Canadian singer-songwriter Tim Chaisson is back on our sunny shores as part of a month long of tour in support his new album, ‘The Other Side’, which is a mix of Maritime roots and folk music. It’s Tim’s third time back here in the last 18 months, his tour commenced back in December and he has a few shows left this week: Tuesday 8th January 2013: Notes – Newtown (NSW), Wednesday 9th January 2013: Brass Monkey – Cronulla (NSW) with Kim Churchill, Friday 11th January 2013: Caravan Club (VIC) & Saturday 12th January 2013: Coogee Diggers – Coogee (NSW) with Ray Beadle.
Tim took some time out to tell us some cooking stories and chat about the food he ate as a child, his ultimate rider request and what his last meal would be if the world was ending…
What were your food influences when you were growing up and what kind of food did you eat at home or with your family?
Well, I wasn’t much of a cook growing up to be honest! I used to stick with the basics – Kraft Dinner or the classic tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwich.
As far as family dinners go, there were six of us (5 boys, 1 girl) and my Mom fed us every night… Don’t know how she did it. A lot of times we would have the classic meat, potatoes and vegetables. I’m from Prince Edward Island, Canada – which is known world wide for its potatoes so it was always a staple of every meal.
What dish or cuisine do you most like to eat on tour and why?
It’s a bit tough cooking on the road because you’re always on the go so I usually resort to quick healthy meals. But it also all depends where in the world you are! I’m in Australia currently so it’s much easier to find healthy meals (not just saying that). Vegetarian pizzas are always good if you get the right ingredients on there.
What type of food do you hate, and what is the most disgusting thing you’ve ever eaten?
Well, I absolutely hate fast food (McDonalds, Burger King, etc). I’m not a picky eater so I haven’t forced anything down that I didn’t like in a long time. I would have to say the most disgusting thing I ate was a late night junior chicken from a McDonalds in the middle of nowhere that looked like goo after I took the first bite (I was starving so I proceeded to eat it but surprisingly didn’t get sick).
What type of food do you make sure to avoid before a gig or going on stage?
I don’t necessarily avoid a particular food before I hit stage, I just allow my body time to digest before I have to perform.
Imagine for a second you can request anything on your rider at a gig. What food do you put on it?
At the Brass Monkey in the Cronulla, their Chili Garlic Prawns w/ Linguini Pasta (featuring other amazing ingredients) is unbelievable… I actually look forward to it every time I come here (just had it last night) and would die to have it on my rider. Oh yes, and maybe a couple of Malpeque Oysters from Prince Edward Island for good measure.
What has been your biggest cooking disaster to date?
Hmm, so many… But for some reason I have this thing with continuously cooking dry pork chops…
When you tour overseas, what food from home do you miss the most?
I just miss my girlfriend’s cooking in general because she’s so great at it. She’s a dietician and cooks extremely healthy (but still very tasty) meals. I would say her various takes on quinoa salad is one of my favorites.
This is your last day on earth, what is your final meal?
Chilli Garlic Prawns w/linguini pasta with roquet, Cherry tomato and Shaved Parmesan… From the Brass Monkey.
