Franklin Park's Farmerie competes on "Iron Chef"
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Franklin Park native Brad Farmerie will take on Iron Chef Cat Cora.
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When Jim and Linda Farmerie invite friends and family to watch "Iron Chef" at their Valencia home next weekend, the party fare isn't going to be chips and dip.
Instead, think baguettes topped with eggplant spread and fresh mozzarella, ground pork and veal pate with pistachios and brandy, savory mushroom and parmesan bread pudding, olives baked in red wine, maple syrup mousse and chocolate cherry hazelnut bark.
The sophisticated menu is fitting. That's because the Farmeries' son, Brad, will be the one they're gathering to watch.
Brad Farmerie, a Franklin Park native who graduated from North Allegheny High School in 1991, will be competing on Sunday night's episode against Iron Chef Cat Cora.
He gained culinary experience through travels in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia and is the executive chef of two New York City restaurants: Public, which has earned a Michelin star, and Double Crown.
It's no mystery how Brad gained his culinary start given the Farmeries' clear love of all things food.
For 15 years, Mrs. Farmerie never bought a loaf of bread, preferring to bake it herself from scratch, and produce in summer came from either the family garden or a community-supported agriculture subscription. She also let each of her children, beginning at age 5, plan a meal once a week and help cook it.
"We were always trying new things. My goal was to make two or three new dishes each week, to get them interested in food."
But she takes no credit for her son's current success.
"He always says, 'Everything I learned, I learned from you,' but that's not true at all," she laughs. "He's far outstripped me."
Now, it's Mrs. Farmerie who is receiving culinary guidance from her son. Drinks for Sunday's party? A white summer sangria using Brad's recipe from Public.
First Published August 20, 2009 12:00 am
