The host of Bite Club and The Great Food Truck Race shares his thoughts on how someone truly learns to cook plus his ultimate desert island food and his crunchy snack obsession.
He’s One of the Food Network OGs
Tyler started with Food Network in 1996. "It’s been an amazing ride," says Tyler. "The table has gotten a lot bigger. There’s always something for everybody."
He Never Underestimates the Power of Organization
Having clean counters and clean surfaces is very important to Tyler. When he sets up a kitchen he designs what he calls the "pivot triangle." The cooktop is at the front of the triangle with a few steps in either direction to the sink and fridge. He suggests that a cook have everything within reach before turning on the heat, including all necessary tools and good-quality kitchen towels.
He Doesn't Cut Corners on His Cutting Board
Everyone should have a good two-foot-long cutting board. "It may cost you a few hundred dollars," says Tyler. Find something big enough where you can cut two heads of lettuce or six or seven tomatoes.
He Says Cooking Is a Language
Learning to cook is like learning a language, says Tyler. If you gravitate towards a cooking style that you understand, you will learn to speak the language. Start with the basics: Learn to fry a perfect egg or make a great guacamole. As you practice, your small successes will stack up to skills, and eventually the ingredients start to speak back to you.
Tyler started washing dishes in a restaurant when he was 15 years old, went on to culinary school and stayed to get his business degree in restaurant management. "Anybody can make a nice scallop, but a really creative chef can bankrupt a restaurant in 6 months flat," he warns.
But He Would Take Sushi With Him on a Desert Island
He could eat this every day for the rest of his life.
He Loves Salt and Vinegar Potato Chips
"I could eat those until my face falls off," gushes Tyler.
He Has Strong Feelings About Toast
He starts most days with a green juice packed with power greens and ginger, but when he’s craving something extra he heads to the toaster. "I’m a toast freak," says Tyler. He likes his toast super crunchy, teetering right on the edge of burnt, with butter, peanut butter and jam.
His Favorite Social Media Platform Is Twitter
"I think Twitter is coming back in a very interesting way. It’s where I get my news."
