Bob Blumer Los Angeles, CA, USA

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Bob Blumer (aka the Surreal Gourmet) is a gastronaut, cookbook author, and multimedia artist. He is best known as the creator and host of Food Network’s award-winning shows Surreal Gourmet, Glutton for Punishment, and World’s Weirdest Restaurants. He has also written and illustrated seven cookbooks in which he transforms ordinary ingredients into wow-inspiring dishes through simple cooking methods and whimsical presentations that have become his culinary trademark. Blumer’s work in the culinary arts goes beyond illustrating his own cookbooks. He has designed food-centric hotel spaces in Toronto and Los Angeles, created kinetic, interactive food experiences for a variety of clients, exhibited at the Bonavista biennale and created a collection of surreal wine glasses and decanters for a one man show at the Jessup Gallery in Napa, CA.

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What is Art for you?

Art is the opportunity to help people expand their minds, ponder and smile. Anything can be art, and anything—including food—can be a medium with which to express ideas 

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What is chocolate to you?

Chocolate is a literal amuse bouche

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What inspires you, and this piece in particular?

I am constantly challenged to create images that solve problems we don’t know exist. This particular piece was inspired by Chefcycle, in which 150 chefs cycle participate in a 2-day, 200-mile bike ride to raise awareness and money for school breakfasts and lunches.​