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Who is the Sikuliaq’s famous Chef Mark?
Young Mark grew up in a small cow town in Colorado, and yes at some point he did want to be a cowboy! Mark first stepped onto the food scene when he was delivering pizzas during college. Little did he know he would later be cooking food for a research vessel!
When Mark was 20 years old he bought a one-way ticket to Seward, Alaska because his childhood friends invited him over to check out their homestead. He fell in love with Alaska and moved to Seward. He started driving the night shift for a taxi company but felt unhappy working throughout the night, so then his journey brought him to culinary school in Portland. From there Mark WOOF-ed around Europe with World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (wwoof.net) and experienced the culture and foods there by going to farmers’ markets and buying lots of food. Through eating and purchasing foods at markets he broadened his food and cooking knowledge to include European techniques. Afterwards he traveled to Thailand and took classes with a great chef. He learned how to make multiple Thai dishes, including how to make Thai curry from scratch, which we had the great pleasure of enjoying today.
One interesting fact about Mark is that he has been hit by a car. He was riding his bike home late at night in Seward without any reflectors or a helmet on when a truck hit him. Ever since his brush with death he now wears his helmet religiously. Which is good advice for all of us.
When Mark is out at sea he misses his 5-year-old son. When we reach Seward on August 23 it will be his son’s first day of kindergarten. He will surprise him by picking him up from school. (-:
If you ever find yourself on the Sikuliaq for a meal you are in for a special treat. Thank you Chef Mark for sharing your food and love of cooking with us!
Abigail Edwards
August 22, 2016
