But last night, we finally figured out where the best meals really are - right here at our kitchen table. Nancy is not just a food academic, she is a hands on, fabulous, creative cook and we have access to many of the best food products on earth right here in exurban Chicago. Don't get me wrong, we love to go out and we'll still travel the globe in search of that next great trained monkey, but when it comes to lovingly prepared food that does double duty enriching our lives and supporting friends who produce or sell it nearby - There truly is no place like home.

What started as simple school-night dinner of Pizza and salad became a community celebration when our own fall crop of arugula, mixed greens,  and radishes was combined with onions and garlic from Sue Rekenthaler, cheese and apple wood smoked bacon from our friend " Trader Joe" and a stone-baked crust from the Jewel. What we produced was a beautiful French salad kissed with one of Nancy's never duplicated (because she can't quite remember exactly what went in to it) dressings, one pizza smothered with garlic cream sauce, artichoke hearts and a blend of four cheeses and a second topped with chunky homemade roasted tomato sauce, bits of smoky bacon, sliced green pepper, onion and another dose of the four cheese blend. 

It's good to be king!