The Dragon Eel dish transformed Louisa into the "new star" of cooking in the region. In a blink of an eye, Louisa went on to host Starry Kitchen and will soon release a cookbook. However, Louisa's kitchen is not just your typical kitchen where you cook beautiful dishes but is her private place where she practices her acting.
Private kitchen
The art of cooking is about talent and experience, what about acting? Louisa graduated from HKAPA majoring in performance, and has worked in the Hong Kong Repertory Theatre, and has come across many theories about drama. Many actors in the television industry have not had professional training, so how does Louisa see acting? "A very ingenius foreign director once made a comparison with the kitchen. Actually, each actor has their own kitchen, and has different utensils, different ingredients and seasonings. Acting and cooking are both something very private. Every actor has their own methods, and if its delicious it will be successful. Being an actor, its acceptable as long the performance is enjoyable to watch. Some people who haven't had professional training are also able to do it well, I think its inconsequential."
But, Louisa is an actor known for her acting skills at TVB. In the beginning when she moved from the stage to battle in the television industry, she needed to adjust the heat. "In the beginning when I entered TVB there was a period of chaos because stage and television skills are two different issues. The director frequently told me "Louisa, you don't have to be so loud." My facial expressions and body movements were also too strong. In the beginning when I watched the playback, I also scared myself!" Louisa believes that playback is her best teacher, helping her overcome the transition. "In the recent five to six years, I have learnt to assimilate on the stage and in television. Actually both have the same expectations towards acting, for example sincerity is very important, as well as exchange and understanding of the character and script." In reality, she has enjoyed pleasing results working in both arenas. The musical Love in a Fallen City had excellent reviews, while many of the series in which she was a lead have been very popular. The Awakening Story, Plain Love 2, Men in Pain and Misleading Track are the "pin-up works" that Louisa could see her hard work paid off.
Louisa's dinner party
Louisa has had little time to cook ever since she has worked, but this has not reduced her strong interest in cooking. "I love watching cooking shows, like Iron Chef, Jamie Oliver and Nigella Lawson. I also enjoy reading cookbooks because they are very pretty and enjoyable books." She sees eating with friends as very important, and every time she cooks she wants her guests to feel at home. "I will absorb myself and enjoy the process, from preparing the menu, wash, cut, cook and serving to the table, decorating the table, tasting and even washing the dishes." No wonder friends agree to go. Even if the ingredient requires a long car trip, Louisa believes it is worth it. "It is a celebration, while each dinner party has different guests. Sometimes things happen only once in your life, and to me, it is special."
When Hong Kong people have a meal at home, for convenience, they will place newspaper or plastic tablecloths to cover the table, and Louisa dislikes this. "I will place a table cloth or table mat, which you can clean. I think it is a form of respect for the food, table and the meal." Furthermore, Louisa's table decoration and choice of music will also match the theme of the gathering. "Music can help create the atmosphere. For a Christmas party, Christmas music will be played. I love playing some Cuban music with a meal where my close friends and I will talk, like Buena Vista Social Club." Knowing how to control the culinary experience, she calls herself the "All or Nothing" type of person "I don't think I am precise, it is a type of attitude."
firthette's comments: I love the whole process of cooking too. Its so satisfying when you cook or bake something for family and friends...I don't mind the washing up either! Usually I would wash up while the cake is baking :-P We should all celebrate food and celebrate life! What's dieting?
Image credits: Louisa Square
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