First let me say that however much I love traveling (and I really do!), it was sooo nice to sleep in my own bed last night after 10 days on the road.  I haven't done a trip like that in years.  It was great, but it's good to be home.

I think that much of the perception of food quality on the road or anywhere else has to do with the expectation.  That is to say that if you're in a 5 star restaurant you might give them demerits for having regular butter, when you know that establishments of a certain caliber (price) should be serving butter with a noble pedigree.  Likewise, when you are tired and hungry from driving many hours straight, hot food served hot seems perfectly wonderful.

So, with that in mind, the worst meal I had on the road was in a fine establishment that got nearly everything wrong to one degree or another, and the best single dish was in a bar in Vegas that promised little but delivered much.  I'm wishing I had one of those Vegas strombolis right now.

Anyone who's spent any amount of time on the road can tell you that trying to eat healthy usually ends with being asked what kind of dressing you'd like on your iceberg lettuce.  We are sooo lucky to live in SD.

For our Paella Pairing Party on July 20th, you can bet that I will serve a salad that would make your mom and your trainer, proud.  In addition, I'll have at least two kinds of paella and something chocolate for dessert.  You bring wine and your appetite.  I'll also have a couple of wines that I've hand selected to pair with the paella.  See what you think.

See you there,

Chuck

Leader, VinVillage, San Diego

Chef/Owner, Chuck Samuelson Catering