Before Remy, he taught me anyone can cook

I had been trying to go to the Epcot Food and Wine Festival for about a month, but every weekend something kept me from it.

I put it off until the very last day, and as it got closer I was getting pretty excited. I studied the list of international food and wine offerings (field research for the blog, if you will) and marked all of the things I would indulge in. Part of the reason I wanted to go is because I had a park ticket that would expire at the end of the year, and we all know how I feel about wasting things.

There were few things that would have kept me from going that last day. One of them was Emeril Lagasse.

So what's with this obsession with Emeril, and several other celebrity chefs for that matter?

I guess it's sentimental.

I wrote in my inaugural blog post about how when I first set out on my own and moved to Florida I didn't have many friends and had to adjust to being an adult in my new surroundings. I missed my family and friends, and put a great deal of pressure on myself to succeed in the workplace. Pressure that caused incredible stress and anxiety.

At those times when I felt lonely or down I found solace in the kitchen.

But I never would have ended up there if it wasn't for personalities like Rachael Ray and Emeril. They inspired me into this world where an hour chopping vegetables is better than any other therapy. They taught me to cook, and helped me realize the satisfaction that comes with making a good meal for yourself or to share with others. Food brings people comfort, and over the years has helped connect me with some of the people I am now closest with.

They will probably never know, but their recipes helped me through some of the toughest times at work and in life. They helped me survive the hardest stories. I think it's even fair to give them credit for helping me get through the three consuming and stressful years spent working on the teacher abuse project, which hopefully some good came of. Them and my friends and family : )

They taught me how to manage my stress so I could keep going.

Not to mention, Emeril's food is amazing.

These were the kinds of things going through my mind, and yes I think there were even tears starting to well in my eyes, as I walked up to the table to see Emeril.

But how do you say all that to someone you don't even know without sounding like a mentally unstable stalker?

So I didn't say much at all. The whole experience was somewhat blurred by my excitement and nervousness. I do think I told him he is my culinary hero, and he kind of smiled.

For some reason, at least I'd like to think, he knew what I was thinking. Just like I hope my stories might make a difference in someone's life, or the barista at Starbucks takes satisfaction in pouring the perfect shot that helps get a doctor or teacher going in the morning, I think Emeril probably realizes the impact of his cooking.

So that's why I dropped everything I was doing to make two trips to Brandon to meet the guy.

Now, I just have to figure out what to do with that Disney ticket with a looming expiration. Perhaps I will have to go back to see Chef Remy.