THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 14, 1994 TAG: 9409130133
SECTION: ISLE OF WIGHT CITIZEN PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
Jeff McClure began experimenting in the kitchen when he was 15 years old.
Before long he was hooked on the challenge of creating interesting tasting and looking foods.
``I thought, this would be a good profession to be in because you'd never be without a job in the food business. People will never stop eating.
``And cooking is an art. It's not just something you do,'' he said.
McClure was hired by Smithfield Station recently after working as a chef at a 140-seat seafood restaurant in New York state for nine years.
Smithfield Station will be his second job as a chef. And McClure said he plans use his creative juices to add to the restaurant's menu.
``There'll be a few changes down the road, but I'm not going to say what right now. It will be in the area of seafood, however.''
McClure, 30, said he still likes to experiment with different ingredients in the kitchen. And sometimes those experiments lead to creating new entrees for the items.
But not everyone is into experimenting.
``Everyone has their own way of doing things. But the bottom line is that you want good end results.''
Name: Jeff McClure.
What brought you to Isle of Wight: A job with Smithfield Station.
Hometown: Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Birthdate: Dec. 17, 1963.
Nickname: None.
Occupation: Chef.
Marital status: Married.
Children: Three.
Favorite movies: ``Raiders of the Lost Ark.''
Favorite magazine: ``Culinary Review.''
A book you wish everyone would read, why? I don't read books. I read professional materials.
Favorite night out on the town: Go out to eat and then to a movie.
Favorite bar or restaurant: Smithfield Station.
Favorite food and drink: Mountain Dew, seafood, sauces - anything different.
Few people know . . . that I golf.
What's the best thing about yourself? I work hard.
Worst habit: Too much coffee.
First thing in the morning: Coffee.
Pets: One dog and one cat.
Hobbies: Hiking, jogging and cooking.
Ideal vacation: Boulder, Colo.
Pet peeve: Not being organized.
First job: Head chef position in Plattsburgh, N.Y.
Worst job: None.
What achievements are you most proud of? Graduate of Culinary Institute of America. I'm a certified chef with high honors. I have two bronze medals and a second place prize from culinary competitions.
What would you like on your epitaph? ``Easy going and hard working.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Jeff McClure
by CNB