Award Winning Chef Handcrafts Works of Art

We are always amazed at the extraordinary cooking and culinary skills that Fire Fighters possess no matter where you turn.  We seem to find them in every Fire House.  Some stand out more than others.

I had the great opportunity to be in the presence of one such person.  Award-winning Chef Michael D. Poole, a local Seattle Fire Fighter and Paris, France Culinary trained Chef and Artisan Chocolatier showed me how he “handcrafts” his fine chocolates in his West Seattle kitchen.  It was very  inspiring and educational watching what he does best – Creating,  Designing, Hand crafting and Packaging his Sweet Confections!

Chef Poole began his Professional career as a Fire Fighter in 1980, with the Seattle Fire Department.  As some of you may know, each Station will have someone who may cook for the whole crew or they take turns.  As a young fire fighter, he wanted to move to a downtown fire station but one of the requirements to be accepted for that spot was that he had to cook.  So, to hear now that infamous question, ‘Can you cook?’ seems to ring out in our interview as one of many stepping stones that has led this Award-Winning and French Culinary Trained Chef to so many successes. He is also has had nationally published recipes in Better Homes & Garden(R) and Hallmark Cards, Inc. publications, as well been a Chili Cook-off Competitor on the Rachel Ray Show.

MDP Signature Chocolates (http://mdpchocolates.com) has a variety of beautifully handcrafted chocolates that have won many awards.  Chef Poole took home Seven Silver and One Bronze at The 4th Annual Chocolate Salon Tasting Panel Awards at the 2011 Seattle Luxury Chocolate Salon.  The Lemon Meringue became one of the Judge’s favorites with raving reviews, ‘This was the BEST combo of flavors and almost the only combo with White Chocolate in the Whole Salon.’  It was also duly noted by judges stating Chef Michael Poole was one of the Most Gifted Chocolatiers at the Salon. That says a lot about this Award-Winning Chef and his handcrafted Chocolate!

‘Being a Chef is about the Passion of Cooking and the willingness to put in a lot of hard work. It is not as easy, as it may appear on TV.’ says Chef Poole.  ‘but it is so much worth the effort and it is fun.’  I agree with Chef Poole.  Just look at how this Creative and Award-Winning Chef is making an impact in the World of Chocolate.

While in his kitchen, he showed me how he makes his “Work of Art”.  In addition to making these great and sweet treats, he also does Catering for Private Parties.  What a great way to add ‘Class’ to a Party or Event, or even just sitting down and enjoying some of his Specialty Chocolates.  I can reassure that this Chocolate stands out from the rest in the Chocolate World and will surely not disappoint!