Last week I was invited to the press reception for the Cheeses of France pop-up shop in Manhattan, where Chef Ash Fulk, a contestant on Season 6 of Bravo’s “Top Chef,” was cooking up a creamy, cheesy mac n’ cheese.

 Fulk, a California native who now works in Manhattan, was nice enough to talk with me about his love of cooking and how he ended up behind the stove.

He also gave us some tips on what every home cook, like myself, should have in their own kitchen.

If you’re ever somewhere he’s doing a demo, or have the opportunity to try his food, take advantage of it!