About Me

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Chef David Martone is the owner and executive Chef of Classic Thyme Cooking School. Pursuing his interest in food, in the early 1980s, David owned an Italian market specializing in home cooked items and exceptional produce. After graduating from the French Culinary Institute in 1989, under the direction of world renowned Chef Jacques Pepin, David went to work at the Chez Catherine Restaurant in Westfield, NJ. David started teaching in the Westfield area in 1991 and pursued a higher level of culinary education earning the designation of C.C.P. (Certified Culinary Professional). David worked as a board member of The New York Association of Cooking Teachers, (NYACT) for several years. David is a member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Founder of ‘The Italian Club of Westfield’ he is also the host of the popular cable television cooking show, 'Cooking Thyme," which airs on TV 36. Chef David has been featured in numerous publications such as the Dining In section of The New York Times, Garden Plate Magazine, Savor section of The Star Ledger and New Jersey Monthly.

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Staying safe and close to family during the storm

We finally received full power, phone and internet both at Classic Thyme and at home. Classic Thyme regained power on Sunday with internet and phones restored on Monday and my power returned at home today. We are all lucky to have weathered the storm safely and our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you who suffered damages. I always like to make personal reflections and try and find something positive with any tragedy. For me, the upside to the storm was a time to get back to basics, good quality family time without the encumbrances of modern technology. We had candlelit dinners of simple food such as grilled meats, vegetables, potatoes, and breads. Everything had to be fresh as we were going to the supermarket daily. (We were very lucky that our local supermarket never lost power.) Good conversation sometimes lubricated by good wine, sitting by an open fire with the family and dogs, reading or listening to a good book; it really wasn't bad for us except for the cold which was bearable with some good old fashion cuddling and a nice down blanket. Below is a photo of a simple meal we enjoyed after the power went out during the storm. My son Andrew took the photo on his I-phone while I held a flashlight to try and illuminate the table a bit. We grilled a simple pork tenderloin with vegetables. potatoes, and bread along with a simple salad with arugula, tomatoes, peppers, and hearts of palm. I have to say, we ate and drank pretty well throughout the entire ordeal and I am so thankful to have my family safe and unharmed. When you think about the devastation and losses other people incurred we were incredibly fortunate. Please stay safe for this next go around with the weather we are expecting over the next day or so. Stay close together and we will endure this one as well.

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