The Sweet Life

    I sell fruit.  Fancy huh?  Of all the things I enjoy most, selling fruit is … well, second.  I mean come on, I love educating my customers about farm-fresh produce, but it’s hosting A Lyon in the Kitchen that makes me giggle as I turn off the lights every evening.  I have arrived to a place that feels as natural, and as nurturing, as being back home with my friends and family, and it feels mighty good, I’ll tell you what.

    I don’t know what else I would love doing more than hosting a healthy cooking show.  Looking back on my dysfunctional flow chart called life, the conscious decisions that I made along the way seem to have come together in perfect fruition. From washing dishes, to bussing tables, to waitering, bartending, catering, and even driving cross-country with my buddy Jason without working lights or a functioning speedometer.  Okay fine, scratch the last one, but travel does play an important role in the show too, so let’s keep it on the list.  Everything happens for a reason.

    I love being a part of a community: my immediate neighborhood, the Farmer’s Markets, Discovery Health, and also those who take the time to e-mail in their comments after watching.  We all can benefit from a little loving constructive criticism, and I most certainly appreciate people taking time out of their lives to share their thoughts with me.  Life is funny like that.  Like an old comics clipping from Gary Larson’s “The Far Side,” crazy as it seems, through my comedy of errors called life, to host a healthy cooking show does make sense.  I’ll tell you, I do love selling fruit at the Farmer’s Market, but nothing’s as sweet as finding one’s calling in life. 

Related Links:

A Lyon in the Kitchen site

Nathan's Myspace page

Healthy Living Center

Comments

[Elizabeth Omps]

I watched this show tonight with my little girl, age 8. We watch all the PBS cooking shows on Saturday mornings together and occasionally try the recipes (Often with disaster, sometimes with good results). After seeing Lyon in Kitchen she said, "mommy, he's really having fun, he's my favorite chef." A high compliment from her and I agreed that his enthusiasm truly was palpable. We are going to try to make the tomato/potato gratin tomorrow. She (Amy) appreciated his line about that dish being a good way to get kids to eat vegetables. We'll be watching again. I like to watch Jacques Pepin braise a fish like anyone else, but I'll never do it. I very much appreciate watching regular food made wonderful but a smiling, unpretentious and happy looking person. Good job!

[Jessie]

Hi, I caught part of your show when you were making maple root vegtables, roast turkey and was it apple napolian? Did you make a salad with that? This is what I will be making for this Thanksgiving so I wanted to know everthing that you made that show!. Thanks.

[Carolyn]

Nathan:
I don't normally like cooking shows, but your approach was so different, so I kept watching. Like you, I belonged to a co-op while in college majoring in art education (I'm still teaching after 26 years), but unlike you I lost focus when moving away, and my body paid a high price. A quick intervention was needed when I faced serious medical problems four years ago. Now I am a weight loss success....down 120 lbs since weight loss surgery. Instead of relying only on the surgery to "cure" a lifestyle problem, I have gotten into exercise and healthy eating and have come to love both. My health conditions are gone. With so little room for food, I will only settle for what is the best for me when I prepare and eat meals. Thank you for doing such a wonderful job. You are indeed a great teacher!

[Maria Ramirez]

Hi Nathan,
Caught your show tonight (recorded it from last Thursday) and just love your style and attitude in preparing the meal (Pork Tenderloin). I then went on to this website to read about you and I like your attitude. Keep being positive, fun and charming...you are a great teacher and I have faith that many are watching and learning about how relaxing and fun it can be to cook a fresh, healthy meal. Keep inspiring by living your dream!
Maria