Cook or Kook?

Long before The Food Network hocked up loogies like Paula Dean and Rachel Ray, TV cooking shows had some integrity. They aired on Sundays on PBS, and they RULED! Julia Child, The Frugal Gourmet and the transcendental “Rajin’ Cajun” Justin Wilson were but a few. My favorite cooking hero is Martin Yan of Yan Can Cook. He’s so excited all the time, running around like a headless chicken. Amid the clanging of cutlery and cayenne, he teaches us something–anyone can cook and have fun doing it. Though he seems like a cartoon character come to life, he must know something because he’s had a show on the air since 1982. That’s older than some girls I’ve dated. If you want to see in person that “Yan can cook and so can you,” come to the Central Market Cooking School, 5750 E. Lovers Lane, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Friday. Call 214-361-5754 for more information.

Fri., Sept. 19, 6:30-9 p.m., 2008