A Surprise at My Door

Walking in from Taste3, I nearly collapsed on the floor. My cinder block heavy luggage tumbeled out of my hand with slump and my body near followed. The jeering mewing of hungry cats (who had probably been overfed earlier) ran circles around and pawed at me demanding once more to fed, oblivious to my fatigued state. The weekend's activities, drinking, eating, and overall merrymaking had taken it's toll.

My roommate had moved out over the weekend and left earlier that morning before I had returned. The place was a mess, the floor had a silken spin of cat hair matting it, a skyline of dishes packed the sink in it's silver and bone white magnanimity, the stove top was stained and dotted with burned unidentifiable sauces.

As I fed the cats in order to quiet their incessant bleating I noticed a package sitting on the table. it was addressed to me. I was curious at the fact of the package. I hadn't ordered anything. My mother, a chronic sender of packages filled with attic finding, newspaper clippings, clothes from high school days and whatever what-have-yous she happens to find didn't inform me of anything.

I poured myself a glass of warm water from the sink as the roommate didn't fill the Brita pitcher before he left (bitch), and sat down to the table. I ripped the thing open with a bit of newfound strength, the kind any child has at 4 a.m. on Christmas morning.

Inside was a brand new copy of The Joy of Cooking. The tome of the kitchen.

I was enthralled and ecstatic. After recently losing all my books to The Unyielding, I was left in want. Here now, in my hands, was the book of books. I never owned a copy of TJoC, it was something I always wanted but never got around to buying or never received a copy for my birthday.

I checked the receipt and smiled, and immediately went to my e-mail to write my heartfelt and joyful thanks.

So thank you, Kalyn, for the delightful gift. I'm already through the intro and trying to decide the recipe to make, though the buffalo wings on page 80 seem to have caught my eye. I'll be sure to keep you posted. This is truly a gift I'll cherish and a book I can hopefully pass on to my future children.

From Taste3 - A Quick Update

Finally!!! *Girlish Squeal of Joy*Me, Ashley Teplin (who let me sleep on her floor for Taste3) and author Michael Ruhlman. Photo by Elise Bauer.

From Taste3

Hello Dear Readers,

Today I address you live from the Taste3 convention in Napa. As you may already know I'm in attendance here on one of their fellowships, attending what may well be considered the leading innovative, creative, fascinating, and thought provoking conferences in the all encompassing intersection of wine, food, and art.I've actually been blogging for them over at the Taste3 blog, and am right now upstairs at Copia (dressed up I might add, very rare form for me) before the welcome reception typing to all of you. I will be planning to bring you updates throughout the weekend and after the event has passed over the next few days.

I say a few days because there is simply so much going on; it becomes difficult to find a moment to sit down a blog about it. The sessions and events are intense and satisfying and already I've taken a nap to recover from the sheer raw energy that the other guests, participants, staff, speakers and hosts all bring. It is awe inspiring to be sure. And I never, ever need a nap.

Today was filled with two winery tours, two tastings, and a lunch that just calmed any curiosities you may have about the Napa Valley myth that the world portrays. Let me address those curiosities. A wine paired luncheon, on a beautiful gorgeous day (in the 80's in Summer no less!) with amazing people who not only share your exuberance about food and wine but actually encourage and engage in the discussion about it. This place is simply breathtaking and everything you think it to be.

This valley has mystical/agricultural/intellectual properties that seem to celebrate the foodie culture and all it's facets, it nurtures them and allows you to grow and expand in your knowledge and sight.

I promise to bring you more updates as time allows, already I am running late. I will write soon about the day, and try to find time tomorrow between Michael Ruhlman *swoon* and Jennifer 8. Lee.On a personal note, be sure to pick up the new copies of Edible Sacramento for my Errant Gourmet section, and the new issue of Sacramento Magazine with a review of mine. Eat Local, Read Local!