The Wanderlust

When I look back over the past 30 years and begin to place all my experience in order and flesh them out into small stories for this blog I wish facebook had been around then so that I could have stayed connected with some of the wonderful characters that I met along the way.  As it was I kept moving forward in my travels and have rarely looked back until now.

My longing to travel, quest as it were started at a young age.  I played fantasy games in worlds of adventure and my characters was always traveling around seeking fame and glory in the world.  Well it appears that I have attempted to do the same in my life.  But rather than wielding sword, shield and magical armor I have wielded my culinary skill, wit and faith in my journey.

A quick review of my travels in a somewhat accurate chronological order of occurrence:  New Mexico, Texas, Alberta, Colorado, California, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Ontario, Nebraska, Oregon, Idaho, Wales, Scotland, Idaho, Nebraska, South Dakota, New York, Washington, New York.  This list will assuredly increase as I plan on cooking for another 30 years and I have not yet beaten the wanderlust inside of me into submission.  It just grows more focused.

The first part of this blog will detail some of the stories and journeys of my past.  I hope you enjoy the, Journeys of the Vagabondchef.

What is a Vagabondchef?

A vagabond is an itinerant person. The word is derived from the Latin adjective vagabundus, “inclined to wander”, from the verb vagor, “wander”. It does not denote a member of a nomadic people, but rather an individual who follows a wandering lifestyle within a sedentary society. A vagabond is characterized by almost continuous traveling, lacking a fixed home, temporary abode, or permanent residence. Vagabonds are not bums, as bums are not known for traveling, preferring to stay in one location.

A chef is a person who cooks professionally for other people. Although over time the term has come to describe any person who cooks for a living, traditionally it refers to a highly skilled professional who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation.

The word "chef" is borrowed (and shortened) from the French term chef de cuisine, the director or head of a kitchen. (The French word comes from Latin caput and is cognate with English "chief".) In English, the title "chef" in the culinary profession originated in the haute cuisine of the 19th century. Today it is sometimes used to refer to any professional cook, regardless of rank.

(Definitions courtesy of Wikipedia)

Here is the basis of the compound word Vagabondchef.  When you take a look at my life they combine very nicely.  I have cooked professionally since I was fifteen years old and I have traveled around the United States, regions of Canada and the United Kingdom cooking, exploring and enjoying life.  All in a quest to "spoudazo", or "make the most" of my journey on this earth.