I’m proud to announce that the first addition to my “Family” is Joe I. Cook. I met Joe approximately 6 years ago when our sons were playing football at Coral Springs Charter School…GO PANTHERS! As time progressed, I realized Joe was very knowledgeable about food and its preparation. What made me a true believer is when he talked about eating at the now defunct Salt Life Food Shack. He mentioned how they were serving a fish called Basa and he was pissed.  I never had it before because I’m a Mahi, Wahoo, Tile and Hogfish guy (I’ll have catfish, too, if I’m at Catfish Dewey’s). Joe said it’s a crap fish caught in Vietnam and basically eats its’ own waste….YUCK! So I’m listening to him tell me what garbage this fish is and I can’t help but think “WTF man…..why is a place in Coral Springs serving fish from Vietnam? The ocean is like 30 minutes to our east!”.  Joe explains it’s all about cost….it’s fukcing cheap! Sure enough, I looked up the fish and was amazed Joe knew his $hit. I never had Basa and never will…I give Joe credit for opening my eyes.

S0, I send out the call for writers and Joe answers. Before I pump out his first review I want you to meet Joe and please welcome him to the I. Cook Family!

Joe I Cook in all his glory!

My name is Joe and I’m a resident of Coral Springs. I have been fascinated with food my whole life…perhaps, I was inspired by the great cooks in my family being of Hungarian and Italian descent. Not only do I love eating, but I think I love learning and creating food even more. I love being in the kitchen…it really relaxes me. I love food so much it’s what I do for a living working for Publix Supermarkets. I enjoy all types of food and drinks and I’m really into pairing foods and wines. As I travel around to the many fascinating places I’ve been I find that I’m drawn to food and culture even more. It’s amazing when you go somewhere you’ve never been and talk to locals about the foods you both eat…what a great bond develops! It seems that no matter what ideology, religious beliefs, or political view people have they always find a bond with food. I look forward to contributing to this food community we have bonded with.

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Verdict

Y’all are gonna love Joe and his first review on Bangin’ Banjo Brewing Company will be published soon! Also, if you see a South Florida restaurant selling Basa Fish tell them to quit being cheap and buy some LOCAL fresh fish! Stay Hungry!