I have just returned from a trip to New York where I was able to attend the International Chefs Congress hosted by Star Chefs. Sarah and I received free passes to the event, and it was definitely worth the 4 hour drive. There was so much free food, beer, wine, coffee, prosciutto, cheese, liquor, lamb, seafood, etc. Anything that one might want in the gastronomic world was up for grabs and free for the taking. Cheese and mushrooms from Quebec, American Lamb, Cheese and Prosciutto from Italy, Wine/Cheese/Iberico ham from Spain, Sea salt from the Philippians and the list goes on and on. The most amazing part of the entire Congress was that I was able to meet and greet with some of the most famous Chefs in the World. It isn’t often that a Chef from a small city like Baltimore is able to drink from the same bar as Charlie Trotter, or Daniel Boulud, but for the last three days I did. This has been one of the high points in my career, and just to be in the atmosphere with the Chefs that i admire most in the world was truly inspiring. I have been debating with my self the whole way home whether or not I should drop any names on my blog and I came upon this conclusion: If the last two names I mentioned are not enough then you will just have to become a great chef, and find your way to NYC. Special Thanks to Walter and Teresa, Our Queens Connection. Without you, none of this would be possible. I cannot thank you enough for all the you did for us. Most people talk of Southern Hospitality, but i think that the tide is heading up north. Both of you also allowed me to really experience real life in NYC for the first time, and for all of this I will be eternally grateful. Thank you both once again. I have a few pics to post, and a few video links. Enjoy, because I know I did.
