Competition

The date competition has come and gone and although my favorite Chef didn't win, it was fun. It was nice to be there to support Mark and afterwards we went out for a great dinner. I was proud of him and thought his dish was excellent. A special thanks to Courtney, Julie, Emily and Iven for coming out to support him and of course for taking pictures. A very special thanks to Jen, who was in the urgent care on Saturday and Christophe who was in the ER on Friday. You guys are great for sucking it up and being there. Mark didn't have any intention of doing this for a 4th year but I think not winning struck a cord and he doesn't want to go out without a fight. So, till next year.

Good Luck

Good Luck today Daddy. No matter what happens, we're proud of you for trying.

Love your

2 little Sous Chefs

Mark's news

I've gotten quite a few questions to Mark's calender, ie; Radio show, news, date competition, so I thought I'd answer. The last 2 years Mark has competed in a local Chef competition where you have to use Dates. There are 3 different catagories; appetizer, entree and desert and he does the appetizer portion. Well, the first year he competed he didn't win in appetizer so we assumed it was over. Low and behold there was also a best overall category and a peoples choice award and he took best overall! It was quite exciting since we thought it was all over but he ended up winning the whole thing. Last year he won the appetizer portion and also the people's choice award. Anyone who goes to the event gets a ballot and votes for who they like best. Again, a very exciting time. So, the competition is coming up this Sunday (which is making me sick) and he's been asked to do some press for it. He was on the news, he did a radio show and if you've been reading you would've seen the "Take Home Chef" post. Below are the some of the picures that were in April's Desert Magazine. The entire article wasn't scanning well so it's mainly for the pictures. It was also supposed to be on TV but I think we've missed it.

Now, I am a freaking stress case on this day and do my best to hide my nerves but I've been told by Jen I don't do a very good job. I so want him to win. He puts so much effort, thought and a ton of heart into his dish that I want his hard work to payoff. He constantly reminds me that it's now about winning but more of the experience, but really, I would hate to see him dissapointed. I never invite anyone to this and this year several people have told me they want to go to support him. Um......this is somewhat adding to my stess. :)

All in all, I know it doesn't really matter, but just as we all want the best for our kids, I want the best for my husband. It that lame? Oh well, I'm looking forward to visiting with our friends, seeing Mark in his element and hoping for the best! Doesn't he look cute in his chef coat?!?

Picture Post

We're slowly getting to that time of year. Yes, the dreaded desert heat. We all know it's coming, but yet we silently wish it won't show up. We took advantage of beautiful weather today and took the kids swimming. Well, I sat on the lounge chair and watched while Mark became the human jungle gym. I'm not quite swimsuit ready and really don't know if I ever will be. I mean, I'm married to a chef, I love food and I'm lazy. Not a good combo. I'm sure I'll drown my sorrows with thin mints later!

Little miss Drew Drew decided that she liked her goggles so much she'd "swim swim" in the bath too.

Mark has decided that we need more flowers and plants so him and the kids did there fair share of gardening. It was cute to seem them with the shovels and gloves. The only problem was that Peyton would plant some in the planter and Drew would pull them out to show me what she was planting. I don't think she got the concept but they worked out their differences and got it done.

Palm Springs Food & Wine

(Having fun as usual)

Mark was given tickets to the Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival for Saturday. We went with his boss Michael, his partner Dave and Jen and Christophe. It's good for them to see what other chefs are making and to try it out. I was a little apprehensive considering I know absolutely nothing about wine, except that I like it, but figured it's an afternoon with Mark so I couldn't pass it up. Oh, and I had to wear a dress which I wasn't excited about but whatever. After a few testers of wine I didn't care that I looked 12 anymore. We got to have some delicious appetizers, see some famous chefs and some infamous chef contestants.

Hells Kitchen Reject-Aaron, anyone watch that show? Love it!!

Dave, is this a pinot, zinfindal or chardonnay? I can't seem to tell the difference anymore!

Nice pic of Jen and Christophe.