Good Eats, 1,000 Treats
(Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show)
Imagine stuffing your suitcase full of your favorite things until it was bulging on all sides, and it took two people sitting on it--huffing and puffing, eating a box of Wheaties and using all their might--to pull the zippered halves together to get it closed.
That is the Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show.
Because there is so much to tell, I'm breakin' it down for ya into a series of posts rather than one long one. These are not necessarily in hierarchical order, they were all favorite aspects to me.
Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show
in Atlanta, GA
[10] Meeting Denise Medved, President and CEO of The Tiny Kitchen. I am always drawn to "story" and Denise's is inspirational: she's living her dream.
Because Denise was so determined in pursuing her passion--cooking and entertaining and making it accessible for anyone--she invested everything she had into making "it" happen. The "it" in her case is a successful series of cookbooks and a cooking and entertaining tradeshow that is drawing thousands.
Denise explained she simply created the show she wanted to attend. With extensive tradeshow and business conference experience, she knew what to do and how to do it. Judging by the A-list of celebrity chefs attached to her venture, Denise is making culinary waves of tidal proportion.
Currently there are two cities host to The Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show: Washington, D.C. (November 8th & 9th) and Atlanta. I have a feeling there'll be more. I'm sure Denise would love to hear from YOU if you'd like to see a show in your area--why don't you share your 2ยข?
[9] Lunch that began with eight strangers, miraculously ended with eight new friends.
My certifiably insane sister sprang for a VIP Luncheon and Book Signing with a certain cooking diva to be named later. Our Derby Day-themed lunch began with mint juleps--we entered as ladies and exited with hair on our chests--and ended with buttermilk pound cake with strawberries and whipped cream.
S o m e h o w we lucked out with the BEST TABLE of gals in the room--they were fun and funner! Allow me to introduce Lora (my sister, to the right of "my" chair), Angela and Debbie, Rose and Kelly (they flew in from Houston!), Candy and Jean, and Elaine and Sandie (HEY Y'ALL! :) ). Can you believe EVERY one of our table mates gave their email addresses to me? What if I were a serial axe murderer for goodness sakes!
Debbie, the bunny-ear girl on the right, is clearly the trouble- maker of the bunch; she told Rob-the-event-photographer that'd I'd seduce him for his photographer's vest; I just thought he was being nice to me to encourage a budding photographer:/.
[8] Three Sisters livin' their dream. They've got a fairytale story in progress; fitting, since POP truffles are almost too pretty to eat! These girls left comfortable jobs to pursue their passion, and let me tell you this: their hopes are HIGH--to be a global leader in the specialty foods industry. They're off to a good start-- they've got wonderful mentors and support, and everything about them speaks "positive". Bounce around their website, see what they have to say, and they'll win you over with their regard for and generosity to others. Oh...and their POPs? You'll be drooling!
More soon, and I promise, you'll be slobberin' like a Saint Bernard before it's all said and done!
How awesome is that. You are just too cool. I want to write a cookbook and I have an idea I'll have to e-mail you separately (in case of copycats) to see if you saw anything like this already offered there.
Anything coming to the Philly area? I know we get a couple of good things down at the convention center but I'll have to check the schedule.
Have a good week.
Posted by: Sarah | May 05, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Oh my word Robin!! This must have been so totally awesome girl!! I'm loving what I'm reading about your adventure this weekend so far. I can't wait for you to tell more. The pictures are fun and DELIGHTFUL!! Can you say I'm ready to eat those "pops" NOW!! Do tell!!
Posted by: Peculiar | May 05, 2008 at 09:10 PM
I have to say - those POPS look mighty tasty.
So - how did you get to go to this scrumptious event?
Posted by: Karmyn R | May 05, 2008 at 10:58 PM
Oh, my, I'm so jealous!
Posted by: Lisa | May 06, 2008 at 02:10 PM
Sarah, OOooo, EMAIL ME! I'm curious about your cookbook (and I'm an excellent secret keeper :) ). I haven't heard of this coming to Philly...I think Denise is moving slow and steady.
Peculiar, the POPs are the best, most unusual treat I've tasted in a loooooong time. And they're so doggone PRETTY!
Karmyn, I bought a ticket and drove an hour and a half up the road ;). Worth it--for a ton of reasons! (More to follow.)
Lisa, You would've LOVED IT! So many great ideas!
Posted by: Robin | May 06, 2008 at 02:34 PM
Hi All:
It's me, Denise from The Metropolitan Cooking & Entertaining Show.
Robin, thanks a million for the kind reviews of the show in Atlanta. I am thrilled with the first year. We'll continue to improve year after year.
No plans to be in Philly this year, but 2009 is a possibility. We will be adding at least a city a year for the next several years. We have to be slow and steady with our growth.
We will be in Washington, DC November 8 - 9. We have Paula AND Giada! This is our 3rd year in DC -- so it's even more fun than Atlanta.
Let me know when you are ready to write the cookbook. I self published both of mine and am happy to give you guidance.
Have a great evening!
Denise
Posted by: Denise | May 08, 2008 at 10:39 PM