Today’s blog post features Just Cook Foods Founders Scott Lucas and Daniel Capra.  Their spice rubs are magical.  They really are.  We rub them on our chicken, pork and beef and violá, our meat sings.  Some of the butchers/chefs around here are typically against pre-made spice rubs.  They asked, “Why wouldn’t I just make my own?” but then they tried the Just Cook Foods rub and their nay-saying quickly turned into appreciation.  “Oh!  These are tasty!”  Yep.  That’s why we sell them.  Duh.

We asked Scott and Daniel a few questions about Just Cook Foods and life in general and this is what they had to say:

TLBS: When did you start doing what you are doing now and how is it that you find yourself doing what you are doing?

Scott: Twenty years in software seemed like enough and I really do love eating. In fact I do it every day.

Daniel: I started cooking by accident in a pizzeria/movie parlor…that led to a Health Food Restaurant…that led to an Italian restaurant in New Orleans, which led to a few others, which led to a Specialty Foods store, which led to a Catering Company (where I was hired by my future wife), which led to California and Paula LeDuc Fine Catering and now currently Just Cook Foods (on the side).

TLBS:  What’s your favorite thing about your job?

Scott: Doing whatever I want, whenever I want, however I want. I also don’t have to get up early very often.

Daniel: The people I work with.

TLBS: What’s your least favorite thing about your job?

Scott: Bookkeeping, collections, and those days I have to get up early.

Daniel: Last minute changes.

TLBS: What about your product or practices that make you unique?

Scott: We wanted to make cooking fun, stress free and easy to do well.  We like our flavors to push the envelope a bit and get our customers to try new combinations like our Herbed Coffee Rub.

Daniel: We listen to our clients.

TLBS: What piece of wisdom would you like to pass on to our customers?

Scott: Use sharp knives, brine your birds, and braise more things because it’s so damn easy and tastes so good.

Daniel: Ask many questions. Learn from those who really know. Try something new.

TLBS: Your stats gentlemen, please.

Scott:

  • Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Authentic chocolate gelato if I can get it.
  • Favorite Color: Green
  • Favorite Cuisine: It always seems to boil down to Italian.
  • Dogs or Cats? Dogs, but a good dog-like cat works as well.
  • Astrological Sign: Libra

Daniel:

  • Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: pistachio & mint chocolate chip (1 is impossible)
  • Favorite Color: orange
  • Favorite Cuisine: Arctic
  • Dogs or Cats? yes
  • Astrological Sign: Scorpio

If you want more information or recipe suggestions using Just Cook Foods rubs, head to www.justcookfoods.com.