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Should Men Know How to Cook? (Tues. W/Tee Tee)

Posted by NWSO • April 19, 2011 • Printer-friendly

For this edition of Tuesdays With Tee Tee, we decided to switch things up a bit. Rather than getting actor/writer Barry Floyd (of BET’s The Game fame) to answer reader questions on topics like interracial dating and trust among friends and got into a conversation about his idea of a perfect first date. Here’s how that conversation went…

NWSO: What’s your idea of a perfect first date?

Barry Floyd: Well, with my current girlfriend, the very first date we had I just had her over to the house and I cooked for her. That turned out to be a really good date.

NWSO: What was on the menu, the typical bachelor stuff like hotdogs and mac & cheese? LOL

Barry Floyd: [Laughs] Nah, I made some salmon with some rice and some spinach.

NWSO: Oh, word! Look at you, Mr. Chef Homeboy R. Dee. LOL Have you been cooking for a minute?

Barry Floyd: It’s just something I picked up. I got to high school and my mom kind of stopped cooking, I had to start figuring it out on my own. Once I was on my own in college I really had to figure it out, like you either starve or figure out how to cook. I’m not as good at it as I want to be because I want to really one day get a cookbook and get a big full-size kitchen and every day just try something different but I’m just not there yet.

NWSO: I feel you on that. How important do you think is it for a single man to know how to cook in 2011?

Barry Floyd: It’s really important if you want to eat [laughs]. You can’t be eating out all the time or eating those Ramen noodles and that stuff cause it’s not good for you. … That’s all bad, I had a friend in college who had a heart attack at 25 just eating like that every day.

NWSO: Damn, is he alright now?

Barry Floyd: Yeah, he’s alright now but it was scary—he had to go to the hospital and get a bypass and all that and he wasn’t even 30 yet. And it’s like a lot of people eat like that every day; we got like a fast food nation right now and people definitely need to be more educated about what they’re putting in their bodies.

Barry Floyd aka Tee Tee
@Barry_Floyd
PurpleStuffTV.com

Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date? Or, is that too familiar for someone you don’t know yet? Ladies, how long does it take for you to invite a man over to your house or to accept his offer to come over? How impressed are you by someone that can cook? Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen? Are men turned off my women that can’t cook? At what age did you start cooking? What’s your signature dish? Do you think that most bachelors have bad eating habits? Do you put some of the blame on America’s fast food nation mentality? What did you think of this edition of Tuesdays With Tee Tee?

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Tagged as: Barry Floyd, BET, cooking, first date, perfect date, Tee Tee, The Game

NaeSoBitchie

Men know how to EAT right?? So wtf should they not know how to COOK!!
METLIFESNOOPY

Should they know? Why the hell shouldn't they! It's called being an ADULT!

I guess a home cooked meal could make for a good first date if the meal is actually good and the woman feels comfortable being in the home of a man who she does not know very well. I would never go to a man's house for a first date though.

I don't invite men over to my house. When I was a teenager (I'm only 25 now), I would sometimes let my guy friends come over and they acted as if they didn't know when or how to leave. Not only that, but men seem to have a habit of trying to turn things sexual.

I'm not impressed by someone who can cook. I wouldn't be surprised by a man who knows his way around the kitchen as he should know to begin with. Like I said, it's called being an ADULT.

From what I have heard, men seem to be extremely turned off by women who don't cook because it means they have to get off of their patriarchal ass and feed themselves.

There wasn't a certain age in which I started cooking because I don't really. I stick to the basics, so I do not have a signature dish.

It would appear that a lot of men do have poor eating habits because they depend on women to cook for them, and if there is no woman to cook for them then they rely on fast food and junk.
http://www.AConleyCreation.com AConleyCreation

Is there part of the interview that is missing? It just jumped to "Damn, is he alright?"
sunshyne84

I think u forgot something.

But a man should absolutely know how to fix a few things in the kitchen. I love a self-sufficient man. Like Metlifesnoopy said, a lot of guys are depending on women to do all the cooking and that's just sad. Every time I meet a man he's asking if I can cook like he can't wait to get a decent meal and that's a shame. I mean, I'm no chef, but we can certainly learn together.
http://www.AConleyCreation.com AConleyCreation

I would not go to a man's home or let him come to mine until I know he's not crazy. I don't care if he's got chef skills. (He can show that off with a picnic instead.)

Plus, even if he is sane, to some men that is an unspoken invitation to sex. Too intimate an environment to be in when you first start dating.

My parents made us start cooking when we were teens or so. My mom is a great cook and baker, so she passed on some skills to me (and still does). I look back now and even though most of the stuff we cooked back then was super easy (Hamburger Helper, rice, etc.) it's still an important lesson for kids. You don't have to be the next Wolfgang Puck, just learn how to cook/prepare enough to be self-sufficient.

