Ethan plays "Neelix" on "Star Trek: Voyager." Ethan is also the co-author, with William J. Birnes, of "Star Trek Cookbook" - a collection of recipes.

Question: Do you like to cook in real life? If so what is your favorite dish?
Karen

Ethan Phillips: Karen, I enjoy cooking and my favorite dish to make... is lamb casserole. I also like to make Foul Madammas. A Lebanese bean dish. Foul Madammas is Mool in my book.

Q: When will the Star Trek cookbook become available and will it include foods from the other series as well?
Dr. McCoy

EP: The ST cookbook will be available sometime in 2006... although there are some limited copies available in bookstores now. You can also get some in 1-800-TREKKER. But even more important, the store at startrek.com. And also at Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, Jack's bookstore, Bob's bookstore, Tim's bookstore, and all the bookstores in all the world.

Q: Why was your cameo in "Star Trek: First Contact" uncredited?
Q420

EP: I felt that it would be fun for the ST fans to see if they could figure out if it was Mr. Neelix or not.

Q: Ethan, how long does it take you to morph into Neelix? Does the make up irratate you at all?
PSYCHO ZERO

EP: The Make-up is very uncomfortable. Have you ever had a rubber bedsheet glued to your head? Then have somebody paint it with latex? Then stick big yellow plates in your eyes and dentures over your real teeth? And say, "wear this for 21 hours." "And act, too." But let me finish... I love the look of the make-up. I love the illusion I love the fruit that startrek.com has provided me.

Q: What is Neelix's favorite thing to cook?
Cebu

EP: Neelix prefers cooking either pleeka rind stew or he likes to make Andorian sweet roots.

Q: So...What's in this Trek cookbook? Recipes from the Delta Quadrant? (Oh no! Kazon Krispies and Heart of Vadian Soup!!!) :@)
Shannon

EP: The cookbook has recipes not only from the Delta Quadrant but also from the other three series. So, we have Alpha Quadrant foods as well. I've even thrown in some recipes from the rarely visited Beta Quadrant... a recipe or two from the Lambda Quadrant, and also the Omega Quadrant is featured.

Q: How did you gather the recipes for this book? Do you, yourself experiment with various flavors and cooking techniques? If you could go anywhere in the world for breakfast/lunch/dinner ($ & time no object), where would you go?
Loveday

EP: We tested all the recipes. The recipes are from family and friends. And a few strangers. I'm not a real cook like my wife.
I miss my wife's cooking... as often as I can.
We've actually got a stove in our house that flushes.
I'm not kidding. We pray *after* we eat.
You ever heard of a soup fork?
I am so sick of cream of yesterday...
let me finish...

Well, heck, I guess I'd probably go to somewhere in the Antarctic, which is a place I've always wanted to go.

And I'd have bacon and eggs down there... and a free trip.

Q: Ethan, are the recipes meant for a full crew or can they be scaled down for a "close quarters" meal?
Javert

EP: Close quarters meal.

Q: Hi Ethan, I just want to know what your favorite food is and when and where can I get your new cook book+ the cost as well, please. Thanks!
Chris

EP: My favorite foods are Legumes, venison, cabbage, plums, blueberries, kale and garlic. The book is 20.00 plus tax.

(Ethan Phillips' new "Star Trek Cookbook" is available at bookstores everywhere. For a limited time - get a copy of "Star Trek Cookbook" signed by Ethan Phillips today at the chat - only in the Star Trek Store at www.startrek.com.)

Q: How did the cookbook come about?
JanaK

EP: For a couple of years everytime I went to a convention at least 20 or 30 people suggest I write a cookbook. And it has always been in the back of my mind. I met Bill Birnes, the author of many cookbooks... and he said, it would be fun to do this. And we just started messing around with ideas and this is what popped out. I wrote all of the Voyager sections, and anything to do with our crew. I wrote all the introductions, as well. Bill has an encylopedic knowledge of Star Trek and is responsible for the sections on TNG, DS9 and TOS. But I helped him write all the intro gags and stories.

Q: If Neelix became a cannibal which one of the crew members would he eat first?
Young Worf

EP: Seven of Nine. Next question.

Q: Is it true that Neelix has a nude scene in an upcoming episode?
The Harry Kim Fan Club

EP: Six nude scenes. No, it's not true. Unless the visual effects guys did something I don't know about.

Q: Hey Ethan! How are you? Love Neelix! Will Neelix be getting another love interest anytime soon?
The Rose

EP: Rose, I don't think so. It would be fun to have another love interest, but it's difficult since Neelix is tri-genital.

Q: Mr. Phillips, I am 10 years old, but I am most likely much taller than you. Is there something wrong with me?
cutie pie

EP: No, there's something wrong with me!

