OCEAN CITY — Winner of the second season of Food Network’s Extreme Chef, Terry French will be taking attendees on a culinary adventure as he takes the stage on Sunday, March 9 during the 40th Annual Ocean City Spring Trade Expo.
Otherwise known as the “Rebel Chef,” French will lead folks through a Taste of the South Pacific during his demonstration. Alongside him will be Papa’s Pilar Rum.
Born in Evansville, Ind., French grew up cooking with his family, crediting his upbringing for most of his foraging abilities during the Extreme Chef competition. His father taught him how to hunt and fish at a young age. Before graduating from Scottsdale Culinary Institute and apprenticeships in continental European and Asian cuisine, French served in the US Navy completing two world tours. French also spent nine years as a tournament fisherman, nine years as a first mate on a sport-fishing boat and is a US Coast Guard licensed captain.
While serving in the Navy, Billy Idol’s song “Rebel Yell” gave he and his fellow mates’ constant motivation. “Rebel” seemed to stick. To French, being a rebel means not following standard procedure and always looking for another way to do something. He is focused on following passion and being true to one’s self.
During his time in the Navy, he worked on F-14’s and F-18’s, later being assigned temporary duty in the produce section where everyone took a turn. His cooking skills were noticed by Navy senior officers when he took dehydrated shrimp and mixed it with canned jalapenos, canned pineapples and canned maraschino cherries. The dehydrated shrimp soaked up the juice and became an instant hit leading to opportunities to smoke cigars and play cards with senior officers.
Putting passion and fun into the preparation of making food and making each bite a memorable experience is what makes this Rebel Chef happy. He can certainly rule the kitchen, but it is his wild outrageous side, and his love for cooking outdoors that gets his heart pumping.
“Having all the tools a chef could desire is fantastic, but the challenge of creating exquisite dishes in adventurous situations and extreme elements, that truly ignites my passion,” said French.
Attendees to the Trade Expo can watch him create a little magic on the “Red, White & Brew Stage” beginning at noon on March 9. The expo is only open to the trade and you must be 21 to attend. For complete details, visit www.oceancitytradeexpo.com.