There are people in life who only eat a couple types of food - that seems silly.  I have grown up eating anything that would not kill me (more to come later on allergies).   Because I enjoy food so much - I have also always believed that the same way I do not make clothes since others can do it better... I should eat only at restaurants.  Why try cooking?  With that mantra and the necessity to eat every day - I have eaten my way through many a restaurant.   The good news for me is that I have many friends who also love to eat.  

Two Tipping Points:
1) Many of my friends, I learned are great cooks!  I started to sous chef for them and found the process fun (but intimidating).  I typically only enter into games or events that I have a chance of winning... and this did not seem like a game I could win.  

2) When I was buying a condo last year, I kept finding myself drawn to those with a fancy kitchen and balcony with room for a grill.  I bought a condo with a great entertaining kitchen and got a great grill.

I am not ready to give up on my life of restaurant hopping - but I officially have become addicted to grilling and cooking!  So my plan is to do both.  Go to great restaurants around town and try the best of everything.  While I am there, I will chat it up with whoever I can and pick up some tricks of the trade or new ingredients.

If you would like to come along for the ride... open up wide and get ready to chew.