SLUG Style: Channing Porter
Art and Fashion
Channing Porter (@Channings_Kitchen) is an “unprofessional (at home) chef” whose cooking antics produce some of the most delectable dishes we’ve seen while scrolling, as well as a fashion sense that balances hard work and flavor.
Every month, “SLUG Style” features a distinct and unique member of the community and asks them why they do what they do. Exploring more than just clothing, “SLUG Style” is an attempt to feature the people who give Salt Lake City flavor through personality and panache.
SLUG: How has your personal style evolved over time?
Porter: My cooking style has evolved tremendously over time. My parents had a large impact on my cooking style throughout my teenage years, I cooked using ingredients we had at home and recipes they knew. As a college student who recently moved out of my parent’s house, I began experimenting a lot more with my own meals and ideas and since then have only gotten more experienced. I believe cooking is something you can always be learning something new and can be forever evolving meals, recipes, etc.
What are your stylistic influences? This could be a band, decade, fictional character—anything.
I think some of my biggest stylistic influences would be Alexis from Schitt’s Creek, Elyse Myers, Hell’s Kitchen and Gordon Ramsay. I find that cooking and being creative on Instagram has helped me build a lot of confidence in myself that I haven’t always had, which has allowed me to really express who I am. I get a lot of my comedic and story-telling habits from watching shows like Hell’s Kitchen and Schitt’s Creek and by watching content creators like Elyse Myers.
What do you consider your cooking “style”?
I believe that my cooking style is very versatile, from inexpensive and easy meals to elegant and intricate meals. I do mainly New American cuisine focusing on fresh and local ingredients, ESPECIALLY garlic!
Where does your love of food and cooking come from?
My love of food and cooking comes from my parents and grandparents, my day job at Vosen’s Bread Paradise, and Farmer’s Markets. I love bringing people together over food, whether it’s just getting my roommates together for dinner, taking food over to a friend’s family, or bringing people together for a dinner party–the relationships I build through food and cooking have been one of the biggest reasons I continue to love every second of it!
What are your interests or hobbies outside of food and cooking? What is the hobby or interest that you have that no one would realize to ask you about?
Outside of cooking, I love to hang out with my dog, Mowgli. Going to the park, playing fetch, or just being outdoors–the little guy is my best friend! A hobby that I have that not many people would realize to ask me about would be bowling! I got pretty into bowling about a year ago and I find it’s an activity that takes me away from the stress of the world and is incredibly fun. I’m currently around a 150 average, which could probably be higher but for the most part, I’m self-taught just having fun.
Are you always “on” or would someone see you at the grocery store, for example, with less elements of your style?
There are MANY days I am not “on”! You can catch me at the grocery store in any attire, you can catch my kitchen in any sort of state, sometimes my steaks are overcooked, and sometimes I’m planning on making quesadillas and don’t find out until the last second that all my cheese is moldy. Cooking is a forgiving hobby and I’m always open for critiques!
What gets you excited about food?
Fresh and local products I get when shopping at Farmer’s Markets and local vendors, the relationships I build with friends, family, farmers, chefs, fans of mine, etc… and the urge to be creative! Cooking is my art form and there is no better feeling than creating something that not only you love yourself but others can enjoy as well.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would those be?
Caring, Enthusiastic, and Hard-Working
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