The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Cooking Sensation
Milan caterer to join festival
By Kevin Korpal, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: January 24, 2008
Local caterer and Milan native Christian Thompson, owner of Christian's Catering, has been invited to participate in the Food Network's South Beach Food and Wine Festival in Miami at the end of February.
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Thompson, 40, was invited to the festival last spring. He has some experience with the Food Network, having been on "Everyday Italian" with Food Network star Giada De Laurentiis. Thompson's cousin, Todd, is married to De Laurentiis.
"It's all about who you know," Thompson said, referring to his opportunity to appear on the Food Network. "You still have to know what you're doing, but it helps."
There will be various Food Network stars at the festival, including Tyler Florence, Mario Batali and Rachel Ray. The festival runs from Feb. 21 through 24. Thompson will participate in the MoÎt & Chandon BubbleQ hosted by De Laurentiis.
"It's a great honor just to be asked to do it," Thompson said. "It's just really neat to do something around so many household names."
Thompson is also offering cooking classes at his kitchen in downtown Milan. Last week, he featured what he would be cooking in Miami. Thompson's style of cooking is best described by him as "simple elegance." He says he enjoys offering the classes because he has a lot of fun and they offer great exposure for himself and his business.
"I like seeing those repeat people coming back," he said. "You get that instant gratification, knowing they enjoy it.
"It's a heady feeling when they tell you how much they enjoy the food. I can understand why teachers teach. It's fun. Bottom line."
Thompson offers two sets of classes each year, three in the spring and three in the fall.
For more information, call 439-3663.
Kevin Korpal is an intern at the newspapers. He can be reached at kkorpal@emich.edu.
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