Season 3 Episode 15: Micole Rondinone, The Kitchen By Micole

In this episode, Micole Rondinone of The Kitchen by Micole joins the show. Micole is not just a culinary expert but also a food photographer, content creator, and advocate for mental health and inclusivity in the kitchen.

Micole’s Approach to Cooking: The Single Spoon Bite

Micole introduces an innovative concept she calls the "single spoon bite." It's a simple yet effective method to experiment with flavors without the risk of ruining an entire dish. Instead of adding a new ingredient to the whole dish and being afraid of the outcome, she suggests taking one spoonful of all the components and testing with your added ingredient. This allows you to see if you like the added flavor before committing to it in the entire dish. As Micole says, "Just single spoon bite it, girl, and see what happens. And maybe it'll be magical."

Welcome and Introduction

The episode began with Micole discussing her background in culinary arts and her journey into the food industry. Micole's culinary education platform focuses on mental health and inclusivity, making nourishment accessible for all. She's also a food photographer and content creator, working with food and wellness brands.

Lazy Delicious Meals: The Ultimate Comfort Food

Micole shared that her go-to lazy delicious meal is a simple pasta with an emulsified butter sauce, parmesan, and starchy pasta water. With cherry tomatoes and other simple ingredients, Micole creates a delicious and easy meal that can be made with items you always have on hand.

Pasta Storage Tips and Pantry Moths

Micole gave practical tips on storing pasta, emphasizing the importance of inspecting packaging for holes and using jars or plastic bags to store opened pasta. She humorously recounted her experience with pantry moths in her New York apartment, sharing tips to avoid such situations.

The Inspiration Behind Lazy Delicious

Micole attributes her inspiration to her mother, an intuitive cook who taught her the importance of flavor over complex techniques. Micole combines her culinary school training with practical shortcuts to create delicious meals without the stress of intricate recipes. She believes in focusing on flavor and simplicity, making cooking accessible and enjoyable.

Micole’s Journey from Talent Agent to Culinary Expert

Micole’s shift from being a talent agent to a culinary expert began with a rekindled love for photography and a newfound passion for food. Attending culinary school allowed her to merge her skills in photography, writing, and food, leading to a successful career in food blogging and food photography.

Blending Culinary Skills with Photography

Micole's culinary training enhances her photography, allowing her to appreciate the delicacy of ingredients and the art of plating. Her background in food gives her a unique perspective when working with chefs and food brands, understanding both the culinary and visual aspects of food presentation.

Classical vs. Jazz in the Culinary World

An engaging analogy comparing classical music to baking and jazz to cooking was discussed. Micole appreciates the structured nature of baking (classical) and the creative freedom of cooking (jazz). This perspective helps her approach both realms with a balanced mindset.

Overcoming Cooking Fears and Building Confidence

Micole’s work often involves helping people overcome their fear of cooking and building confidence. She aims to uncover reasons behind the fear, like past negative experiences, and encourage people to take risks and have fun with cooking.

Navigating Neurodivergence in Cooking

Micole supports neurodivergent clients by providing practical strategies to make cooking more accessible. She offers solutions like an automatic grocery cart for easy reordering and setting alarms to remind clients to eat. Her personalized approach helps clients navigate challenges and find joy in cooking.

Creating Personalized Cooking Solutions

Micole's work involves creating tailored solutions for her clients, addressing their unique needs and challenges. She focuses on making cooking and eating more manageable and enjoyable for those with neurodivergence or other difficulties.

Building a Supportive Online Community

Micole emphasizes the importance of being authentic and vulnerable online. She shares that her most impactful videos are often the ones she hesitates to post, as they resonate deeply with her audience. Despite dealing with trolls and negative comments, she prioritizes setting a positive tone and maintaining a supportive community.

Final Thoughts and Where to Find More

Micole’s interview provides a wealth of insights into making cooking approachable and enjoyable. Her genuine and compassionate approach to food and mental health is truly inspiring. To follow Micole and support her work, you can find The Kitchen by Micole on all platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, as well as her website, thekitchenbymicole.com. For her photography work, visit thestudiobymicole.com.

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