I have days where I am just blown away by events and circumstance. June 7th 2008 is one of the great days for sure that I will remember for a long time. I passed the mid-point of my 40’s and the gray in my beard shows it, but that age has brought comfort and a small measure of wisdom in my choices to take a gamble on a job 15 years ago that has paid out, recognizing that my wife was a far better catch for me than what she ended up with and the fortunate experience of having two polar opposite careers. I love cooking and still fraternize with my chef buddies and occasionally romanticize what it would be like to step back in and work in a kitchen.

It was the inaugural event at the newly updated Corson building that Matt and Wylie built with a lot a sweat equity with a nod to sourcing thing from local artisans and it was fantastic. We started in the late afternoon with champagne and walking around, checking out the grounds and the new kitchen addition. Tony arrived around 5.15pm and we started dinner service. Lucky for us, Mary and I sat right next to Tony and he was really down to earth and he told some great stories. Lots of folks asked him questions about their favorite episodes and I got him to tell a little more about the filming in Beirut right when Israel attacked.

Dinner service consisted of…

• Fresh Scallops with basil and olive oil
• Thinly sliced Serrano Ham
• Fresh Peas tossed with a light dressing and sauteed Morels
• Argula with sour cherries
• Sockeye Salmon with greens and onions
• Leg of Lamb with Greek Yogurt
• Fresh Strawberries

All of the preparation was done in a minimal fashion, served family style and absolutely fresh and local. Nothing was overcooked or over seasoned and I get why Matt’s reputation continues to grow.

Then we went off to the Moore and sat in the front row. We were joined by Mary & Marvin and Sean & Rhonna for a few libations and then the VIP after party on stage with the food from our buddies at the Culinary Communion and Gabriel was there having a great time. Tony worked the crowd signed autographs and you can tell he is digging this gig he has made for himself. He is the ultimate celebrity Chef with none of the trappings or bullshit. It was a truly memorable night for me and a great birthday.

I have really been enjoying SIFF this year. I have had the pleasure of attending the opening night Gala at the McCaw hall and seeing the Battle in Seattle, meeting Andre 3000 and ignoring Charlize Theron. It was fun watching a movie with 3000 people, albeit a very, very liberal group of people who hissed at Howard Schultz and applaud the activist/terrorists against the WTO.

The next big event was a screening of Sir Ben Kingsley’s new movie with Penelope Cruz called Elegy, a slow, steady movie that was really good. Later we attended a VIP dinner at Volterra Drawing Room in Ballard with my dad. Great evening.

Last night we attended the showing of Cecil B. Demented at the Egyptian on Capitol Hill. John Waters did a pre-show interview and it was hilarious. We then went to his talk at the Benaroya Hall, again, the guy is so funny and engaging and yes… twisted and not to everyone’s taste, but diversity makes the world of art what it is.

Tonight I cut out after work and headed out to the SIFF theatre to catch a debut film that was shot entirely on Orcas Island in the San Juan's (one of my favorite places on earth!) called “The Dark Horse” which was quite moving. The director and all the actors were on hand and answered questions afterwards, only at SIFF do you experience these great moments.