My Culinary Goals for 2011

2010 was insanely busy.  In looking over the list of 2010 Culinary Goals, I was quite pleased to see that I accomplished many of them.  I not only attended Food Network’s New York City Wine & Food Festival, but also attended the Philly Food & Wine Festival as well as the Summit New Jersey Wine & Food Festival.  I met some fabulous Philly bloggers, such as Jen over at One Curly Fry In A Box Of The Regular and Leslie at And Her Little Dog Too.   The Leftover Queen, Jenn, was in Philly for a conference.  Thankfully, I was able catch up with her and Roberto over at the Bourbon Blue on their new outdoor deck as well as try out some of their new menu.   Also, this was the season of book signings and events, which included the chance to meet with some of my culinary inspirations, including Giada de Laurentiis, the Barefoot Contessa, Iron Chef Jose Garces, Daisy Martinez, Ingrid Hoffmann and the one and only Nigella Lawson.

In terms of classes, I did take a knife class at Fosters before they closed.  I learned quite a bit of those essential knife skills – and then promptly forgot them when I tried to slice my thumb off with a new knife.  SL and I visited Reading Terminal Market, albeit briefly, but I am determined to visit there more often this year along with the Italian Market.  I also tried to make more things from scratch – including baking and, if I may say so myself, I think I did pretty well.  All in all, I’m pretty pleased with how 2010 worked out.

Travel is at the forefront of my 2011 Culinary Goals.  I have plans on attending both South Beach Wine & Food Festival this year and the New York City Wine & Food Festival.  I also am hoping to visit L.A. and Vegas.  The uber fabulous Reese has promised visits to some amazing restos and if it means I get a chance to check out the Comfort Truck, oh hell yeah!  I promise that there will be no Clooney stalking* on this trip (I hope.)  Vegas is going to be out of this world insane and I’m planning on catching up with Kar and the crew – along with visiting Hubert Keller’s Burger Bar and Joel Robuchon’s L’ Atelier (after Manouschka’s fabulous post, how can I NOT!)  Also, I’m hearing rumblings that I might be headed overseas to Germany mid-year if all goes well (hmmmm, I’m curious to see if one can scoot over to Italy or Paris for a few days).  Of course, while traveling, I’m hoping for the chance to meet with some other fabulous food writers and bloggers.

Also, I am planning on connecting more with this city I call home.  The day to day sometimes interferes but I would love to get to know Philly’s culinary scene.  There’s more to this city than just cheesesteaks, ya know. Between classes, markets and the amazing restaurants – there is so much to see here.

Cooking In Stilettos has alot on its to-do list, including a new logo/header design (eventually), better photos when this gal learns how to use that fancy new DSLR camera and more recipes – lots more recipes.  Also, I personally have plans to work more on my writing for other sites and publications, including my new role as contributor over at Philly Street Style.  Class wise – I’m determined to take more cooking classes, including that ever-elusive pasta class as well as a cheese making class that Sur La Table is hosting.   Maybe a baking class might be order too, hmmmm…

All in all, I think I’ve raised the bar a bit for this year.  What are your 2011 Culinary Goals?

*Side Note:  While visiting Reese one year, she happened to work right near Clooney’s production office.  When we passed , the door happened to be open and it took all her and MB’s might to keep me from running in to grab a pen off his desk.  I mean, if you had that opportunity, wouldn’t you do the same?  Jus’ sayin’…

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