My Tuesday night Culinary Adventure

I went to Legacy Village. I don't really like going there; it makes me feel like such a consumer. But when my iPod breaks or I need to look at pretty furniture the need must be met!

Anyways, Tuesday my need was to attend the Michael Ruhlman book signing at Joseph-Beth. We arrived a bit early. It didn't seem like the crowds were pouring in so we got a cup of coffee and I read about celebrity babies. Close to 7pm people started gathering in the signing area and Ruhlman decided since it was such a small crowd we should just go to the bar. Ok!

We pulled chairs together to form a circle and ordered some drinks. At first it was a bit intimidating – sitting there with a group of self proclaimed foodies and a local food author/celebrity.

Then he looks at me and asks – Why did you come tonight? What did you like about my book? Or something similar to that, I can’t really remember because I was totally panicking.

Um, well, I haven’t actually read any of your books. Ha ha ha. I met you at the Chili Cook-Off and read somewhere that you were having this book signing…

I = Loser

He was really nice didn’t give me a hard time about it at all – thank God.

The conversation started off a little slow but by the end of the hour there were about 10 people talking over each other about making corned beef or kielbasa from scratch, how much they hate or admire Rachel Ray and who’s actually eaten at The French Laundry. Yes, he was the only one.

I found it very ironic that as we walked back to our car there were crowds, tons, lots! of people sitting outside, on the restaurant patios, having dinner. They all seemed to be enjoying the weather and their cheesecake or pasta, but they could have been experiencing a genuine culinary event, just a few doors away. I actually felt lucky that not many showed up – that’s what made the whole environment and conversation so intimate and enjoyable.

If you don't have any of his books either you can ready Ruhlman's article from last Sunday's NY Times Magazine - he was delighted that his name was listed on the cover! Also his newest book "The Reach of a Chef," was reviewed in the NY Times Book Review (special food edition) 2 weeks ago.