Double-Dip Culinary Extravaganza....

For those unfamiliar, a 'chef's table' is a table in or in close proximity to a restaurant's main kitchen--typically reserved for VIPs--upon which thematic, seasonal meals are prepared by the restaurant's chefs. It is very special to procure a spot at a chef's table as they are not all that common--and are nearly always booked months in advance.

Those close to us know that Queen Wendy is a culinary enthusiast. After attending the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts as a hobby, she continued to dabble in 'homestyle cooking' and experimented with homemade baby food and gluten-free recipes for her little ones. In the end, she has found that her favorite recipes are those passed down by her talented grandmothers. Although, with a steady diet of decent (albeit experimental) cuisine King Tony too has become quite the 'foodie.' In the last few years, he has also had the pleasure of visiting restaurants owned by some of the most prominent culinary luminaries in the business including Rick Bayless, Hubert Keller, Richard Blaise, Brian Malarky and Todd English, among others.

Simply put, we both love food.

So, it was a lovely surprise to receive a copy of the book photographed above, which reveals detailed recipes of key dishes from Boston's premiere culinary guard. In short, a very special addition to our cookbook collection--that is, until the book was opened.

There within its multiple pages of detailed recipes were the signatures of top chefs from several famed Boston restaurants. King Tony had invested much time and effort in procuring signatures from not only Wendy's favorites, but several that seemed unattainable. The cookbook is no longer just a cookbook--but a culinary treasure!

Todd English of Olives, Kingfish and Bonfire

Jay Murray from Grill 23

"BlueJay" Santos from Gargoyles; Runner up in Hell's Kitchen

On the heels of receiving this incredible and unexpected gift, came VIP tickets to an event that pitted Anthony Bourdain (No Reservations) against Three-Michelin-star recipient and Le Bernadin co-owner, Eric Ripert. (Good vs. Evil). This was, by far, one of the most enjoyable few hours we've spent since our dinner atop the Prudential Center (Top of the Hub) for our anniversary last year. :)

The two went at one another on topics including the First Lady's efforts in the School Lunch Program, sustainability, 'Farm to Table,' favorite places to eat, Michelin stars, Top Chef, the real origination of the American (not Mexican) taco, and their favorite 'Stoner Food.' (Bourdain wants melted cheese and crusty bread and Ripert, a tasty burger with tomatoes, lettuce and pickles--for the record)

Ripert in the 'hot seat....'

Ripert holds court and pummels Bourdain with embarrassing questions...funny!

Bourdain--a humble, thoughtful intellectual with culinary talent....

Anthony Bourdain's take on the push to improve in-school lunch programs....

Ripert's position on 'sustainability' and the immense need for focus on it...

Ripert and Bourdain at the post-event 'meet and greet'

The final stir of the culinary whisk occurred upon our return to the parking garage to pick up our car, as we unexpectedly boarded the elevator with none other than Michael Schlow, owner of several Boston-area restaurants including Radius (a favorite), and former Top Chef Masters contestant!! (Schlow just opened his newest restaurant, Tico, two weeks ago).

It was most definitely an evening of culinary madness which never would have been possible without loving support from Auntie Abra and Uncle Peter who pinch-hit babysitting duties for the Kingdom's royals! Auntie and Uncle got a run for their money with the three little kidlets that never want to sleep, always want to snuggle/cuddle, and seek to watch one more episode of Scooby Doo before lights out. Or, so we thought. What we found upon our return home were a 'semi-retired' Auntie and Uncle on our couch (too cute to NOT snap a photo of before they stirred). :) Heee.heeee...

THANK YOU UNCLE PETER AND AUNTIE ABRA!!! SMOOCH!!

Since we don't get out very often, doing so is very much a treat. To say that we are blessed would be an understatement. The sun, moon and stars truly aligned for us in a unique way so that we could experience, in one night, something that very few in this world will ever get to experience.

Some call it luck, but we'd like to think it has something to do with loving karma--and the old adage, "what goes around, comes around."

We're therefore off onto our next food-adventure, but will not soon forget our "Double Dip" from 2011. Maybe it is a beacon for things to come??