Saint David's Magazine Vol. 34 No 1 | Page 65

GEN E R ATIONS
own personalities…Social media helps to stay in touch with
friends. Although I may not see some classmates for years, it’s
always a pleasure to reminisce about good times when we are
able to connect.
Q: Can you connect your passion for cooking with an
experience you may have had at Saint David’s?
A: I recall the kitchen and lunchroom being a heaven to
me – it was the first place I had tortellini – or gelato! It was
the first time I had eaten meat that wasn’t overly cooked! I
remember Ms. Gilbert giving me marzipan after I aced my
Spanish vocabulary quiz. I remember going to Cape Cod and
eating sea pickles out of the water. Saint David’s taught me to
be fearless in trying new flavors and foods.
Q: What has it been like to participate on a national stage
for this show?
A: People are watching as you attempt to perform; you want
to show your skills under pressure. During my years at Saint
David’s, I played three sports (soccer, basketball, baseball) so
competition isn’t new to me. The mission “that they be good
men” has always been a personal mantra that stays with me.
Q: The Saint David’s community is passionate about
cooking – and thrilled for your success. Can you tell
us more about your passion for cooking and how it has
evolved over the years?
A: I don’t think my story is super unique. But what I choose
to do is. Why food? - it’s my art form. I love to eat but
noticed early on how food can bring people together. Sharing
a cookie at lunch, swapping what mom makes. Thanksgiving
with families. Potlucks for kids. Watching how culture comes
together is warm. As a lover of life and people, I revel in the
idea that my food can bring people together…As a Nigerian
boy, I recall being turned off by the smells and soups that my
mom cooked – as it was “different” than what others had.
Having an exposure to other foods in the Bronx – Jamaican,
Chinese, pizza, patties, such an array. Over time, I became
more open about my own culture and grew to love Nigerian
– and my mom’s – cooking as a whole. I want to show the
world these flavors and share stories with them.
Q: For those who want to follow in your footsteps and
share this culinary passion, what would you recommend
they do to improve their skills in the kitchen?
A: Eat and try everything. Learn from others. Ask questions.
The cooking community uses language and has its own
vocabulary. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know
something. It’s okay to be ignorant at first if you’re willing to
learn from it. We’re all teachers – and students!
Special thanks to MasterChef/FOX and EndemolShine North America for providing access to Saint David’s school alum and contestant Wuta Onda
’02. This past year, MasterChef celebrated its tenth milestone season on the FOX network.
Photos © 2019 FOX MEDIA LLC. CR: Michael Becker/FOX