We arrived in time to see Cat Cora talk about her book "Cooking from the Hip". The thesis of this book is about always being prepared to throw anything together at any time that is fabulous and fresh.
Cat Cora and Suvir Saran.
Cat also was doing a book signing that day, and the first 100 book were free! A friend saved me a place in line so I could gets shots of her demo while the line grew longer. Afterwards, I joined my friend in line and got to meet Cat and get a signed copy of "Cooking from the Hip"!
Me with Cat Cora.
I've read through half of this book. Which is odd for me. I'm not the type to sit down and read through a cookbook. Usually, I'll flip through the pages waiting for a recipe to jump out at me, but this one I'm actually reading every little thing. It sounds so amazing, and I can't wait to try some of the recipes. Stay tuned for some recipes from her book.
Right after Cat Cora was finished, Mario Batali was scheduled. I was on a high from meeting Cat, and greatly anticipating seeing Mario. I was disappointed to see that he was not doing a book signing, so I thought there was no way I'd get his autograph for my Food Network Collection. Abruptly, on of my friends who happened to be working the Goho kitchen that day, ran up to me and said "Come ON!" and grabbed me by the hand. I grabbed my camera and was quickly whisked back stage. There he was. I was floored. I was going to get to meet Mario Batali. The whole thing was very fast, and it felt much like an out-of-body experience. I'm pretty sure I made an idiot of myself, but Mario was genuine and friendly. He even had an orange sharpie to match his Crocs!
Some coworkers of mine with Mario Batali.
After meeting him, I was shaking and light headed, but managed to get back to my seat in time for him to present. He demonstrated a pasta dish and a pizza, both of which smelled and looked delicious. He recommended some quality, genuine Italian ingredients. I fully believe that a final dish is only as good as the quality of ingredients that go into it. Mario is a great presenter and such an eloquent speaker.
Mario with his finished Pizza.
At the end of his presentation SURPRISE!!! Guy Fieri comes out for an unexpected appearance. I knew he would be there for the Ergo Chef booth kicking off a new knife line, but I had only a glimmer of hope to see him. And then there he was!
The crowd was going WILD!
After all of that excitement, I thought the day could not possible get any better. The icing on the cake: Todd English. Todd's presentation was about his new Juicer and how it could be used in cooking.
I snapped a few pictures of him and then queued up to get his book too. Again, this was unplanned and a great opportunity.
He was SO personable when signing books. He had a personal conversation with each person. It was great! He was signing his book, "The Olives Dessert Table".
I have only but glimpsed through this book, but it seems pretty amazing! I can't wait to try some of these delectables. Stay tuned for some killer dessert recipes from him.
It was a dynamite day full of wonderful, unexpected surprises!
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