Q: All of us fans out here in the great state would like to know which Voyager members are still single so that we'll know who to hope for.
Joyce

EP: Joyce: Tim Russ, Bob Beltran, Garrett Wang.

Q: We caught a glimpse of you on our recent trip to Paramount, and you were in make-up but not costume. Is it usual for you to have to walk around the lot in full make-up?
Syl and Ben

EP: I usually don't leave the area around the stage when I'm in make-up. Any time I move in make-up I get very hot so I try and just stay as close as I can to where the work is.

Q: When Neelix is cooking up a new recipe for the crew to "enjoy" ,it always has it's roots in his peoples history or been a family dish. Now that Voyager is so far from Talax, how can the required ingredients be available?
Robert

EP: Neelix orbit-prima dehydrated and de-nitrogenated a huge supply of ingredients from Talax. And stored them on his vessel, which is parked on Voyager. He just accesses these goodies. Plus he grows things in the hydroponics lab and there's the replicator.

Q: If you could invite any person to dinner - past or present - who would it be and why?
Loveday

EP: I'd invite Judi Dench because I think she's the greatest living actor... I'd invite my wife, because I love her... I'd invite Meyer Babba and ask him if he's really the Avatar. I'd invite Bob Dylan and ask him to sing Ballad in Plain D.... That's all I can think of.

Q: I enjoy your work on Voyager and I have seen you in other movies (i.e. ST:First Contact, Green Card?) do you prefer acting in movies or in TV series?
One

EP: Thank you very much. I prefer stage... theatre work. Because I get to do my own close-ups and my own editing. The pay isn't very good, the last time I did a play, I went to cash the check and the teller said, "how do you want that? Heads or tails?"

Q: I heard that there was a fire on the set of Voyager,if there was such an accident,have they been fully repaired yet?, if not when are they expected to be complete?
trekker26

EP: Dear Trekker 26 (Do you know Trekker 19?) The fire indeed occurred. It was a lamp that blew on stage 8. Quite a bit of damage, all repaired as of now, no injuries. The sprinklers that kicked on did most of the damage.

Q: Does Neelix miss Kes?
Karen

EP: Dear Karen, yes, I miss Kes. But, what are you gonna do? She's a higher form of life now. And I'm glad that she's found her space.

Q: What kind of outtakes do you guys produce on Voyager? I'd love to see some!
Derek

EP: So would we. We do very funny bloopers. One day last year at the end of a very hot summer workday I had sweated so much that when I was yelling at Capt. Janeway my make-up blew off my face, as if somebody had flayed me. Simultaneously my teeth popped out. I was coming apart at the seams. Literally. Very funny stuff happens, but the studio has a policy not to release bloopers any more.

Q: How can I get on Voyager? I would love to work with such a distinguished bunch of actors!
Shannon

EP: Not a problem. Are you an actor? If so, move to LA, get an agent, have the agent submit you for an audition on Voyager, and impress them enough for them to hire you. See you next week!

Q: What's it like being an alien travelling through space?
Carlo

EP: Carlo, it's lonely, exciting, frightening, filled with discovery and hope.

Q: Will Neelix ever participate in a chapter of Tom's holo-program, Captain Proton?
Captain Proton :@)

EP: There's a possibility. I'd love that. Just to work with the Delaney sisters.

Q: Hey Ethan! Any plans for Q to return on VOY?
Shannon

EP: Not that I know of. If a story presents itself, I'm sure they wouldn't hesitate.

Q: What was it like working with Jeri Ryan? She is so attractive!:)
borg_99

EP: What do you mean 'was'? I'm still working with her. I'm not unlikely to be dissatisfied, nor I shouldn't suspect that I couldn't rediscover any meaning in such a wonderful actor as Jeri. It's a thrill, not only to work with her, to know her, but to be near her.

Q: What's you're favorite Star Trek food?
AGP

EP: My favorite ST food is the turkey burger at the commissary. My favorite food on the set are the kiwis. My favorite food in my cookbook is anything with meat.

Q: I will be seeing you in April at the Novacon 9 convention in Tyson's Corner, VA. Any chance I could get a picture with you?
Your Biggest Fan

EP: You certainly can. I look forward to it.

Q: How's it like being everyones favorite Talaxian? also I just wanted to say great cookbook.
|_DATA_|

EP: I'm the only Talaxian who has a heart this big. That's why I'm well liked. There are fans that don't like Neelix and you know what I say to them? !@#$%%^!!!!!!

Q: Was it fun working with Levar Burton in timeless
Greg

EP: Yes, LeVar is a phenomenal director and a pleasure to work with. We just finished a show with Robbie McNeil (directing) He is turning out to be exceptional in that department. But honestly, every director I work with I find professional and gifted.

