking about faith, family, and food, of course.

One of his sons was showing just how tall he was growing-compared to me, of course.

OK, now here’s the part where you all get a little jealous.  The meal was so delicious! While very familiar-the appetizer was crab salad with a variety of fresh greens, roasted beats and a light but creamy dressing, and the entrée was a healthy portion of gumbo and white rice -the cooking technique, subtle flavors, and perfectly textured ingredients were easily detected. A seasonably delicious meal served with reason and meaning.

No ordinary salad, but a combination of unique greens, lump crabmeat, and a deliciously light cream dressing.

Honestly, it took great restraint for me not to ask for a to-go container to bring on the plane the next day.

When we look up to great chefs or anyone famous, for that matter, do we try to see past the stardom in order to recognize the humanity (both good and bad) in the person-and, more importantly, try to love them for who they are as God’s child?  While I only met Chef Besh for just a few hours, I saw him in his own element. It was easy to see his human goodness, especially through his loving family.  While his food was quite impressive-OK super delicious-the way in which he lives his life of faith filled me with great inspiration. I pray that someday I can return the favor and serve him the food that comes through my hands but ultimately comes from God’s Eternal Banquet.

Gumbo and rice-perfectly and deliciously cooked.

While my gumbo never compare with Chef Besh’s , I recommend his new book and his version of gumbo.

Click here for the recipe: www.chefjohnbesh.com/recipe/seafood-gumbo 

Look at all that perfectly cooked goodness in Chef Besh’s gumbo!

In this featured section, I offer talking points for you to share with family or with the GBM family. Your responses, questions, or even random ramblings encourage us to continue the work of our movement. Please post your comment or question below.

 Who is your favorite chef and why?

Posted in Events, Menu Inspiration, Prayers, Recipe, Recipe-Fish | 2 Comments