One week from today I will walk across a bit of grass with a big smile as over thirty thousand people watch, glove and baseball in hand, wearing of course my new Cubs t-shirt. A moment I have been looking forward to for months is almost here and I am scared to death. Yes I have cooked on television in front of millions, but this is much different. Cooking is something I am comfortable doing, something I know I am good at and something I look forward to doing every day.

Think I am finally almost recovered from a fun filled weekend at the Aspen Food and Wine Festival. Note to self... when you drink a glass of wine at altitude, you have basically had an entire bottle already. Will have to keep this in mind next year. For now will just fill you in on all of the details that have not escaped me.

Featured recipe: Egyptian Fried Cheese with Spring Veggies and Strawberry Gastrique

With all of the traveling I have been doing, I thought it would be fun to devote one day solely to searching each city for some of the best eats (and drinks). With help from friends on Twitter, locals and chef friends I can seek out some of the dishes each city is known for, as well as some hidden treasures.

Had my first experience at the NRA show this weekend. For a while I had some pictures of me and some friends in the desert in AZ shooting some rifles, so some friends were a bit concerned when I mentioned my excitement about the upcoming NRA show. I assure you there were no guns to be seen, just lots of food, drinks, and other fun restaurant stuff. Like FAO Schwartz for industry peeps.

Featured recipe: Marinated Shrimp with Fava Bean and Preserved Lemon Salad

Just spent a couple of days somewhere in NY near Westchester at the GE corporate center. Richard Blais, Carla and I were all brought in as part of a GE leadership conference, filled with over 200 very successful and intelligent women. I have to say, I underestimated how much fun it would be.

Featured recipe: Seared Halibut with Creamy Brandade and Blackberry Gastrique