Hail To The Chef is a recipe for enjoyment
The first fiction I ever read that contained a recipe was Stone
Soup. The second was Nora Ephron's Heartburn. Now Julie Hyzy's Hail
to the Chef challenges those culinary classics by giving a whole new
meaning to 'a meal to die for.'
Where did you get the idea for Chef Ollie Paras?
Much is written about Presidents, what prompted you to
create a heroine from the White House working class?
The White House currently has its first-ever female Executive Chef. Cristetata Comerford was appointed by Laura Bush. She replaced Walter Scheib who was brought on by the Clintons. I have to hope that the new Obama administration enjoys Cristeta's menus and decides to keep her on. Having a "similar" chef in the actual White House makes for a fun parallel with my Ollie character.
When I was first working up the proposal for this new series, I tried to imagine what kind of information our president's chef is privy to -- and the range of people she interacts with. I believe her position offers her a unique opportunity to do some amateur sleuthing, but on a global stage. And that's how Ollie was born. She popped up in my brain, fully formed, and ready for adventure,
One of the most famous fictional gourmands is Hannibal Lecter,
do he and Ollie have anything in common?
Well, Ollie favors a good Gewurtztraminer or Merlot over Chianti any day, but she probably has a few fava bean recipes she'd be willing to share.
Did your research take you to the actual White House Kitchen?
Close, but not quite. The tour I took wouldn't allow us into the kitchen, but I'm still hoping for an invitation one of these days. (Anyone out there with some key contacts?) I did, however, watch White House documentaries by the score, and I read a great deal, including Walter Scheib's excellent WHITE HOUSE CHEF. Lots of great insider information.
I was very fortunate to talk with Walter Scheib on the phone, too. He told me to feel free to give him a call with any other questions I may have. Cool, huh? I love being a writer.
Tell us about yourself. Are you a
good cook? Are you involved in politics
beyond being President of the Midwest Chapter of Mystery Writers?
My favorite meals are those that someone else prepares. Not exactly inspiring words from a culinary thriller writer, eh? Seriously, I'm a decent cook at home, but I don't have the time to pursue that interest. For the books, I have a ghost chef. Denise Little is wonderful. Not only does she come up with all the great recipes, she answers my crazy "what foods can kill you?" questions with prompt good humor.
I'm having a great time as president of the Midwest Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. We have a fabulous chapter -- and I'm delighted to be part of the organization. Hmmm....Sounds like the beginning of a campaign speech doesn't it? ;-)
Did the recent presidential election give you any material for future
adventures for Ollie?
It did. Because books come out so long after they're written, the third book in the series will still refer to its fictional President Campbell. But if I get the go-ahead for more adventures in this series, I think I'll put Ollie through a transition and come up with a new fictional Commander in Chief. The best part is that I'm never at a loss for ideas.
As far as heroine's go, Ollie seems like a "good girl." Would she ever have sex in the White House kitchen?
I think she would fantasize, but the prospect of keeping quiet with all those Secret Service agents around might be too big a hurdle for such a "good girl." But if she doesn't expect to be kept on when a new administration takes over, she might just yield to temptation ;-) Of course, talking straight-laced Tom into it is a whole 'nother story.
What kind of fan mail do you get? Is it bipartisan? Do readers suggest
recipes?
LOL. I've been surprised by the amount of fan mail this series has generated. It's wonderful to know that people are enjoying the books. Just the best feeling ever. Since no one ever mentions their leanings, I have to assume I'm benefiting from bipartisan support. A good thing!
A couple of people have suggested recipes -- good ones, too! Mostly, readers have asked why one of the items mentioned in State Of the Onion wasn't included. Well, I have good news - if anyone is interested, the recipe for Bucky's Brussels Sprouts is up on my blog: http://juliehyzy.blogspot.com/ in the August archives (thanks Denise!). I gave this recipe a try. Loved it. So did my family. Thumbs up!
Contributing editor Julie Kramer's debut thriller STALKING SUSAN was selected as one of
People Magazine's Sizzling Summer Reads and one of Parade Magazine's Picks for
Summer Suspense. Her sequel, MISSING MARK, will be released
by Doubleday July, 2009.
ThrillerFest
ITW's annual celebration of the thriller world is the largest event of its kind, a meeting place for authors, readers, budding writers, and publishing industry professionals.
For 2011, we’ll be back in the heart of New York in July with the ThrillerFest conference including CraftFest and AgentFest.
ThrillerFest VI will be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.
The dates will be July 6-9, 2011.
More information to follow.
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