Q: Are you really bald like in star trek first contact?
Cpt Mitchell

EP: No, I have my hair plucked for a character look. I actually have a thick mane. I look like Fabio.

Q: Is there any side of Neelix's character that you would like to see developed?
Carleton

EP: I'd like them to explore his sexuality...

Q: How does it feel to be perhaps the cutest, fuzziest alien Star Trek has ever seen?
Tommy

EP: Cuter than a Tribble? It feels fine.

Q: Hello Ethan, Do you and Rene (Odo) ever get together and reminice about your "Benson" days? Neelix is a great character, keep up the good work.
Startrekgi

EP: Thank you, sir. Yes, Rene and I occasionally get together for dinner. And Benson comes up every now and then. The two of us think it's funny we both ended up on Star Trek in rubber.

Q: Is it hard to watch Tim Russ play as Tuvok all the time and not laugh at him? Do you think that you could manage the part?
Copperhead

EP: I think Tim has the most difficult role on the show. He has the smallest emotional band within which to work. And yet manages to convey with great depth a wide range of emotion.

Q: What is it like working with Kate Mulgrew? How do i get a hold of a fan club address for the entire crew? Can you give me your fan club address and Kate Mulgrews? Will you yourself write back?
Bethany

EP: All of us can be reached at Paramount/ c/o Voyager/ 5555 Melrose/ Hollywood CA 90038 Kate is terrific to work with. I will send a picture. I answer all my fan mail.

Q: Is it true that Janeway (Mulgrew) wants to leave the show,? If so, why?
Rod

EP: That's a rumor. And not true. As far as I know it was started by Genevieve Bujold.

Q: I have really enjoyed listening to you in the Alien Voices productions. Will we be seeing you in any more of them soon?
Tsi-Puff

EP: I hope so. It looks like they're going to be doing films. I'd love to be involved in that. Of course, they'd have to pay me a lot of money.

Q: I'live in sweden and i wonder where i can get "Star trek cook book" any were near here?
Co Patrick

EP: I would say internet... Amazon.com

Q: What kind of kid were you in school..shrimp,class clown,jerk,etc.
infinity

EP: I was a jerky shrimpy clown.

Q: Where were you born?
Ashliegh

EP: I was born in a hospital in Long Island.

Q: What's the little slit on Neelix's nose for?
Commander Dmitri

EP: It is a Talaxian anus. No seriously...

it's for Delta Quadrant credit cards. You slide it through.

Q: Are you ever going to to some directing on Voyager?
compman

EP: No, I'm never going to direct because I can't deal with the stress.

Q: I am a huge fan of Nelix and of your self. I was at the Royal Albert Hall convention when you were there with Robert Picardo.you looked very nervous, do you still get nervous now? By the way you were both very funny.
Nightlyte

EP: I still get nervous. Doesn't everyone? It's okay though, I like myself. I'm not nervous now. Are you nervous? I hope not. Not fun to be nervous. Not fun.

Q: Mr. Phillips: I was wondering if you did a film back in I think '84, called Critters?
Rob

EP: Yes I did do Critters. Makes me nervous just to think about it.

Q: What has been your favorite experience in the world of Star Trek thus far?
Josh

EP: Doing these chats. And eating this wonderful fruit. Meeting the fans. Removing the make-up at the end of the day. Making a living as an actor. Pretending I'm an alien. It's all good.

Q: How do they get your face to do that? What are you exactly?
Johnathan

EP: It's rubber. I'm a Talaxian. All Talaxians wear rubber glued to their heads. As soon as they wake up in the morning they apply foam rubber and paint to their faces. It's a Talaxian thing. Apparently.

Q: What characters from other television shows have you made a conscious effort to assimilate into the character of Neelix?
Achaea

EP: Norman Fell's Mr. Roper from Three's Company...and Jamie Farr's Klinger from M*A*S*H.

Q: I was just wondering if you found it less difficult or more difficult to play a character based on a species never played before. Do you find it less restraining to act a character type that has not been labeled or clearly marked in actions?
NinTova

EP: Yes and no.

Q: Who inspires you?
Riker's Beard

EP: I would say that Shakespeare inspires me... Jerzy Grotowski.... Meryl Streep.... Tim Russ... Bob Picardo... Armin Shimerman....

Q: ethan I bought your cookbook and its wonderful but why there is two different recipes for yridian brandy and blood wine
toni

EP: The reason for that is very difficult to explain right now. But they're similar beverages as can be seen from the things. I want to thank you all for your interest in my cookbook. Whether you buy it or not, borrow it and read it because it's a lot of fun.

Ethan, thank you very much for joining us here tonight.

EP: See you all soon. I'll be back to chat again. Maybe tomorrow.