Top Chef Cooking Class and Craftiness

I figured I'd get one more post in for the month of May.  My first summer session class starts up tomorrow, and then it's off to Spain with Will. Hooray! Ole!

First, I have to tell you about my whirlwind cooking adventure.  Actually, Chef Casey Thompson of Brownstone Restaurant and Top Chef fame did all the cooking, and I just sipped cocktails and stuffed my face with some delicious food.  Back in February, the DMN Food Blog announced that Neiman Marcus would be hosting a series of cooking classes at the downtown location.  I saw Chef Casey on there and thought it would be a cool graduation present for Joe. Unfortunately for Joe, the class sold out immediately, and we were wait-listed.  The day of the class, I received and email from the powers that be informing me of an opening.  Would I be interested in attending?  Um...yes, please!   It was serendipity, and Joe and I were very much looking forward to going.

Check out this menu we were looking forward to:

• Grapefruit & Jalapeno Margarita
• "Little" Knead Bread
• Roasted Saddle of Lamb, Dandelion Greens and Wild Mushrooms
• Classic Lemon Curd Tart with Mile High Meringue

Fresh bread and tasty meats and cheeses.

Then disaster struck.  Joe got called into work about an hour before the event due to a broadcasting issue and had to cancel on me.  Boo!  Luckily, a dear friend and co-worker came to my rescue, and she and I went together.  She had to put up with me making googly eyes at Chef Casey, but I think she had a good time.  Speaking of Chef Casey, she approached us and chatted it up for a couple of minutes before the event.  She was so nice and down to earth.  Maybe it was because the class was at Neiman's, or maybe it was because I didn't have time to take a shower and fix my hair, but some of the other attendees seemed a little snooty-faloutie.  I can be a little insecure.

Chef Casey slicing up the "little knead" bread for us.

Anyway, the class inspired me to get to know a butcher, never stir my mushrooms, and host a dinner party.  In that order.

And here's what I whipped up for ANOTHER pregnant co-worker.  Something is in the water I tell ya.  She is expecting a little boy in the fall.  Since she is leaving to be a stay-at-home mom, the shower was this week.