That being said, I'm lazy when it comes to cooking. I love it but sadly, eat out a lot. I can cook decently, but seem to be more successful & creative when it comes to baking. So far, my signature dessert is citrus crunch layer cake (http://creativeblossoming.wordpress.com/2011/03/27/citrus-crunch-layer-cake/)
Miss Conception

Some men do, and some men just love cooking. I would definitely love a home cooked meal as a first date. If I trust you enough to go out in public where no one would pay attention, certainly it shows how confident you are to invite me to your place for the first date. I am not saying he couldn't tie you up and kill you, but then again nowadays that can happen on the street as well as the bar or club. People are wrapped in their own agenda to notice whether they saw you and someone else, but that is another topic for another day...

So, for me it is a definite plus if you know how to cook things that are not just frozen dinners. It shows me how much you care for your body and respect how healthy you are. Nothing wrong with someone that eats ramen noodles and fast food, but in reality can you depend on yourself to know your boundary and eat things that benefit you and not harm you? This doesn't have to do with your personality, and maybe it can. But if you can't make healthy decisions in your life, things won't be healthy for you in the long run.
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Whoops, yeah something had got cut by accident. Not sure how. Anyway, thanks for the heads up.
NaeSoBossy

WTH happen to my comment?? I was first to post? Let me find out NWSO deleted my post :-'''(
Belve10

Yes, all men should know how to cook (and not just with the BBQ grill) and good good meals.

It is very rare for me to let a woman come to my place and cook. But then again I worked as a sous chef through college and up until I got a nice desk job in technology. The flip side is I tend to meet women that have either no idea in the kitchen or are already so scared to get stuck there that they avoid cooking except to starve.
JC

Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date?- I guess it could. I good first date to me has to have conversation...period. I don't care where it takes place. So being invited over for a home cooked meal wouldn't impress me all that much.
Or, is that too familiar for someone you don’t know yet?- Crazy can happen anywhere, at any time. It would spark my interest that a man would invite me to his place as a first date and why. If I got the creepy vibe I probably wouldn't go out on a date with him at all.

Ladies, how long does it take for you to invite a man over to your house or to accept his offer to come over?- Like I said crazy can happen anytime...so I don't have a time limit. It just depends on the guy.

How impressed are you by someone that can cook?- Not impressed at all...if you eat and you are adult you should know how to cook a meal. No one needs to be a chef but be able to feed yourself.

Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen?- No because it isn't that complicated.

Are men turned off my women that can’t cook?- I think so, which is such an oxymoron. Men sometimes don't like the whole "nurturing" aspect when dating, feeling it can be smothering...yet men seemed turned off when they don't see a woman running into the kitchen to whip up a 5 course meal. Many cultures see feeding someone, especially within your home as a very nurturing action.

At what age did you start cooking?- 14... I was a latchkey kid so if Mom forgot or didn't have cash to give me I had to find something to eat.

What’s your signature dish?- Don't really have one, but I am damn proud that I can recreate my Mom's Thanksgiving meal

Do you think that most bachelors have bad eating habits?- Nope. Poor eating habits come from two things a lack of money and energy...It is expensive to eat healthy and after a long day at work I don't feel like cooking so I will pick up whatever I can...again...depending on my money it can be healthy or not.

Do you put some of the blame on America’s fast food nation mentality?- I put the blame on our cost of living AND fast food being so accessible. Put up a Salad Shack and offer some $1 items and see if things change.

What did you think of this edition of Tuesdays With Tee Tee?”- I like it...can't go wrong with Tee Tee
Rastaman

In my much younger days, I was turned off by women who did not cook, influenced by the fact that I was unaware that such women even existed. But I have to admit I was spoiled in that area, Mom and Grandma were big time cooks. Now whether they cook or not does not matter, I am pretty good in the kitchen, the self proclaimed king of the 30 minute meal, my area of expertise and its no manufactured food either.

Plus not all the women that cook, cook well enough for me. I had a woman invite me to dinner several years ago and it was sweet but sad. I basically had to complete the meal for her. She could not even properly steam the veggies. Over the years I have learned to appreciate the efforts of the culinary challenged even if I did not care to repeat them. Interestingly, in my circle of close male friends, I only know one who cannot cook, all the others cook pretty good.
RCTuri

Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date?

ONLY if this is a person I have met and chilled with several times. I wouldn't go to the house of a man I just met as a "date."

How impressed are you by someone that can cook?

Men who cook? #victorious

Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen?

Always a mild surprise and definite appreciation from me.

