From TV to reality
My Saturday's are usually spent with a later start than usual, maybe scrambling an egg or two, and then watching a new episode of Giada at Home with Car which shows at 11:30 am on the Food Network.
But last Saturday was a rather different story because instead, we woke up early, got dressed, and caught the Bart headed for downtown just so that we can catch Giada de Laurentis. But this time live for she was in town promoting her new book, Giada's Feel Good Food.
Car and I actually found out last minute that Giada was in town, so we immediately started changing our schedules Friday night just to accomodate meeting her. We couldn't help it, this was the one lady who made Italian cooking approachable and easy to make. The one who was responsible for teaching us how the lemon zest gives a whole different level of flavor than just using the juice and what not. So of course we just had to meet her.
Thinking that being an hour early would be enough, we were surprised that by the time we got to the Williams-Sonoma at Union Square, the line of people already reached outside the store and was easily making its way towards the next block. But this didn't stop us.. Car and I were determined to meet Giada!
My Saturday's are usually spent with a later start than usual, maybe scrambling an egg or two, and then watching a new episode of Giada at Home with Car which shows at 11:30 am on the Food Network.
But last Saturday was a rather different story because instead, we woke up early, got dressed, and caught the Bart headed for downtown just so that we can catch Giada de Laurentis. But this time live for she was in town promoting her new book, Giada's Feel Good Food.
Car and I actually found out last minute that Giada was in town, so we immediately started changing our schedules Friday night just to accomodate meeting her. We couldn't help it, this was the one lady who made Italian cooking approachable and easy to make. The one who was responsible for teaching us how the lemon zest gives a whole different level of flavor than just using the juice and what not. So of course we just had to meet her.
Thinking that being an hour early would be enough, we were surprised that by the time we got to the Williams-Sonoma at Union Square, the line of people already reached outside the store and was easily making its way towards the next block. But this didn't stop us.. Car and I were determined to meet Giada!
Thankfully, the generous staff of Williams-Sonoma were continuously serving treats for us folks wating patiently in line.
Whole Wheat Orzo with Artichoke Pesto
A recipe which was actually part of the Feel Good Food cookbook.
They also served coffee and pumpkin cookies but we were too hungry to stop and take a picture of them lol.
and after 2 hours in line..
There she was!!
Just as pretty and perfect as we would see here on tv, Giada had a very warm aura that you couldn't help but just stop, smile stare, and be mesmerized lol.
A funny story though.. as Car and I stood there as we got our booked signed, we shared that we were from the Philippines and how we were big fans even before we moved here. Giada smiled and looked at us with such a warm smile and showed concern as if she knew what was happening in the Philippines right now. We were kinda stunned that she showed such concern that we just stood there, frozen, and smiling. She graciously wished us well and regards.
I thought we had a moment. Car says we definitely had a moment, an awkward moment lol. There we were, staring at this beautiful chef we have admired for so long, we forgot that we could've asked if she wanted to be part of our little project in helping with the relief efforts in Tacloban. Instead, we stood there smiling from ear to ear, and just staring.
Oh well, I guess we just have to work extra hard by ourselves to raise more funds and donations.
xo Giada!
Definitely worth every minute waiting in line for!
Still starstruck... happy to scratch another thing off my bucket list. Finally got to meet my long lost Aunt Giada haha!
Miks
Williams-Sonoma
340 Post Street
San Francisco
California
94108
USA