Today I got to meet Guy Fieri (for the second time!) at the State Capitol where he received a resolution that officially recognized “Cook with Your Kids” as a weekly initiative.  I was able to score some one-on-one time with Guy and he generously shared five minutes with me (I had to squeeze in between other reporters, but it was worth it for our readers!).  Check out the interview below.

Guy Fieri addressing the crowd
Guy Fieri with various state representativesGuy Fieri with his biggest fans

CD: What is a good meal to prepare that helps teach kids to cook?
GF: Chicken or pork are always good options.  But more importantly, it’s finding foods that children enjoy.  Even if they want chicken fingers, you can prepare them in a healthy way that’s fun for them to make.  Try breading chicken in panko breadcrumbs and cooking them on the stove instead of deep-frying.
CD: Is there something easy for children to make that doesn’t involve chopping or using a sharp knife?
GF: Well, knife skills are an important part of cooking and it’s something they will eventually have to learn so, taking the time to supervise and teach them the proper way to use a knife is very important. Another fun way to get your children involved is to research recipes together.  Go to www.foodnetwork.com and search for food they like to eat.
CD: I have a couple questions from our SacFoodies Facebook Friends.  Would you ever consider opening a restaurant in Fair Oaks, CA?
GF: I’ve had a lot of success with restaurants in Northern California and Fair Oaks is a great location for family restaurants, so I would say that Fair Oaks could be a great possibility!
CD: What food product would make the best hair gel replacement?
GF: [laugh] That’s easy…Manteca (lard)!
CD: Do you really travel with your Camero to each restaurant filmed in Diners, Drive-ins and Dives?
GF: Yes.  Actually, I have a funny story about that.  When we first started filming I actually drove the Camero to each location and one time I was driving through Texas when I got a frantic call from producers asking if I was okay.  It turns out the car had no license plates or registration and was not supposed to be on the road.  So, ever since then we ship it, but yes it travels to every location.

After the interview, Guy signed a copy of The Food Network Magazine with his picture on the cover for us to give away to one of our readers! To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment here (or on our Facebook page) answering the following question: “What is your earliest childhood memory of cooking with your family?” We will choose a winner at random and announce on Monday, May 2, 2011.

If you missed today’s event and would like to meet Guy, you have two more chances!
An Evening with Guy (Tonight)
DATE: Monday, April 25th
LOCATION:T ex Wasabi’s
2243 Arden Way
Sacramento, CA 95825-3301
(916) 927-8399
TIME: 6:30pm-8:30pm
TICKET PRICE: $100
WHERE TO BUY: Go into restaurant, space is limited
ADD’L INFO: Students from the American River College (Guy’s alma mater) will do the culinary prep work for the event.  Jeff Arnett, the Master Distiller for Jack Daniels will be on-site offering a special treat for guests.
An Evening with Guy (Tuesday)
DATE: Tuesday, April 26th
LOCATION: Johnny Garlic’s
10505 Fairway Drive
Roseville, CA 95678-3570
(916) 789-2000
TIME: 6:30pm-8:30pm
TICKET PRICE: $125
WHERE TO BUY: Go into restaurant, space is limited
ADD’L INFO: Students from the American River College (Guy’s alma mater) will do the culinary prep work for the event.  Two magnums of Kenwood wine will be customized for auction by Joe Leonard (Guy’s tattoo artist who also did the artwork for Guy’s upcoming cookbook, Guy Fieri Food (out May 3rd).