Food for Thought:

2011’s Top 10 Food Experience Countdown

Part II – Continuing the Countdown of Grace!

Last week I shared a philosophy of healthy spiritual living: look back at last year prayerfully to discern how God has blessed you – even in the midst of struggles. Also, look ahead with faith, hope, and love to see how God is calling you to live this year even better!

And now, without further adieu, we’ll countdown the Top 5 Faithful Foodie Experiences of 2011.

5. Mount St. Mary’s University Cafe

I worked the line at Mount St. Mary’s University Café for a dinner service, cooking up my fusion steak fajitas (perhaps you’ve heard of them) and coconut cream risotto with creamy adobo chicken stir fry. Check out the huge line of students waiting for meals! It made me all the more appreciative of the dedication of cafeteria workers.

4. Guam

My trip to Guam this past year was certainly a great highlight! I would have shown you pictures of the beautiful beaches, the crowds of people who came to our events, and of course the lovely families that made these events so special. But from a culinary point of view, this trip inspired me to turn SPAM into a gourmet meal! In fact, I cooked a “spam-onara” – sautéed spam carbonara, for several YouTube friends in L.A.!

(Me with some YouTube personalities. They encouraged me to start up a new YouTube channel. More information to come!)

3. Mediterranean Culinary Cruise with Canadian Chef Marc

This was most certainly a highlight, as it was the first trip we took as a Grace Before Meals “family.” On this trip we saw the world through the eyes of faith and through the religious experience of eating together. Our meals were exquisitely prepared. The scenarios were breathtaking. The fellowship was inspiring. And the experience would be unforgettable!

(A “bella vista” from France.)

(An open market in Spain.)

(A private wine testing on board.)

2. Fruit of the Vine – Napa Valley retreat and recreation!

A small group of us stopped by a family vineyard to sample their delicious varieties and to visit “Napa Valley Family” style. On this trip we connected faith to the process of wine making. While it sounds like a stretch, just consider why Jesus would use wine to reveal himself at both the first miracle and the Greatest Miracle at the Last Supper.

(Our Lady of the Grapes at Meritage Spa, Resort and Vineyard.)

And my top food experience of 2011 is:

1. Malmstrom Airforce Base as one of the judges for the Warrior Chef Competition.

I want to do all I can to serve the brave men and women of our military. They deserve it. These missile base chefs have talent, discipline, and gusto! The secret ingredient for the competition was: apples. Four teams consisting of two chefs composed and prepared dishes highlighting any variety of apple. After 1.5 hours, they presented their creations with ceremony.

During the visit it was well noted that the mood and morale of the personnel on these bases were greatly affected by the chefs. These chefs served more than food for the body. I certainly experienced the level of attention to their craft. Even though they had limited ingredients and supplies, they had one mission: to serve great food to those who work to keep our country safe. Besides having great affection for our military, I had the chance to cook in one of the Top Secret missile base kitchens. Sorry, I have no pictures of that Top Secret installation. But it’s no secret that our military deserves our thanks, prayers, and a delicious home cooked meal with extra servings of family and friends.

Let us pray: Father in Heaven, may our early days of this New Year be filled with great anticipation of faith, hope, and love. Bless our family and friends, those near and far. Keep us safe in Your care, and bless our tables with meals that make memories that will last a life time. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

What was your favorite meal from last year? What are some of the new dishes you hope to try and experiment with this year? Your questions, comments, and even critiques will help us serve you in this coming year. Stay tuned, and spread the word about Grace Before Meals to your family, friends, and parishioners.