Embracing the Void and the Fascination with Zero: A Q&A with Andrew Ray
Summary
Andrew Ray, the creator of Binging with Babish, discusses his background in cooking, the inspiration for his show, working with Jon Favreau, steak cooking tips, and his love for kosher salt. He also talks about his two cookbooks, Eat What You Watch and The Binging with Babish Companion Cookbook, and clarifies that he is not a chef, but an enthusiastic home cook. Andrew Ray’s fascination with the concept of zero and his desire to get a zero tattoo on his neck is also discussed.
Table of Contents
- The Inspiration for “Binging with Babish”
- Working with Jon Favreau
- Steak Cooking Tips
- Andrew Ray’s Background in Cooking
- Preference for Kosher Salt
- Love for Obscure TV Characters
- Fascination with Zero
- Is Binging with Babish Allergic to Bananas?
- Andrew Ray’s Cookbooks
- Conclusion
Introduction
Andrew Ray, the popular YouTube personality behind Binging with Babish, is beloved by his millions of viewers for his witty banter and approachable cooking style. In this Q&A session, we get to know the man behind the apron a little better. From his inspiration for the show to his cooking philosophy, Andrew Ray shares his unique perspective on food and life.
Q&A
The Inspiration for “Binging with Babish”
Q: What was your inspiration for starting “Binging with Babish”?
A: It was a combination of a few things. I’ve always been interested in cooking, but it wasn’t until I started watching cooking shows that I realized how much I loved it. At the same time, I was also a big fan of TV shows and movies. I started thinking about all the food that was featured on these shows, and I thought it would be fun to try to recreate them. Plus, I wanted to challenge myself to learn new skills and techniques in the kitchen.
Working with Jon Favreau
Q: You worked with Jon Favreau on “Chef”. What was that experience like?
A: It was amazing. Jon is a great guy and incredibly talented. I learned a lot from him and the whole experience was just really fun. It was my first time working on a movie set, so it was a bit overwhelming at first, but everyone was really supportive and made me feel welcome.
Steak Cooking Tips
Q: Do you have any tips for cooking the perfect steak?
A: Yes! The most important thing is to let the steak come to room temperature before cooking it. This ensures that it cooks evenly. I also like to use a cast-iron skillet because it holds heat really well. And don’t forget to let the steak rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes for a juicier steak.
Andrew Ray’s Background in Cooking
Q: Did you go to culinary school?
A: No, I didn’t. I’m actually just an enthusiastic home cook. I’ve never had any formal training, but I’ve learned a lot over the years from watching cooking shows and experimenting in the kitchen.
Preference for Kosher Salt
Q: Why do you use kosher salt instead of table salt?
A: I like using kosher salt because it’s forgiving and easy to pinch. Plus, it doesn’t have any additives like iodine, which can affect the flavor of the food.
Love for Obscure TV Characters
Q: You seem to have an affinity for naming your online usernames after obscure TV characters. Can you tell us more about that?
A: Haha, yeah. I’ve always been a big TV nerd, so I like to pay homage to some of my favorite characters. It’s a fun little quirk that I have.
Fascination with Zero
Q: You’ve talked before about your fascination with the concept of zero. Can you tell us more about that?
A: Yeah, I don’t know why exactly, but the concept of zero has always fascinated me. I just think it’s a really interesting mathematical concept. I actually want to get a zero tattoo on my neck at some point.
Is Binging with Babish Allergic to Bananas?
Q: Are you allergic to bananas?
A: I’m not sure. I had an allergic reaction to a banana once before my wedding and had to go to the hospital. It was pretty scary. I haven’t tried to disprove that bananas are the cause of my allergy because it’s just too scary.
Andrew Ray’s Cookbooks
Q: You have two cookbooks out now. Can you tell us about them?
A: Sure! The first one is called Eat What You Watch, and it’s all about recreating food from movies and TV shows. The second one is The Binging with Babish Companion Cookbook, which features recipes from the show along with some behind-the-scenes stories and tips.
Conclusion
Andrew Ray, the creative mind behind Binging with Babish, has inspired countless viewers to get in the kitchen and start cooking. From his unique approach to recreating food from movies and TV shows to his preference for using kosher salt, Andrew Ray is a knowledgeable and approachable guide for any home cook. His fascination with zero and love for obscure TV characters only add to his charm.
