THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 8, 1995 TAG: 9510060209
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Allison T. Williams
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
AFTER SPENDING long hours preparing the exquisite meals that have made The Williamsburg Inn so popular, Renny Parziale would go home and devour a thick peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
That's when the former chef de partie realized something was missing from his career.
``I wanted to be more a part of society,'' Parziale said. ``I felt teaching would be a good way to share my skills with people.'' That's what he's doing now - as culinary arts teacher at P.D. Pruden Vocational Center.
He teaches cooking to high school students from Suffolk and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties. By month's end, they will be planning menus and preparing the meals served to the faculty each day. In addition, the two classes will prepare lunch twice a month for the school system's advisory council.
Parziale, a master chef certified by the American Culinary Association, is hoping students will learn to love the art of preparing good food.
``If you work hard at something, you will learn something - even if it is how not to do it,'' Parziale said.
``You need the desire that propels you as an individual to be there in mind, body and spirit. Being a professional chef is all-encompassing. You have to love it.''
What brought you to Suffolk? The opportunity to teach.
Birthdate/hometown? Aug. 8, 1963, in Alexandria, Va. I live in Williamsburg now.
What's your fondest childhood memory? Summer camp.
Marital status/children? Single, no children.
Pets? A cat, Shear-Kan.
What was your first job? Working at the Steak and Ale in Alexandria.
If you had a choice, what other type of work would you be doing today? Disc jockey.
What is your favorite way to spend a night out on the town? Dinner with friends, preferably female!
Favorite food/drink? Foie gras and Rolling Rock Beer.
Favorite movies/TV shows? ``Blade Runner.'' I don't watch television.
What's your idea of a perfect vacation? A trip to Europe.
I can't resist? Breathing.
Few people know? I rebuild cars.
What's your most embarrassing moment? Too many to mention!
If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? Buy a Lamborghini, Ferrari or Maserati sports car. Maybe all three, depending on how much money I won!
What is the best advice you've ever been given? ``Keep your head down and your (bleep) up.''
What do you think is the best thing about yourself? Humor!
If you could trade places with anyone in the world, who would it be? Ed Beare, my friend's 100-year-old grandfather. He has already done everything and had so many life experiences. When I was born, he was already an old man!
Of what achievements are you most proud? Rebuilding my 1972 convertible Karman Ghia.
Something you wish to say but haven't? ``Don't let life pass you by!'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by JOHN H. SHEALLY II
Renny Parziale teaches culinary arts to high school students from
Suffolk and Isle of Wight and Southampton counties.
by CNB