What's it ALL about??

Goood Morning!!
It's going to be a GREAT day, and you know why? Because we're all in it together! I told you a little about this blog yesterday, and now I'm going to give you a little more info about me so you can really understand where I'm coming and going. Many people in our town of "G-Vegas" know me as their former personal trainer. Yep, it's true: I was a personal trainer and martial arts instructor for over 25 years. I was also a strength coach at Clemson U. (GO TIGERS!!). So how did I get into the "cooking business"? Well, my family was raised in it in the lovely town of Clemson. My dad began in the business with a Dairy Queen in the mid-'60's. By the age of 8, I was working the grill, making awesome hamburgers and more. Oh yeah, I could make that DQ "curly-Q" on the ice cream treats as well. In the early 1970's, my dad opened a supper club called The Foxfire, where he played tenor sax with a little combo. He had played with the big swing bands in the '40's, but had to give up his shot at SuperStardom due to the fact he had SEVEN Screamin' kids. I was #6, and I was "perfect", of course. During that time, my brother, Lee, taught me so much about food. We specialized in Prime Rib at the time, and he really gave me opportunities that teens my age would fight for now. Later in 1978, Dad founded Calhoun Corners Restaurant. I really began to hone my craft at that time, developing many signature dishes. Dad sold the restaurant and Lee and his partner bought it back about 1 1/2 years later. They would go on to purchase Pixie and Bill's as well, a restaurant where Lee began his culinary career back in the early '70's. By this time I was working in the restaurant, training players at Clemson, competing in martial arts, D.J.'ing in nightclubs, and doing a radio show. Did I mention I was a Clemson Student as well? OMG, sleep was VERY overrated at this time!! Sometimes I would wake up at my usual 4 a.m. and think, "where am I going NOW"?? It was fun. If that wasn't enough, Daddy opened another fine dining establishment in Seneca, SC called The Seneca House. Catchy name, huh? I was the executive chef there, and really had the opportunity to practice my skills. I developed many signature dishes for this place, and a couple that really kicked my, uh, HEAD in, so to speak (DON'T serve difficult dishes on Clemson Game nights when you're already BOOKED UP!! Instant Death, pal.) Well, after years of training and helping Lee from time to time in the restaurants, I "retired" from personal training and sold my club, only to continue training a few friends at their homes. Several of them convinced me to get back to my roots of cooking and being around the industry, so I began working in the appliance business in 2002. This came so natural to me, as I have cooked so much and felt like I could give folks really sound advice. I worked for a building supply company where I was the appliance mgr. We also specialized in kitchen design and cabinetry. I became a kitchen designer as well. Then my friend John came a-knockin', and I turned him down at first to come here to The Cook's Station. We were friends, and I didn't want anything to come between that. After over a year of discussions, and lots of prayer with my lovely bride Linda, I realized that I belonged with John and Kelly. I am SOOO very happy now! I work with lots of wonderful customers, helping them design their kitchens with wonderful appliances. As part of my job, I go to their homes after completion and cook with them, thus making sure they understand how to use all their appliances. As the corporate chef here, I also teach many of the cooking classes, handle the wines, and make tasty treats whenever I want to. I ask you now: HOW COOL IS THAT???? Hmm? Now you know a little about me and my experience, and my goal is to speak with you about "Real Food cooked by Real People". We're going to have a lot of fun with this blog, and I need your help as well. Let me know what you want to talk about, and we'll explore it. On my next post, we're going to talk about our cooking classes, the first one being "Tailgating 101". Hey, people, it's almost Football Season, the MOST important time of the year! So you better know how to enjoy the tailgating, don't you think? I'll be on this one tomorrow.....or today, as long the the Carpal Tunnel Syndrome doesnt' set in. Until next time, Cheers!
Mark "Chunkman" Pollard, Chef, Salesman, friend and husband of a Princess