Culinary Oscars tonight…

One BIG IMPORTANT WIN for Chicago’s own Grant Achatz!!!!
James Beard Foundation Awards – Outstanding Chef: Grant Achatz, Alinea, Chicago (pictured)

Read more on JamesBeardFoundation.wordpress.com

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My love affair with food…

I do care for the quality of the food immensely. I’ve grew up in a very bohemian family – a true mixture of very of artistic types. Some would call it plain crazy but I tend to think of my upbringing as very mind-expanding. Anyway… most of my family cooked with love and passion and I watched, absorbed, and participated when allowed ; ) I grew up to be quite a decent cook myself. I do it on a very small scale (home/friends) and it’s simply an act of love and inspiration. I consider myself a very free- spirited cook who almost never follows a recipe to a dot. My only rule is: BORING IS BANNED!

For now, let’s just say that I’ve traveled enough (in my head and in reality) that my palette has evolved. Being a creative director trained in painting and photography I see a great deal of synergy between food, art, and culture. The current trend of celebrity chefs brought the art of making great food into the public focus. Part acrobatics, part sex-appeal ( see: the fauxhawks, tattoos and rockstar attire on Top Chef)- it is science and alchemy combined. My own simple definition is that at the end of the great meal I feel both; satisfied yet still intrigued. ! Are these two mutually exclusive? Not when it comes to food.
On this note I have to add that I DO HAVE MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT MY ALINEA EXPERIENCE (I know, I know – most fanatic followers shriek with disbelief when I dare the utter a slight word of criticism) but I’ll explain in some later post.

For now, I am exited to put my raves and rants out there for the joy or wrath of few loyal friends, my dear family, coworkers who blog and twitter for work, and you, my lovely fellow foodie wherever you may be at the moment plotting your next culinary escapade…

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