apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Mario Batali came into Zingerman's (in Ann Arbor) a month or so ago and we all just gawked at him. He seemed really nice and was friendly with all the employees (he apparently knows Ari, one of the owners of Zingerman's).

I saw Mario Batali at a restaurant in Manhattan once... but that was it. I didn't feel the need to gawk or go up to him...
Though I thought it was odd he was wearing shorts in the middle of winter...

I saw Martin Yan at the KBIS show. We crossed paths and I felt the immediate need to say, "Hi Chef!" and shake his hand.

I have met Tyler Florence and Alton Brown at book signings. Florence was exactly as he is on the show (kind of overgrown frat boy). Brown was extremely friendly, even after signing a million books at a Borders bookstore. I was toward the end of the line and he shook my hand, introduced himself (as if I didn't know), and asked my name. It was a real pleasure.

For our anniversary two years ago, we went to Topolobambo in Chicago. I had brought my favorite Rick Bayless book, Mexican Kitchen (just in case), and asked our server if Rick was there that night. He was! He asked some pertinent info, and a short while later returned my book, nicely signed with my name and the date.

When we were leaving, I saw him by the kitchen and went up to say hello and thank you. We chatted for a minute and he couldn't have been nicer. I was so excited!

He is very tall.

I was staying in Miami at the Delano during this year's Food and Wine Fest and a bunch of chefs were doing demonstrations by the pool - Jamie Oliver and Mario Batali. I talked to Batali briefly and he was very nice.

I interned for a major morning show a few years back and worked with Sarah Moulton once on a low carb tasting. She was very nice and personable. I also met Emeril and for whatever reason was beside myself (maybe because he was so sweet). I was surprised at myself since I had met various celebrities (from Brat Pitt to Kate Hudson) throughout my time there but was only caught off guard by Emeril.

She's not a chef and hasn't been on TV, but I met renowned baker Dorie Greenspan last Saturday. She was very sweet and seemed humbled when I told her how much I loved her cookbook.

At a restaurant in Boston, I met Rachael Ray. She seemed like she was having a great time and enjoying her friends.

I also met Ken Oringer outside one of his Boston restaurants. He was so warm and friendly and kindly obliged my picture request (grin).

I met Emeril Lagasse at one of his restaurants in New Orleans where I live.

The other day I was walking through NYC and saw David Chang walk into the back entrance of Momofuku Ssam... and today I saw Alfred Portale in Union Square Park... Unfortunately i got too nervous to talk to either of them hehe...