by Maria Isabella
Four thousand, one hundred and eighty-two. That’s exactly how many
words Elaine Cicora used to write her profile of Michael Ruhlman, entitled “Soul Kitchen,” which appeared in Scene
magazine on February 1, 2006. Those are also the exact same words that won
Elaine what is widely regarded as the highest possible honor to be bestowed on
a food writer: a James Beard Award for Feature Writing.
“Yes, it was great!” Elaine
allows. “After the awards, which were
held in a ballroom just off Times Square, there was an amazing party to
celebrate. I got a high five from Michael’s pal, Thomas Keller, and a big hug
from Michael Symon. To this day, that remains the high point of my career as a
writer.”
Growing up, Elaine enjoyed being part of a very close-knit
Italian family. “My earliest childhood memory is of my grandma making ravioli
and Bolognese sauce for Sunday dinner when I was only four or five.
“My mom was also great in the kitchen,” continues
Elaine, “but my father, who was a cook in the Army during WWII, always insisted
he was a better cook…although he never actually made any meals to prove it! I
wanted to become an awesome cook to please him. And that’s what first sparked
my interest in food.”
Over the years, Elaine has traveled extensively and
enjoyed myriad memorable meals. But when pressed about when and where she
enjoyed the best food, she responds with a mischievous twinkle in her eye and a
chuckle, “It was a summer’s evening circa 1976 at a dear friend’s home in
Cleveland Heights. We had carryout submarine sandwiches and a bottle of 1965
Lafite Rothschild. Some mind-altering substances were also possibly involved.”
Elaine’s connection to the food industry spans more
than 14 years. Twelve years collectively were spent with Scene magazine, mostly as their restaurant
critic but also as their arts editor. Two years were spent with Crop Bistro as
their Director of Communications. Currently, Elaine is enjoying a slower pace
of life as a freelance writer/editor and culinary instructor.
A four-year member of LDEI, Elaine was initially recruited by fellow
Dames. What does she enjoy most about being a member? “The fellowship,” she responds
instantly.
Learn more about Elaine as she shares some fun and interesting insights
about herself.
What is the most
unusual thing you’ve ever eaten? Pigs’ tails. They were delicious but
boney.
Which one chef
would you want to invite over for dinner and what would you serve? I think
it would be fun to break bread with the hugely intelligent Tony Bourdain. Man,
can he turn a phrase! Maybe I would make chili and a cherry pie.
What is your
favorite cookbook? A 1947 copy of Woman’sHome Companion Cook Book that was my mother’s. All the homiest dishes
from my childhood—soups, stews, pies, cakes—are in there, along with plenty of
homemaking advice, including the ever-important guidelines on how to throw a
dinner party if you no longer employ servants.
What’s your
favorite comfort food? Pasta in any shape, size, or sauce.
Any favorite
indulgences? A chocolate malt from Rosati’s custard stand in
Northfield Center. Thank God they close for the winter or I
would be twice my size!
What’s your
favorite snack? I’m not much of a snacker, although a bit of gorgonzola is
always welcome.
What’s your
favorite dessert to prepare? I bake a mean fruit pie, including a
lard-based crust from scratch.
What’s the
biggest cooking mistake you’ve ever made? Trying to please a four-year-old.
What’s one
ingredient you can’t live without? EVOO.
Name 3 things
that are always in your refrigerator. Plain fat-free yogurt, skim milk, and
Gennie Cream Ale.
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