My Kingston - Roger Mooking

Chef and Host of Everyday Exotic on Canadian Food Network and Cooking Network; Singer and Songwriter; and Guest Chef for the Jamaica Observer Food Awards.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

What is your first impression of Kingston?

It reminds me of downtown Trinidad. It has the same energy.

What are your favourite home comforts?

Being around my kids, cooking up food in the backyard and seeing my kids playing - that's living.

What's your middle name?

Alan.

Share with us the title of the last book you read.

First They Killed The Father by Loung Ung

What was the last bit of music that stirred your soul?

Adele's new song Rolling in the Deep.

What cologne are you splashing?

No cologne. I keep it simple — a nice soap.

What is your preferred beverage?

A glass of ice-cold water.

What's been your favourite food since you've been here?

Definitely Screechie's fish at Hellshire.

What was your last bit of retail therapy?

I bought myself an iPad Nano the other day.

What upsets you?

I hate to see people taking advantage of others.

As a music artiste, who inspires you?

Bob Marley. Few artistes could crystallise an idea in such a simple way with simple melodies and make such beautiful music and move people.

What's been your most memorable experience as a musician?

Performing with James Brown. I went on tour with him in 1998 in Ontario. I felt if I never did anything after that I could die. He's the consummate music professional and entertainer.

Share with us your new projects.

A new season of my Food Network show Everyday Exotic in Canada; a new show Heat Seekers for American Food Network that I will be co-hosting with Aaron Sanchez that should begin airing this July; a cookbook titled Everyday Exotic with recipes and stories that's due in the fall; and I'm also working on a new album.

Share some of the places in your black book.

Cambodia, Singapore, Caracas, Grenada, Hong Kong, Kuala Lampur.

What's your philosophy?

Greatness proves itself over time.