Chef Jam 2010

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum hosted a Chef Jam tonight...local chefs offered samples of their wares, each with some rock-and-roll inspiration. It was just really simple, casual food done en masse, but it was FUN.

It was fun because it was so social. I saw some friends from the music world. I saw some friends from the food world. And it was a real treat. Eating well is lovliest when it's a social activity. You can have the best meal in the world set before you but it loses an awful lot of flavor if you are shoveling it in, solitary confinement style, in front of the TV.

If you have a family, put a Dinner Hour rule into effect at least a few times a week. Sit down and talk to each other while you are eating. If you have friends you love to see, invite them over for dinner. You could even make it a potluck if you can't handle all the preparations. If you get wrapped up in your routine (like me)and never seem to go out to dinner...then force yourself to get out of the house a couple times a month. You'll see people and sometimes you soak up the nicest feelings from being around others. And I will swear up and down that the positive presence of others enhances whatever is on your plate, be it chicken wings or skate wings.

Michael Herschman of Menu 6 was selling these great T-shirts at tonight's event that read: "Tune In, Turn On, Eat Out". Excellent advice. Call a friend...share a meal...enjoy the evening.

xoxoxo