for all of the ridiculous words and phrases going around these days [seriously, Canadians - 'Icing?'... weirdos], I do have to admit to loving this one…

foodies.

I’m also thankful to be surrounded by people who take it as seriously as I do. and I do. hell, even last weekend I refused to let a friend of mine play her music while I was cooking – it had to be Coltrane. anything else wouldn’t have made sense. needless to say, if I’m that fussy [stubborn] about what I’m listening to, I’m even more fussy [stubborn] about what’s made. living here, by myself in a big place with a decent-sized kitchen has been fantastic for my cookeries. I finally learned how to make homemade pizza, more stews, more baking, more marinades… all sorts of things. it’s part of most conversations – I get more excited about the food in different countries than most anything else. take Germany, for example. I can tell you very little about the rise-and-fall of Berlin, but the top 5 places to get a sausage? yes, sir. travel fuels this addiction. I can’t not land in Hawaii and go first for Giovanni’s, then to Jaws and then immediately back to Sansei’s on Waikiki to bury my face in their famed Dungeness Crab with Truffle Oil Ramen. Indonesia? I’d take you into the very middle of Java, a 2-day trek from any port, just to absorb whatever Mr. Noodle [his English name] would procure. there’s a very good chance I could draw you directions to at least one good place in every place I’ve been. no lie.

long story short – it’s what you remember.

the food.

so, starting next week, I’m going to scour the earth [read: ask once on Facebook] for best recipes. you’ve already gotten Robin’s Salsa, which I miss so much it stings, but there will be more. at least once a week. and if you’ve got one, well, then – email me.

I love food. more than you. as in, not more than you do, but as in I love food more than I love you.

and I do hope the feeling is mutual.

except for you, my 4 stalkers [yes - there's a new one]. I don’t want to know what sad soups you make.

so yeah, next week. it’s on.

mmm.