That Dirty Italian Soul

Memorial Day 16' with Larry Martin Jr. of "Cooking With Larry"

(The day's second course of Coleslaw & Scallops)

On May 22, 2016 my family unexpectedly received news of the passing of my uncle Bobby Gene Odom Sr. My Uncle Bobby was a very loving and personable man that loved to make people laugh and most of all EAT. You're probably thinking "Everyone loves to eat," but let me tell you, he didn't get the nickname "Yum Yum" from his brother for nothing. 

During our time of mourning, my life crossed paths with Larry Martin Jr. thanks to the aid of a long time friend Laneisha "Queen" Frederick. As an up and coming chef, Larry needed a few of my services to help establish his brand. As a young entrepreneur that loves assisting other young entrepreneurs there was a natural affinity for Chef Larry after he told me his story and aspirations. 
From our initial conversation, "Chef" as my mother calls him, was very empathetic to what our family was going through and wanted to do something that would help us all. Everything from that point is history.

Chef Larry treated 30 of my family members to a delicious three course meal that included two choices of desserts. Our first course was scrumptious shrimp & grits topped with a full flavor tomato sauce and drizzled cheese in golden rimmed wine glasses. For our second course, Chef provided delicious coleslaw and scallops. Coleslaw has never been in high demand during our family get-togethers but today was different. There were people who "don't eat coleslaw" licking their forks like famished animals asking for more. As the final course, Chef provided the choice of Chicken/Shrimp/Sausage Alfredo which was absolutely a pleasure to eat. As a Chicken Alfredo enthusiast that has eaten the dish from MANY restaurants, I can truthfully say that Larry's Chicken Alfredo was the best I have ever had. Ever. Period. No contest. 

My family enjoyed everything that he prepared, and also the cakes his grandmother baked for us. Fact: It is very easy to clean up and wash dishes when they come back inside empty and seemingly licked clean. My Uncle Bobby would have had a field day today. I could picture him falling asleep in a chair after stuffing himself full of food. That thought alone is enough to take me to bed with a smile on my face. 

He came as Chef Larry, and left as family. I can't wait until the next time.   

 

More photos can be found @ http://www.shuttercrush.com/cookingwithlarry