Chef Thomas Answers Your Food Questions

Do you want to learn how to prepare a special meal for that special person in your life?  Do you need help with a dish or recipe that didn’t turn out well?   At Café 1017 Chef Thomas can answer all your questions about food, from preparing meals on a low budget, to restaurant etiquette, food substitutions, quick, healthy and great tasting meals for the working parent or the busy executive, and so much more. Ask Chef Thomas your food questions by completing the attached form.

You can now sign onto our food discussion forum to chat with other food enthusiasts, share recipes and food stories and find scrumptious recipes to prepare for your next meal.

NeCol – North Carolina

Question:  I am looking to eat healthy. What is a good recipe for steam vegetables?

Chef Thomas:  Congratulations on your dedication to living a healthier lifestyle. I am enclosing two of my favorite low-fat recipes (Steam Vegetables with Curry Honey Sauce and Broccoli Salad Recipe). Enjoy!!

DeBorah – North Carolina

Question:  What are some of your favorite foods to prepare and that you > like to eat yourself?

Chef Thomas:  I am including a copy of my favorite recipe (Pecan Crusted Scallops with Jasmine Rice). Scallops are my favorite. This is a light and refreshing recipe that works perfectly for spring. I hope that you enjoy it. Have a great day!!!

Alisa C. – Maryland

Question:  How can I prepare veggies and comfort foods such as macaroni and cheese in a healthy but delicious way?

Chef Thomas:  Vegetables may be cooked healthier by blanching the item in hot water then shocking it in an ice bath, then sautéing them with a light salad oil and seasoned with pepper. 

Bea R.  – Virginia

Question:  What ingredients can be substituted when preparing a cake for someone who is allergic to all dairy products and nuts and who eats only small amounts of food containing white granulated sugar?

Chef Thomas:  Soy products are always a good substitute for milk and dairy products.  Splenda is a great substitute for pure can sugar

Question:  I have always had difficulty cooking steaks -- they always turn out tough.  Should I use a particular cut of meat and what’s the best way to cook the meat?

Chef Thomas:  Tenderloin is the tenderest cut of beef.  The easiest way to cook a steak is by char-grilling.  Most people overcook their steaks by cooking them medium well to well done.  Cooking beef at these temperatures tends to extract all of the fat from the beef and makes it tough to eat.  I suggest cooking beef to a temperature of medium rare.  This will provide a juicy, tender steak that you will enjoy.

Read other questions and answers about Chef Sean Thomas