Celebrates FOUR YEARS!!

Four years. It's hard to believe -- but as of August 14th, that's how long has been in existence. Honestly, I'm simply amazed that something that started out as a simple creative outlet has evolved into something so much more. My first post was August 14, 2010...it took me 3 hours to figure out how to insert pictures and get my article posted. I also vividly remember being stunned that more than ONE HUNDRED people were actually interested in what I had to say about food! The first recipe that I shared was Turkey Meatballs with Pancetta and Sun-Dried Tomatoes. The pictures aren't that great, but the recipe's one that I still make to this day. Slowly and steadily, people started visiting and commenting on my recipes -- and I discovered that I really enjoyed cooking and sharing my love of good food. Within a few months, I decided to really put my all into making something to be truly proud of! 

Four years. During that time, has continued to grow and change. Every change was a natural progression that stems from my love of food, and they somehow fell into place at just the right time. About 3 years ago, I started Dines Out, a monthly post that features mostly regional restaurant profiles. In addition to cooking and dining out, travel is something else I truly enjoy. As a result, I added Hits the Road and A Food Lovers Weekend In... series 2 years ago. The dining out and travel series have allowed Michael and I to explore dining-out and culinary travel options in Texas and beyond. We've featured the best food and attractions in cities like New Orleans, Las Vegas, New York, and Cleveland -- and we have other great food destinations in mind for the coming year. Michael is now my official Dining Out and Travel Photographer, which allows to truly be a shared experience for us to pursue together!

Four years. Over that time, I've published 632 posts. That's a lot cooking, eating, and traveling! It also equals countless hours spent taking and editing photos and sitting in front of a computer typing. I have a busy full-time day job during the work week. That means what you read here takes place almost exclusively during evenings and weekends. I love every single moment of food writing, but it certainly keeps me busy! has also allowed me to do things that I never could've imagined when I started this blog. For starters, I've the James Beard Taste America event for Gulf Oyster Industry Council in New York, and co-presented a Media Kit workshop at this year's Food & Wine Conference in Orlando.

Here's to FOUR AMAZING YEARS! So, what's ahead for in Year Five? For starters, I promise to keep on sharing the Big-Flavor recipes that I love to cook. I'll also feature the very best restaurants located in the vibrant, growing San Antonio-Austin food scene. Finally, we'll keep showcasing the best in culinary travel in the United States...and hopefully beyond! Beyond that...who knows what the future holds?!?!? I always keep myself open to new possibilities and embrace any opportunities that come my way. I hope that has inspired you to get in the kitchen and cook -- to push your boundaries and try new foods and cooking techniques. To me, that's what life's all about: good food, time spent with family and friends, and lots of laughter. Oh, and a glass of good wine too!

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