"The Culinary Counsellor"

I guess you need to know something about the person behind this adventure.  First you should know that I am an anomaly; not sure of who I am but I keep on going, trying to find out that answer.  I am the type of personality that doesn't talk about doing something . . . I do it!  So who is this character that refers to himself as the Culinary Counsellor; why it is me of course, who else did you expect . . . Mario Battoli?  My other profession is a lawyer (ugh), who rather be immersed in the toils of food recipes and the creative side of life, like Italian-Food-Store.com. 

Although I am an obscure entity, having achieved little or no notoriety, (I guess you  could say that I have done a great job of avoiding wanted posters in my pursuit of the illusive fame and fortune), nevertheless, as I continue to wander aimlessly through my journey in life, I  decided  that while I could not stop the aging process, it didn’t mean I could not remain young in my thinking, ergo, I decided never to grow up; and what keeps me young it my thirst for new adventures. And most importantly I understand that reality is for those who lack the ability to imagine and be creative., so while I pursue my endeavors, I continue to  remain somewhat auspicious although I am also the type of personality that believes in the idea that he is somewhat of a legend in his own right, or at least in his own mind; otherwise who else will think so!

It has been said that you cannot let others define who you are and I think I have done a good job of that.   Of course being a lawyer carries with it a certain amount of pretentiousness and egocentricity, therfore I am entitled to elevate that perception to a new dimension, ergo, "The Culinary Counsellor" the creator of ItalianFoodStore.com and Anna's Simply Italian and of course, my autobiographical cookbook.  I also am setting my eye towards cooking classes and have done several gourmet catered dinners for small private parties.  Like most of us I try to make the best out of life, although I must admit it has been quite tumultuous (by my own doing), and at times it has tried to make me say  “uncle”, but no-way.  I do  have to say it has been good on a different dimension and as I approach the so-called golden years, and I would like for it to continue a while longer . . .actually a lot longer.  So please God, take some other son of a bitch and then I can pray for his soul!  

At one time, I was on my way to becoming a great attorney, but I made a turn down a road that seems to have no clear path back to the main highway.  So while I continue down this road that runs adjacent to my professional career path, I discovered that I was able to switch back and forth and like its counterpart to sexual identification “bisexual”, I just became the culinary version  . . . “bi-professional”!  And while this dichotomy (the mental war), continues to battle with my two psyches I am kind of happy doing both.

I am able to cope with this dual personality because of a life changing experience.  As a young eighteen year, life had its first realization that you are no longer a kid having fun.  It changed when I stepped off a bus at a place called Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina. Although it has been a long time, as I look back it was like yesterday.  It was the best decision I made, because everything since then is a result of that decision.  It was not fun, it was serious as we "we were forged on the anvil of discipline" while understanding that the word "can't" is something only quitters would use.  So my thanks to my Drill Instructors, then Sergeant A. R. Cowan (Now Retired Sergeant Major Cowan); Sergeant D.E. Roberts and Corporal Boothby!  Okay got a sense of where my head is at?  Good!

Back to the introduction, the wonderful thing about cooking and baking is that anyone who has a mind to, can do it.  Some of course will do it better than others; hmmmm, but practice does allow one to achieve a certain level of competency.  For me, like the law, it is a continual learning experience.  You have to remember that I am self taught in the culinary world, although I hold titles they are not from culinary schools.  In any event, I am accomplished in that sense and therefore capable of sharing with you my recipes and satire. So come along for the ride! 

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The Few-The Proud-The Marines 

The Culinary Counsellor