BIG NEWS!

First, a quick story…

A few months back, I received an email (via Foodbuzz) about a recipe contest that Beringer was running to find the perfect steak/wine pairing. The contest rules instructed participants to submit a steak recipe with a wine from the Beringer collection that would best complement the flavors.

Not knowing much about steak, but knowing lots about FLAVA, I put something together and hit “submit.”

Flash forward to a few weeks ago when I received an email congratulating me that I was a REGIONAL FINALIST! Me and 8 other finalists will be competing NEXT WEEKEND in Michigan at the Arts, Beats and Eats Festival. If I win, I’ll be flown to California for the National competition, compete in front of a panel of FOOD NETWORK judges and appear on the Fine Living Network!

Needless to say, I’ve been practicing a lot.

Anyway, it reminds me of an old joke about a poor man who prayed to God each week. He said. “God, Please oh please let me win the lottery.” And week after week he was still as poor as ever. But he kept going back to God, kept making promises that he’d pray more, be a better person if he could just win the lottery. Finally one day he got a response from God! In the midst of his cries God spoke. “I would love to grant your prayers, but you must first buy a ticket!”

My point is, had I never taken the few moments (or potential for embarrassment), I would never have this amazing opportunity. Would I like to make it to the finals? YOU BET YOUR BOTTOM DOLLAR! But I have to put in the work, the time and everything I can to know I did the very best I could. So if you’ll excuse me, I have some practice to do.

P.S. – Detroit/Ann Arbor readers: I’d LOVE if you could come out to the event, it’ll be super fun and I’d love some familiar faces in the crowd!

P.P.S. My recipe is pretty epic, I can’t wait to share with all of you!

Have you ever tried something you thought you’d NEVER had a chance at? Why/why not? What happened? What’s stopping you?