Are men turned off my women that can’t cook?

Most men I know wouldn't wife a chick who couldn't cook.

At what age did you start cooking?

At like 10.

What’s your signature dish?

I make a mean ziti. I can also cook a whole Thanksgiving dinner by myself. Down to homemade sweet potato pie.

Do you think that most bachelors have bad eating habits?

YESSSSS!

Do you put some of the blame on America’s fast food nation mentality?

You can only blame individuals for their poor eating choices.

What did you think of this edition of Tuesdays With Tee Tee?

It was a nice personal touch.
Ebere

I think he was asking after the young man that had a heart attack at just 25.....
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Nope, both your comments got picked up by spam filter for some reason. I check a couple times a day and rescue lost comments. lol
ASC

“Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date?
No way. I would prefer to go to a public place and I would not invite a man to my place until I felt like I knew him well. But after a few times together, dinner at his place would be very nice.

How impressed are you by someone that can cook? Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen? Not impressed at all. A little disappointed when a man can't cook but it isn't a deal breaker.

Are men turned off my women that can’t cook? It seems that they are. The question always comes up pretty early in the relationship.

At what age did you start cooking? So young I can't even remember.

What’s your signature dish? I have many. I LOVE to cook. I can't imagine living my life outside of a kitchen.
Nik

I am very impressed and turned on by a man that can cook. I think this primitive placement of men "hunt and gather" and women "cook it" are over. Like Tee-Tee said, he cooked because he had to eat. Your palette changes when you cook for yourself--it wants to experience more than "hotdogs and mac and cheese". And its a sense of accomplishment when you can make a healthy, full course meal for your lady. I don't think its too formal at all if a man wants to cook instead of us going out to eat. Not only does it add more character to this man that I'm trying to get to know, its more intimate and your don't have to worry about the other couple next to you in your food and your conversation!!
http://nwso.net/ NWSO

Actually there was a snafu and part of that response was initially missing. ACon gave me the heads up last night and I was able to replace the part where he went into his friend's heart attack.
Nikki

I love to cook. A home cooked meal on the first date---no so much if it does happen it will be a double or group type of thing. I love to cook for my man(when I have one currently single) or us cooking together. My mom and grandma taught me how to good ole country soul food with a healthy twist. I don't mind if a man knows how to cook. A girl likes to have a home cooked meal(that she doesn't have to cook) every once in awhile. I have a couple of signature dishes... mac and cheese made with real cheese, dutch apple pie with cinnamon rum drizzle, bread crumb coated crab stuffed bake tilapia.
jaclynsd

Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date? No!

Or, is that too familiar for someone you don’t know yet? Yes, that’s also dangerous for women. Unless you knew the person for a few years as a friend a first date should be done in a public place.

Ladies, how long does it take for you to invite a man over to your house or to accept his offer to come over? I’d say after the 4th date I’d go to his house. I have a daughter so unless it’s a boyfriend situation the guy won’t be coming to my place.

How impressed are you by someone that can cook? Very, show’s independence from his momma lol Also that she may have taught him well.

Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen? No, today men are taught to fend for themselves. I’m more surprised when a guy doesn’t know how to cook.

Are men turned off my women that can’t cook? I think so. She better have a banging body and great personality lol j/k I think everyone man or woman should at least know the basics of cooking.

At what age did you start cooking? Goodness I’d say around 10.

What’s your signature dish? Pasta w/bacon, chicken and green beans. Along w/an egg and parmesan cheese sauce. It’s also nice dish to cook together.

Do you think that most bachelors have bad eating habits? Not if they’ve been single for a while. If the guy has just gotten a divorce or out of a long term relationship then maybe yes.

Do you put some of the blame on America’s fast food nation mentality? In a way I do but the responsibility always falls on the individual. We’re all responsible for our own health.

What did you think of this edition of Tuesdays With Tee Tee? I think it was great and loved the fact he brought up his friend who had a heart attack at 25!! Wow
jaclynsd

Loved the picnic idea.
jaclynsd

I can certainly relate to ““Every time I meet a man he’s asking if I can cook like he can’t wait to get a decent meal and that’s a shame. “ I actually had a man make a statement like “so you’re a Latina right so you must know how to cook and serve your man?” My response…”UM that would be a negative on that one. I’m a woman fist and yes I know how to cook BUT didn’t know because I was a “Latina” I was also programmed to serve men” lol I just ended w/a so you looking for a date or a servant? His response “ahh uh” SMH
http://www.AConleyCreation.com AConleyCreation

Sure, it could happen in broad daylight or in public, but the odds are less for it to happen that way. I sure wouldn't be taking my chances.

