Q&A: Does Chef Curtis Stone Cook on Vacation?

by  Hilary Sheinbaum | Oct 9, 2014
Gourmet meal
Gourmet meal / triocean/iStock

Once upon a time, Australian Chef Curtis Stone had a misconception about American food.

“Before I moved to the States, when I thought of American food, my mind turned to comfort food: potpies, fried chicken, barbecue,” says Curtis. “But, the truth is, America is so geographically big and can’t be generalized as a whole – it's full of little cultures.”

Aside from discovering L.A.’s incredible Mexican food, since his pilgrimage to America, Curtis met the love of his life Lindsay Price. The two live in L.A., but Curtis makes trips to his homeland quite often, and the cute couple travels together, too.

Read on for our exclusive chat with the studly chef.

Q: While on vacation, do you cook?
A: I love to cook on holidays! Especially on those relaxing, chilled out holidays where all you need to think about is the beach, a good book, and good food. I mainly cook up simple brunches and big dinners using local, fresh produce. My family and I got to hang out at our friends’ place in South Carolina over the summer, and I was cooking all the time down there. There was a seafood spread my wife Lindsay and I prepared for our friends hosting us - nobody went hungry.

Q: What snacks do you pack for flying?
A: I’m probably a little too relaxed when it comes to flying. I somehow manage to get myself to the airport only seconds before the check-in gate closes and have to race through security pretty darn fast to make my flight. I just take very simple snacks that are grab-and-go such as raw almonds, dates, and a little chocolate. I’m a self-confessed chocoholic, so it’s always comforting to have some stashed away close by for when those cravings creep up.

Q: Where did you travel last?
A: Right now, I’m in Melbourne, Australia. I grew up in Melbourne, but live in L.A. I’m lucky enough to travel back for work about five or six times a year though, which is ideal because I get to work and see my family and friends -- big score. I’m off to Byron Bay, about a 2-hour flight north of Melbourne, in a couple of days to do some filming with an old buddy of mine. Byron is an awesome little surfer town in northern New South Wales. The beaches are stunning and the pub is a pretty famous hangout, as it sports incredible beach views and hosts plenty of live bands. If you’re young, old, or in-between and heading to Oz, I recommend going to Byron -- there’s something for everyone, you won’t be disappointed.

Q: Where is your favorite place to travel?
A: Miami is one of my favorite places in the world. I could die there quite happily. Everyone has a fun attitude. The nightlife, the restaurants, the vibe, the clubs. The beach is sensational, the weather is brilliant. I like everything about it.

Q: Where haven't you been that you would like to go?
A: Lindsay is half Korean, so I’m itching to go to Korea with her and our little boys, Hudson and Emerson. I’ve traveled through a lot of Asia but never to Korea. I love their food, and I’ve been introduced to so many of their incredible traditions through Linds and her family. On New Year’s Day, Lindsay’s mum always makes a generous batch of wonton soup, which basically consists of a really flavorsome broth with delicious, little wontons floating in it. I can imagine our family traditions will become even more special and meaningful once I’ve been there.

Q: What is the coolest souvenir you've bought while abroad?
A: I went to Japan recently to place called Seki, to meet with samurai sword-makers, as I was in the initial stages on creating my line of knives. I was lucky enough to be gifted an original fine Japanese knife. I take it with me everywhere -- a chef’s wingman in the kitchen is a good, sharp knife.

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