Dear Reverend,
My husband is obsessed with cooking shows, and our TV plays Food Network 24-7. I enjoy watching it, too, but he seems to have decided that he’s the next Top Chef. I know I shouldn’t complain, but if I have to eat another sous vide lamb shank, he’s going to get chopped. How do I let him know that sometimes all I want is a regular lasagna or tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich?
Sloppy Joe (man, 38)
Dear Sloppy Joe,
It’s easy to say you shouldn’t look a gift chef in the mouth — especially if he also takes care of the grocery shopping for ingredients. Not to mention all the planning, time and effort that goes into making gourmet meals. But I can understand your dilemma.
It sounds like your hubby is passionate about cooking, so you certainly don’t want to snuff his flame. If you want to suggest some simpler meals, do it without criticizing his cuisine. Choose a collaborative route. Offer to look at recipes with him and get involved in the selections.
Better yet, why not strap on an apron yourself and chef up some of your favorite comfort-food hankerings? Even though he loves doing it, your hubby shouldn’t be the only one responsible for making the meals. If you aren’t comfortable in the kitchen, asking for help is a great opportunity to learn from your talented partner and another way to work together.
They say the surest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Even though you have different tastes, a pinch of consideration and an extra ounce of effort is sure to yield the most delicious result.
Good luck and God bless,
The Reverend
This article appears in The Food Issue • 2026.