So, who is this guy anyway?

Since I started this mish-mash of a Blog called Shoot Finish, I’ve received quite a few messages via Email that all basically say the same thing: “What in the world???”

OK, so maybe the concept IS a tad eccentric – then again, so am I. Suffice to say that in my brain, it all makes sense. I’ve simply taken all of my Loves and combined them so that in one easily accessible place I can proclaim to the world at large – This is me.

In simpler terms for those who just love to have things broken down to their essence, Shoot Finish combines the worlds of Pro Wrestling, Food & Drink, Gaming – and the occasional foray into Politics, although I keep those brief. At first, these may all seem mutually exclusive. But anyone (And I mean anyone) actually digging deep down will discover there are links.

It’s no secret that a Wrestler like any athlete runs on the correct application of Food & Drink. And a good number of them actually like those comestibles to be of the gourmet variety – or at the very least they have to TASTE good. And likewise Wrestlers, despite their undeserved reputations, love to have fun – hence Gaming. Opinions about the world around them – Politics.

See? It all makes sense.

Well, I guess there’s no avoiding it now. Yes, I have been asked specific questions, and I will do my best to answer them. After all, you the reading audience deserves my best. At the very least you deserve 95%, and since that’s easier to give.. no, no – 100% or nothing.

So please, sit back and consider this an FAQ for Food Fight – and decide for yourself from this point on if what I tell you on key issues – Recipes, places to eat, tips – are on the money, or just insane ranting.

1) Do you have any education about this, or do you pull it out your ear (Real word replaced for our younger readers!)?

Let me say this right off the bat – in my opinion Education about Food is vastly overrated. Sure, as a Chef, being trained at Le Cordon Bleu gives you cred – but I can name 100 housewives that can outcook them with the only training being at their mother’s knee. Can’t be a Sommelier unless you take classes and exams – but you don’t need a parchment to tell your tastebuds what’s delicious.

With that said – yes, I have some training. I attended the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, which ironically NOW is Cordon Bleu affiliated. Add to that 20+ years in the food business, and there ya go.

2) Do you actually make the recipes you post, use the products or visit the restaurants you write about?

Danged right I do. In some cases with recipes I have modified I will give credit where due – otherwise it’s all me.

3) Will you Rate/Review my Restaurant/Product?

Yes, I will – provided I can afford it or am supplied with a Demo of the product – or Gift Certificates in the case of a Restaurant. If the restaurant is not local to me (Las Vegas, NV), you may have to wait until I visit whatever City your establishment is in – or you can buy me round trip air (Just kidding. Really).

What I will NOT do is accept Cash or be comped to a meal, as either of those can be twisted to look as if I am being paid for a review. And while I am not above getting “free stuff”, Reviews are based only upon my perception of the Product, not the fact you sent a case when I only need one. Just a word of warning there.

3) Why does Food Fight also appear on OutImpact.com?

For those who don’t know yet, my BFF is the Creator, Owner and Operator of Out Impact Inc, a gay omnimedia company for both gay men and women with a strong focus on making a positive impact in the gay community. I am happy to say I was some small amount of help in getting things rolling, and when offered the chance to be an Editor for them, I jumped at it. As such, Food Fight got what amounts to a Syndication partner in OI – and what Writer doesn’t want to see their work spread?

PS: I am the “Token Straight” guy who works for OI. I only mention this because my Wife is making me state clearly that “I am taken”. Love you honey!

4) Can I give you money?

Sure you can. Low denomination, US bills please – checks take too long to clear for my taste.

Seriously though, I am a Writer. If you have any Writing related work you feel I would be a fit for, don’t hesitate to pitch the idea. However, I do not work for Free unless arranged in advance for certain entities such as Charitable organizations.

So there you have it, a few of the more focused questions I have received. I’ll answer more in future installments, but really folks – try to keep it about food, k?