Waking up this morning the news were full of Patrick Swayze's passing. Due to his death, the news of Keith Floyd 's passing was given less attention. Keith Floyd was the chef from whom I first learned to cook.Before Jamie Oliver, Gordon Ramsey or Nigella Lawson there was Keith Floyd. Floyd, who always had a bottle of wine for every recipe--and every once in a while he used that wine for his cooking, too. Floyd, who travelled around the world, drinking and smoking and cooking and eating before Anthony Bourdain did the same.
Floyd on Spain was the first cooking program I remember not only watching, but trying some of the recipes with the help of my elder sister. I was around 10 at that time, and over the years I found myself buying his books and watching his shows. Those shows were worth watching for multiple reasons, not the least being Floyd himself.
I remember seeing him in Kinsale during the time he lived there. Nothing fancy, he was walking on the other side of the street, but I was giddy and excited for days. I had seen Keith Floyd.
Keith Floyd was 65 years old. He passed away yesterday. An era ended with his death.
Rest in peace, Mr Floyd.
