Pilgrimage for foodies

After years of watching the +Food Network, we had an opportunity to experience New York for the Food Network's Food & Wine Festival in October 2013. My wife had been to NYC several times, but this was my first. Not only was I excited to visit a huge metropolitan city with a reputation of amazing food and wine, but we had a chance to experience meet and greet celebrity chefs from around the world. It was well worth the long plane ride and the extra money for the V.I.P. tickets for this three-day event. We had an unlimited supply of amazing food and decadent wine.

Just a sample of some of our tastings...

While this was a cheesy photo, I had to do it because of the food network logo. :)

It was exciting to see +Guy Fieri and Chef Morimoto, but Chef Nobu is still my favorite.

Rachel Ray is an animal lover that loves to cook. When she found out that I worked in animal welfare, she was only too happy to autograph my book.

Yumo!

The only time I allowed another woman to hold my hand...

Because of +Andrew Zimmern, I'm a lot more adventurous...

Since this event, Jacque and I have wanted to attend again. They even have one in Los Angeles. Click here for Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival 2015

This is where my inspiration to cook for my wife began. From this point on I attempted to recreate dishes that we enjoyed.