Thank you, blessed Universe, for giving me what I desired, as you always do. Last night I had the thrill of meeting my foodie idol, Editor-in-Chief of Gourmet Magazine, Ruth Reichl. As I wrote in my May 8th blog entry, I want to meet Ruth Reichl, have her sign my books and have my picture taken with her. My three wishes were granted.
My wife and I went to the Bagdad Theatre last evening to hear Ruth speak about her latest book, “Not Becoming my Mother.” She shared her thoughts about how she was raised and her discoveries about her mother after the woman had passed away. Her first book, “Tender at the Bone” was pretty funny, mostly at her mother’s expense. Her mom was notorious for making 26 people sick after attending one of her dinner parties. The author explained that she felt she owed it to her mother to write another book painting her in a better light. I have not yet read the book, but I can’t wait. We were each given a signed copy with our paid admission to the theatre.
After the lecture and a Q & A period, Ruth was ushered out into the lobby and set up at a table to personalize the books for those of us who wanted that. I was excited to get my chance to actually talk to her. When we arrived at the table, I asked Ruth if she minded if I sat next to her and have our picture taken. She said “of course not” and snuggled in next to me. She sat so close to me I could feel her fantastically wild hair brush against my face. Chills, what can I say? I know I gushed the silly words “You’re my hero” because I couldn’t help it. She is my food hero.
She signed my copy of “Tender at the Bone” “For Patty Cakes, Ruth Reichl”. Then she said that she had not seen that that cover before. She turned it over and exclaimed “Why, this is the British Edition!” Pretty cool, Universe, for me to have a signed copy of a more rare edition here in the U.S. Thanks for the extra bonus!
My burning desire to write a cookbook has once again been ignited, the flames fanned by being in the presence of Ms. Foodie herself – Ruth Reichl.

Ruth at the Bagdad Theatre, Portland Oregon May 13, 2009

Ruth and Vampiregran