The Takeout Advocate

iVillage: What His Cooking Style Says About His Personality

“This host loves food, but has little interest in cooking or cleaning up, and perceives those things as a chore rather than an enjoyment,” says Castrigno. “Usually some considerable effort has gone into finding takeout places that offer good quality for a reasonable price, though.” He may not cook, but he likely “assembles” meals well!

Spice Things Up: Open the wine and praise your host’s menu selections. Or if ordering together, have fun perusing the delivery options and choosing an a la carte smorgasbord together.

“Get ready a fun evening…you might even find yourself sitting on the living room floor eating out of the containers picnic style!” says Castrigno. Less cleanup means more time for other mouth-watering activities!

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The Free Spirit

Does he let inspiration dictate his menu? People who regularly cook sans recipe tend to be creative thinkers. “When determining ingredients, seasonings, times and temperatures, they turn to personal thoughts, experiences and feelings,” says Tom Castrigno, a personal chef in Colorado and founder of HealthyMealsMadeEasily.com. “Choosing a cooking method -- such as poaching versus baking -- is usually based on mood.” This chef likely holds an image in mind of the finished dish, and uses that as guidance for to what to do next. These are attributes of “creative” types who are often very sensitive to their surroundings.

Spice Things Up: Sharing in meal preparation with this cook can be a challenge. Since he is making it up as he goes along, he may not be able to direct another person on what tasks need to be done as the meal evolves. Your best bet? Provide “damage control.” Keep the sink clear and put away ingredients as they are done being used. In both cases, be sure to ask if the chef is through with the item. Offering suggestions or asking if a certain ingredient will be included is generally ill-advised -- these may be perceived as critiques. Your contribution to the meal in the form of music, candles, or a creative table setting will be appreciated and will show the chef that you have a creative streak too. Let this bit of teamwork lead to other “collaborations.”

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The Mix and Matc...

This fairly analytical cook will usually use a combination of packaged and fresh foods. “These people are concerned with nutrition but also enjoy the convenience of packaged foods, so they look for opportunities to achieve both goals, often adding their own special touch (such as a seasoning or additional ingredient) to the packaged item,” says Castrigno. Think: sautéing some mushrooms with fresh garlic and adding them to a jarred spaghetti sauce. They happily follow directions, feeling relief at not having to figure the whole meal out by themselves. The idea for the meal possibly came from a magazine or advertisement because this type of person likes to have a framework in place. But they’re still open to suggestions.

Spice Things Up: Sharing in meal preparation with a mix and matcher can be fairly simple. Delegating tasks becomes much easier for the chef when he can refer a helper to written directions. In this case, the best way to pitch in may be to assemble and measure ingredients or spices. Be sure to give clear signals of how you want the evening to end up. Playing hard to get with a person like this is likely to backfire.

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The Grill Master

This is a “Man’s way to cook!” Chefs who cook this way tend to be pretty masculine and usually ascribe to the “bigger is better” school of cooking. “A full rack of ribs, the fattest T-Bone they can find, or the longest, thickest brats on the block are trademarks for these chefs,” says Castrigno. “It’s all about taste with hearty marinades and rich sauces.” Just like their counterparts who would never ask for directions, this chef knows what he’s doing. From preparing the grill to determining cooking times, it’s all instinct and meant to impress. Though the Grill Master likes to be in control and call the shots, underneath the tough exterior can be a tender ego that responds very well to praise.

Spice Things Up: Don’t suggest that the meal is too heavy. Simply say you’d like something else to go along with it, and then be prepared to make it yourself. If it’s a piece of chicken breast, defer to the chef’s expertise and allow him to grill it for you -- which he will do happily. In other words, hands off his grill! Instead, act as courier between the kitchen and the grill so the chef can keep a close eye on the main attraction.

“After the finger licking and lip smacking over the meal is done, you can expect to be next on the menu!” says Castrigno.

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The Curious Food...

This chef is up on the latest trends and must-try ingredients. They tend to be extroverts and look to experts for guidance. “Foodies will carefully follow procedure and go to any length to secure the ingredients,” says Castrigno. “This chef will be extremely focused on the meal and have great reverence for the ingredients being used.” This type is all about trying new things, whether in the kitchen or anywhere else for that matter!

Spice Things Up: Get excited to try something new. Stay close at hand to the chef and be ready for surprises. Allow your foodie to get absorbed in the preparation of the meal and do your best to stay one step ahead by having necessary ingredients and equipment ready to go. Offer to do “side work,” such as preparing garnishes and accents like fresh herbs, lemon wedges, chopped nuts, etc. These chefs will use many different utensils so be prepared for a bit of a mess in the kitchen. Foodies love to share their discoveries, and your appreciation will show that your sense of wonder is intact -- a turn on for them.

