Spain for a second

Many foodies, like poets, have a waxed philosophical point of view on the values and virtues of food and wine. For some it's about the power of principles of cooking and winemaking, molecular gastronomy and its formulas and rules; the modern vintner replacing the human palate for scientific measurements etc. But for me, food and wine is simply about joy and attraction. I savor every bite and I enjoy every drop. Every bite of food has unique flavor, as does every bottle of wine, and each tells a different story. Wine is a pleasure, a gift from nature, and a testament to a winemaker's years of hard work. As for food, a good dining experience should be an unforgettable one. The chef is the artist, the ingredients- the medium, and the plate is the canvas. At the end of a meal, the guest should have been swept away somewhere momentarily, and sublimely submerged by flavors, aromas, and textures - if not completely swept away by the company. Today's food and wine tells the story of Spain.

I love the anticipation and excitement that goes along with finding a new restaurant to check out. I hope to seek out some new and interesting flavors, and find an exotic or boutique wine, therefore, today's adventure took me to Andalucia, Spain. Andalucia is the largest region of Spain that combines mountains and beaches, known for it's historic fishing village, and amazing vinegars and oils. Sounds like a stellar combination of attributes for a perfect Spanish restaurant. And there it was - Andalus. A little piece of Andalucia in Miami.

We walked about a half mile in the summer heat through designer stores and artist blocks until we arrived at Andalus. Welcomed by a Spanish server, we were offered a crisp house Albarino - Spain's signature white wine. We opted for the dinner menu instead of the short lunch menu so that we could get a broader selection of dishes. After scrutinizing the menu, and trying to figure out what some ingredients were, (that's all part of the fun) while munching on some crusty bread with olive oil and salt - we chose chorizo simmered in cider with goat cheese, fried cuttlefish with eggs, seafood stuffed piquillo peppers, and handmade ham croquettes. The dishes arrived in pairs while traditional and modern Spanish music transpired throughout the cream colored dining room dotted with cut red velvet roses at the tables . David Bisbal, Alejandro Sanz, and Montserrat Caballe intertwined our conversation about astrological signs and the surrounding diners; making you bounce back and fourth between the melody of the songs, the flavor of the food, and the conversation. Even though we were sitting in a design district restaurant in Miami, it seemed as though we were backpacking through Spain for a second and found a quiant little place to eat lunch.

Ecstasy...I guess for some, you would need drugs to feel something this good. Today, the food and the wine told the story of Andalucia.

Crazy Good Things

Crazy. It depends what you mean by crazy. I call it independent thinking. What do you call those days where you feel wide awake and so alive? Where your soul is ringing like a bell; When you feel worn out in the best way; and you're left wondering if paradise is where you fell for just a moment. It's the feeling you get when you open your window on a cool spring afternoon, let the breeze-the sun in, and listen to cheap radio songs, it's the dangerously freeing heartbeat that tells you there's nothing holding you back or the ahhhhhhh at the end of a release of an impulse......It's all the good things. Today was filled with all the good things. Crazy good things.

From a car ride that meant listening to an angelic voice softly hum to a couple of songs I like; even some in Spanish, a melody that was left for me not to take for granted. To a wonderful French bistro that led to the conversations I love. Sitting outdoors, talking over champagne and oysters about how at 18 years old, I used to dream of my trip to France therefore, I used to research culinary tours that immersed you in their culture- waking up to pick up a latte with a warm baguette and that incredible butter they have over there... a bike ride in the lavender fields... then, lunch. Something simple and lavish at the same time. A croque monsieur would do, followed by a quick nap. Then off to prepare dinner with a local who knows "everything" about the food of France. Someone like an old, fat, grandmother type that could magically put together the best coq au vin you've ever had. Cook this, drink that... then eat something unforgettable. Doesn't everyone dream of this at 18? LOL. Ok, maybe not so much so the jokes and laughter that followed made the time even better. The background music to this conversation: no less than actual French music. Edith Piaf at her best. You had to pause from time to time just to take in the music and the sunshine. Moments like these are few and far in between where you have to ask yourself, "seriously?" Now, it was time for a glass of white wine to pair with escargot. The choice: Reisling. The result: Perfect. Food is an adventure and should be fun. I find it exciting to share ordering responsibilties. After, a perfect dessert there was a perfect car ride back...only because it had to do with a discussion about Britney's career and a fantastic impersonation of the movie, Pretty Woman--- the epic scene where Julia Roberts cracks up at the snapping jewelry box.

Julia Roberts, Edith Piaf, Reisling, the best company in the world, and dreams of France...Crazy for one afternoon? Maybe. But it depends on what you call crazy. For me, it's that opening of the window on a cool spring day. Today had me wondering if it was paradise that I fell in for just a little while. Today, paradise was France. Cheers to all the good things...the crazy good things.