And I'm not even saying they would be crazy to kidnap or kill you... They could just be crazy enough to stalk you or damage your property. That's why I wouldn't let him know where I lived until I knew him better.
R.e.D

Do you think that a home cooked meal makes for a good first date?
Only if I know the person really well from before and it so happens that we are dating now. Other than that, as a woman you just can't risk going over to some random man's house or vice versa. I am still having flash backs of the rape scene from 'for Colored Girls'

Ladies, how long does it take for you to invite a man over to your house or to accept his offer to come over?
There is no hard and fast rule, but I am way more cautious now that I live alone and there is a serial killer out here in L.I..scary I tell you..

How impressed are you by someone that can cook?
I want to marry a chef, I hate cooking that much. Maybe it's just I don't like cooking for just me. I do it several times a week b/c I have to eat to live and I hate spending money on nasty food.

Are women surprised by a man that knows his way around the kitchen?
A man that cooks to live is entirely different from a man that lives to cook. If I find the latter, I've struck gold, b/c you see, I LOVE to eat! No points off though if you can't cook. We aren't perfect

Are men turned off my women that can’t cook?
I'm not sure if this stops any man from dating a woman, but it definitely gives her points, which is why women try to step their game up in the kitchen.

At what age did you start cooking?
When I left home for college, not one second before.
SMH21

On the money. Anyone over the age of 12 that knows how to eat needs to know how to prepare food and or cook. My parents taught me that. If a man can cook and do it well I am impressed. A first date is not the time to invite or accept and invite to anyone's home.
QuoteMan

Someone tell Rachel Ray to holla at me, I make the best lasagna and the best potato salad ever. Lol. Blame my mama for that though, to her, since I was the oldest (of 3 boys) I had to help around the house. I’m not even going to front, back then I hated it, but today it comes in handy.

IDK about doing that on the first date though, I seldom cook now. But with me, even when I’m serious with a chick, I keep that part of me on the low for a while till a couple of months in - when you thought you know a lot about me then I pull one out my sleeve. Without fail, they all seem to doubt that’s all my doing but hey...... Smh.

Ps: Go knicks, we’re back baby!!!
ATLs.Marc.of.Excellence

As a guy, hell, I wouldn't want to have a first date at my house period. Women can be crazy, too. Maybe a third/fifth date depending on the vibe I get from her, but never sooner.

In terms of cooking, I'm no chef, but my parents taught me enough to keep myself fed. They went by that whole "there ain't nothing no woman can do for you, that you cant do for yourself", mantra. So I can do fry stuff (chicken/chops), bake stuff (salmon/chicken/mac&cheese), cubed steak, and I've been told I make them all exceptionally well and most ladies are moderately impressed that I can cook. I don't know why. I believe another commenter said if we (guys) like to eat, we should know how to cook...meh, I just like to keep myself fed.
Jessica J

Everytime my boyfriend gets in the kitchen he tries to make some brand new mystery sauce on my dang on porkchops that don't never come out right. I look at him like, "Now why didn't you just stick with the Tony Chacres and Season All?"

He claims he can cook. I doubt it. But it doesn't bother me that he can't. I can cook so long as he got me he'll be straight. If not, it's back to hamburgers and noodles for him. And some of his mystery meat.
http://whatsonmymind09.blogspot.com Marcia H.

I'm a girl who loves to eat, cook, and try different foods soooo if a man cooks for me, I think I've almost fell in love. It's rare to find a man who knows how to cook things other than breakfast, instant, or grilled food. And if he can bake? Hell I might ask him to marry me on the spot! (not really)

I do think a good amount of men are turned off by a woman who can't cook but b/c they're pretty or other what-nots he looks pass it. I've been cooking since my momma said it was okay for me to come into the kitchen! I come from a cooking family so that's what I know. All the women in my family cook. Whether or not it's good is another story!
http://loverzquarrel.wordpress.com Sweet Nectar

I love to cook for the man in my life. I spoiled my ex instead of baby how was your day I got babe what did you cook. With that being said I can appreciate a man who cooks. I love a man who knows his way around the kitchen. So sexy! So Mr. Intellectual with excellent culinary skills you have a lady in waiting.
prettypisces

I don't see anything wrong w/ a home cooked meal for a first date as long as both parties are comfortable w/ it...now personally I am impressed by a man that can & likes to cook b/c I absolutely hate cooking & only cook so I won't starve to death lol
Caribeza

That describes me to a T - "so scared to get stuck in the kitchen, I avoid it like the plague." But in a weird double standard, if I dated a guy who could cook and do hair, I'd be half-way in love .
Dee

Hell yea, I think every man should know how to cook. How nice it would be to come home from a hard day's work and your man cook lol