“Open your mind and mouth for a sensual treat that will look fabulous, smell wonderful, and taste amazing,” says Castrigno. “Savor this meal, linger over it, relax and relive it afterwards. The dishes will still be there whenever you get to them.”

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The Microwave Go...

Time is of the essence for this chef. “Microwaves are fast and food can often be cooked in the same vessel it is served in, saving valuable cleanup time,” says Castrigno. “Spending time in the kitchen is a lower priority than focusing on their guest.” This guy is not interested in complicated directions. A few simple guidelines are all that’s needed. Convenience is key. Some may start a dish in the “wave” and finish it by another method, such as crisping up a baked potato in the oven, just to add some variety…but don’t count on it.

Spice Things Up: Not a lot to do but pour the wine, smile and make conversation. Soak up the attention and let him perform his magic. Keep dates with this type simple and have fun.

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The Passionate V...

“Many celebrities have embraced a vegetarian diet, such as Tobey Maguire, Shania Twain, Anne Hathaway and Olivia Wilde,” says Castrigno. “Generally, vegetarians are concerned with health, the environment, humane treatment for animals, or all of the above. “ Vegetarian chefs are compassionate. They are willing to spend extra time in the kitchen for the benefits of lower fat intake and not harming animals.

Spice Things Up: Get ready to wash, slice and chop lots and lots of vegetables. Always ask how much of a vegetable needs to be prepped for cooking; nothing is worse to a vegetarian than food waste. Carefully put away remaining foods in the fridge to prevent them from spoiling prematurely. And always recycle containers, foils, jars, etc…. This type may also be “green” in other ways. So brush up on your environmental awareness so you can make good dinner conversation. All vegetarians like to be around people who share their values to one degree or another. Don’t try to fake it. Nobody likes to be patronized.

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The Nurturer

We’re talking comfort food here. These chefs are all about taking care of their guests. “There will be an incredible amount of love poured into this meal,” says Castrigno. “Dishes will often be prepared from memory, or using a recipe written on a piece of paper that is many years old.” While the ingredients used may not be as health-conscious as today’s consumer trends, they’ll probably make you feel as if you’ve been hugged.'

Spice Things Up: You may lend a hand by assembling ingredients and keeping the sink clear, but when it comes to the cooking don’t get too involved. Remember, this chef wants to nurture and preparing the meal for you is a big part of that. Be careful not to take that pleasure away. Be sure and tell them how nice it is to have them cook for you. They can’t hear it enough. The more you soak up the experience, the more the nurturer will ladle it on.

“Allow the tastes and smells to carry you back to happy times,” says Castrigno. “These two senses are big memory triggers.” It may not be the most nutritious meal, but it will be very enjoyable. Plan for some serious cuddle time afterward.

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The Takeout Advo...

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The Fat-Free Fan...

“This chef is very focused on health and weight control in particular,” says Castrigno. “There may be some insecurity issues going on or doubts about self image, as well as some need to control what they put in a recipe in order for them to enjoy the meal without guilt.” This chef will go extra lengths in the kitchen to meet their goals. There may be lots of precise measuring of ingredients, dietary “points” tallied and carefully portion-controlled servings.

Spice Things Up: Treat the meal as you would any other. Don’t bat an eye at any substitutions or modifications. Be encouraging about how good the meal will be. Don’t be afraid to be supportive by helping measure or weigh out ingredients. This chef needs to feel in control. The challenge is to let him feel that way without sacrificing your own needs or desires. If you can find the balance, you’ll both be ready for a healthy dessert.

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The Exotic Explo...

This chef likes to go off the beaten track. “Ethnic foods offer intrigue, mysterious flavors, and are often very healthful,” says Castrigno. “These people are open-minded and see the world as one big community.” What better way to connect with another culture than through its food? The chef will likely follow a recipe and may also interpret a dish they had in a restaurant with what they have on hand. They’re not afraid to experiment, grow and learn. This is a person who is willing to step outside of his comfort zone, palate and otherwise.

Spice Things Up: Things can get cooking fast with your chef -- literally. For example, Asian cuisines can cook quickly, so be prepared to get a move on it when your chef asks for help. Grouping ingredients by the stage in which they are added is very useful. Always be ready for spontaneity, whether it’s the latest flick or a last minute weekend away. In this case, the journey is definitely just as important as the destination.

“This meal will be memorable and possibly even a new journey into foreign territory for you,” says Castrigno. “There will be lots of different flavors even if there are only a few dishes…and get ready for some spice, on the dinner table and in this relationship.”

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