" I hate when something looks better in pictures than it really is"

Priviledged is the moment where we actually listen to the things we hear; Not just hear them by the natural means of our ears, but to actually take them in - let them mingle in our minds for a bit, and let the good stuff settle in our hearts. The things that settle in our hearts are the things that touch us, and the things that touch us, change us - and that is what makes who we are today.

Today I was told , "I hate it when something looks better in pictures than it really is." (regarding everything) . I've heard that a thousand times before from many different people, even in movies, I've heard that comment over and over. But today, it resonated with me. Today, I didn't simply hear it. I listened and it made me think.

What a powerful generalization. A common concern regarding disappointment over something that should or could have been better. I'm sure you've seen this a million times: websites that show these outrageously lavish hotels, and when you get there, its a small-rinkydink-establishment that left you high and dry with false hopes. "It looked way better on the website." Or how about a television star? They look great on tv, and then one day you see them in the airport or in a restaurant, and you take a glance and realize. " Whoa! they look way better on tv." The same goes for clothes. You see the new collection online or in the catalogue but when you actually go to the store and try it on, "Ooops, this looked way better online." How many times have you seen a horrible movie? "....but the previews looked awesome." Catch my drift....

It's so true that so many things look better in every other form other than real life. And then something amazing happens- a spontaneous collision - a lighting strike - .....a special person. Someone special walks into your life and nothing after that, is ever better in pictures than it really is. In my crazy head, there are some who live in a dream world, there are some who face reality, and then if you're lucky, there's someone who turns one into the other; a dreamworld into reality.

There are hundreds of wonderful snapshots in my memory, far too wonderful to put into words, priceless moments, excessive experiences, and amazing times..........So if I were to look at the BIG Picture of my life, I could never in a million years say "it looks better in pictures than it really is." Why? Not because of the beautiful landscape in the background, not because of the fun group of friends surrounding, not because of the luxurious setting, but because there's someone brilliant who turns a dreamworld, my dreamworld into a reality...

27 years

Today, as good as any day.
I think I'll take a moment to celebrate my age.
The ending of 364 days, the turning of a page.
It's time to focus on where I go from here,
Lord have mercy on my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years, I'm going to have some fun,
I'm going to do a little more of those good things I've done.
Maybe now that I've conquered all those dumb adolescent fears,
I'll do it all better in my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years, I'm going to sit in the chairs I want to sit in,
With the sunshine against my back, and watch the world go by...
With a heart so full of love, it feels short on time...
So if I ever sat there, for a reason that was unclear,
I'm sure going to make it count in my next 27 years!

So if I'm ever faced with a raw piece of chicken with mushrooms,
I'm not going to sneer,
I'm going to bite the bullet and smile.
If I went on and on about how great it was, it wasn't a lie, it was love,
I'm going to wish for more moments like those in my next 27 years!

In my next 27 years,
I'm going to makes sure the fortune that I seek,
Is the fortune I need.
I'm not going to let any precious moments slide,
I'm going to treasure all those times,
That make me feel I have diamonds on the inside.
I'm going to put my heart in 5th gear,
My next 27 years!

Thank you, God for the past 27 years!

I bet you a dollar, Gregg Lederman

The economy is apparently on a steady rise and so is the motivational speaking industry. What last year seemed like a gloomy, desolate, ghost town - is now a pumping urban metropolis. Bookings for experts, authorities, and motivational speakers seem to be in great demand this year as our country slowly emerges from economic rehab; companies are in need of that caffeine jolt, that extra jump to get their focus and fervor back. For those that may not know, sometimes I trade my chef coat, for.......................? Well, whatever a motivational speaker is supposed to wear. It's only January and I have 32 bookings already for 2011! However, I am no expert and no authority on anything. I simply share my experiences and what I have learned from this roller coaster ride, I call my life, and hope that just one person-if that-in the audience is moved by it, and maybe just maybe- their life might be turned around. In the words of the great Maya Angelou, I believe it is our responsibility as human beings to learn as much as we can, love as much as we can, and accomplish as much as we can, because at our very best, we are teachers. And that is the only way for progression of the human race.

Earlier this week I had the privilege of sharing the stage with renown speaker, Gregg Lederman. He is the guy that everyone calls when they want to "take over the world", when they want their company to surpass every other company, when they want their bank accounts to quadruple. He is the author of " 10 truths you must know to increase company profits" and has branded himself as being driven by a relentless desire to help people. Upon shaking his hand on Monday morning, as we met for the first time, 5 minutes before showtime, he said, " I'm Gregg Lederman and I have made it my personal mission to dramatically improve people's lives by increasing their company's profits."

"WTF!!!???" as my stomach turned. This is exactly the prototype of public speaking I am against. Perhaps, that is why I am the black sheep of the industry? I went on to introduce myself and asked what business he owned; what made him an expert in this field? The answer I recieved was astounding as much as it was not surprising. Afterall, most "experts" answers are much like his. I couldn't blame him. The answer was "none. I have a speaking business." He went on and on about how he can make you a millionaire, how your money problems can dissappear, how having a lot of money makes you happy, etc. etc, etc. My stomach continued to turn and I just had to say something right before we went on, "Mr. Lederman, I bet you a dollar that if you tell those people out there a little bit about your life, your successes and failures, and what you have learned from everything, you might help them more than if you try to portray a profit guru. You might just say those few words that will motivate them to open up that store, to learn a foreign language, or to join that group that builds homes for the poor overseas. I bet you a dollar, Sir. Then, your relentless desire to help people might become real." I stood there on the black metal steps that led to the stage, two steps below him, and looked him straight in the eyes. I was secretly thinking, " Oh no! what did I just say to a this man who's made a career of this for 20 years?" I was getting cold sweats as I assumed my little outburst to Mr. Lederman would cost me any future bookings with FiveStar. " How could I have said this? I usually just swallow the crap people say. This isn't my first rodeo...ahhh!" I was in a silent panic. And then there was a pause.....and I realized that every single person out there deserved better than that. So if this was going to be my last booking with FiveStar, than it better be the best I've got. I took three steps more and was on stage, mic check...1....2.....3.........

I went from side to side, and then into the crowd as I entertained them with what I've earned, learned, what I've lost, the risks I've taken, the rewards I've obtained, my triumphs and failures. After all, how many people can say they've accomplished what I have? How many have been where I have been? Bad or good? How many have lost what I've lost? Losing has taught me what life may be. I've been to the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. It's a wonderful story to share, really. I find myself getting better at sharing it every time. I love my crazy roller coaster ride and I wouldn't trade it for a boring wake up every morning to make someone else money type of job, and I'll take it with all the sacrifice and extra stress it may bring. In the end, I can say I took the chance! I did it while you dreamed it!

You want to say the same? How bad do you want it?

Then, you have to be willing to lay it all down on the line. You have to go now, experience, dream, risk everything. Close your eyes and jump. Enjoy the free fall. Choose exhiliration over comfort, the unknown over predictability. Choose potential over safety. Wake up to a magical everyday life. Trust your intuition. Discover the beauty of uncertainty. Go with your gut instincts, they are always right. Know yourself fully before you make promises to anybody else. Make a million mistakes so that you will know what you really need. Know when to hold on and when to let go. Love hard and often without reservations. Seek knowledge, keep yourself open to possibilty. Keep your head high, your heart open, and your spirit free. Embrace your darkness along with your light. Be wrong every once in a while and admit it. Awaken to the brilliance of ordinary moments like seeing the sunshine when you wake up. Own your reality without apology. See goodness in the world, believe in God, and kick some ass. Be bold, fierce, and ambitious. Remember that nothing was ever written about the average normal person. Be grateful for every minute you are alive and breathing, because every minute is another chance to do something you haven't done.

And if you don't do this, the only reality you will own is one of which is one of the greatest truths ever told, " In ten years, you will regret more what you haven't done as opposed to the things you have done. " The time is Now!

I looked at the faces of the crowd, they were overwhelmed with emotion, it was amazing! I knew at that very moment someone, at least one person was walking out of there earger to do something, to make something happen, to change their current situation.

I didn't give them a formula to become rich, I didn't advise them to take over the world. But " I bet you a dollar, Gregg Lederman, someone is walking out of here rich."

Someday Syndrome ( Someday is only for kids)

" Someday, I want to be a big girl!" says a little girl.

"Someday I want to be a big boy!" says the little boy.

" Someday I want to grow up and go to college!" say the children.

Then, the children grow up and go to college and say, " Someday, I'm going to be a successful............(insert career). Then, they go to college, graduate, and say, " Now, I graduated. Someday, we're going to get married, buy that nice house, and that's it!"

A couple years go by and nothing happens but you still hear, " Someday."

Now you have this young couple recently married, with a new house, a mortgage, and says " Someday, when we're doing better finiancially, we will........ (insert dreams)."

A couple of years later and a couple of kids later, now that couple says, " Well, when the kids get older and get this place paid off, we will..... (insert dreams)" The kids get older, and then, "Well, now the kids have to go to college and that's expensive so I guess, when the kids move out and go to college, we will..... (insert dreams)"

By this time, the couple that once had the world in their hands and a lifetime ahead of them, is now saying, " Someday, when we retire, we're going to buy that motorhome and travel the US. We're going to see all those places we've wanted to see."

And then one sad day, on their way to the grave, they place their hand over their forehead and say, "My gosh, we've spent our whole life planning for Someday and forgot about today. We forgot to live while life was here."

You see, someday only sounds good when children say it full of hope. As adults, someday, is full of fear, procrastination, and inaction.

There is not one person that has a contract that garauntees they will have tomorrow. There's not one person that can bring back yesterday. What we have is today.

ARE YOU PLANNING FOR SOMEDAY? OR Are you taking the right steps, surrounding yourself with the right people, and making the right choices? so that your Today is nothing less than amazing.

Catch the rest tomorrow January 10, 2011 at University of Miami