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Meeting Rocco: An Intimate Dinner, Wine Tasting & Small Bite Pairing

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Briana

The grand finale of our “Into the Heart of LA” culinary experience with Bertolli was a private, intimate meet and greet with celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito. After a whirlwind day full of pampering, limos, celebrity treatment, meeting new friends, tasting new foods, exploring LA’s unique culinary scene and uncovering its passion for food, Bertolli saved the best for last.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

We were taken to Culina, the newly opened Italian restaurant at the Four Seasons’ Beverly Wilshire, and escorted to a private back dining room where we all waited anxiously for Rocco to arrive.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Briana

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

We were in for a treat with the special small bites tasting menu designed especially for us.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

And then came Rocco. He sat down, and I was within wine glass clinking distance!

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Rocco asked us about ourselves, our blogs, and our day in LA.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

He told us about his recent trip to Italy with Bertolli, his passion for fresh, local ingredients, and where he finds inspiration.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Deep in conversation with Jenny from Picky Palate about food, family, and flavor.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Culina’s sommelier, Brick, explains our wine pairings with each course. Lucky for you, Briana gently explained to me what a “sommelier” was. I was just gonna call him “Brick the Wine Guy”. *blush*

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Culina’s new modern Italian chef, Victor Casanova (love his name!), came out to greet us and tell us about our courses.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Plate One

Involitini Di Manzo
Kobe A-5. Delta Asparagus. Enoki Mushrooms. Parmigiano Reggiano.

Wine: Nebbiolo d’Alba. giacosa fratelli. 2007 piedmont.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Jenny

Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery Kobe beef wrapped around a spring of asparagus, tiny enoki mushrooms, and Parmigiano Reggiano.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Rocco asked Chef Victor to show us his prized Kobe beef, a delicacy cut from cows that are massaged daily to produce this highest quality of flavor, tenderness, and marbled texture.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Shelisa

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Plate Two

Caponata Di Carciofi
Baby Artichokes. Castelvetrano Green Olives. San Marzano Tomato.

Wine: Pinot Bianco. haberle. alois lageder. alto adige 2007.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Plate Three

Suppli Al Telefono
Saffron Risotto Croquette. Mozzarella Di Bufala. Tomato Sugo.

Wine: Mamertino. cru timpanara. vasari. sicily 2006.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Jenny

Gorgeous photo of our third plate by Jenny. It was as incredible as it looks.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

After our dinner with Rocco (it lasted about an hour!) we each got to sit down and chat with him, have our pictures made, and get our books signed. Bertolli had given us all copies of his newest book, Now Eat This, in our welcome gift bags.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Apparently Rocco was quite charming. Do I look smitten? *blush*

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

I also brought along an extra book for Rocco to sign… Can you tell what it says? I’ll give you a hint…

“To a fellow Kevin and Amanda fan. Congratulations! Rocco XO”

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

Rocco asked if my readers were mostly female, and when I said yes, he added the XO. ;)

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!
Photo via Pat

Giveaway!

If you’d like this copy of Rocco’s new book, Now Eat This, dedicated to a special Kevin & Amanda reader, just leave me a comment on this post by 7pm, Saturday, May 22nd. :) I’ll announce the randomly chosen winner on Monday. :)

Winner!

Congrats to #416 Becky! “Thanks for sharing your amazing pics. I would love love love to win his book. He’s a cutie.

Into the Heart of LA | My Trip to Beverly Hills via Bertolli!

There’s more…

My trip to LA didn’t end here… I stayed an extra 3 days in California and took in the gorgeous beaches of Santa Monica, Malibu, and Venice, the glitz of Hollywood, Sunset Blvd, & Melrose, and even drove down to the OC to bake with Jenny in the Picky Palate kitchen. :) Stay tuned… :)

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433 Responses
  1. Kelly @ Dare to be Domestic

    Darn I read this too late! Your outfit is absolutely precious! I love the top! Rocco is such a cutie I’m so excited to see these pictures and that food, again. HEAVEN!

  2. Heidi

    What a great experience! That book looks fantastic. I was going to pick up a copy, but I’ll wait and see if I get lucky first! ;)

  3. Cheri

    Amanda, looks like you had a fabulous time – His book looks really great – thanks for sharing your adventure!!!!

  4. Brooke

    Crossing my fingers for this one. I like to eat from a variety of cuisines and being in Australia I’d have to say that American is something I’m not too familiar with. Sounds silly I know but I’ve never had anything like your pulled pork roast!

  5. Cathy Brown

    Wow, what an amazing trip you have shared with us! Thank you for the chance to win this book!

  6. Becky

    Thanks for sharing your amazing pics. I would love love love to win his book. He’s a cutie.

  7. Jessica

    That is just amazing! I am super jealous of your fantastic trip & dinner with the handsome Rocco! REALITY CHECK: My 4 y.o. is throwing Mr. Potato head around his room, my 2 y.o. needs his diaper changed and I need to get dinner started. Blast. Thanks for letting me live in your fabulous world for 10 minutes. It was fantastic!

  8. Carla

    XO right back at Rocco! What an amazing time you had and all the details you provided us with made me feel like I was dining with you. Thanks so much Amanda!

  9. Brianna

    Wow, what an amazing trip! I would have loved to meet Rocco, he’s such an amazing chef and not too hard on the eyes either. ;-)

  10. Ashley

    Looks like you had a great time! That would be so awesome to add that cookbook to my collection. :)

  11. Bernice

    Looks like you had an amazing time there with Rocco! Must have been quite the yummy experience!

  12. Cyndi J

    WOW!! You had a fantastic trip….and dinner with one of the cutest chefs ever…lucky you!!!! Thanks for thinking of us with the extra book!!!

  13. Mindy Hunt

    I am so jealous you were able to meet Rocco!! He is such a cutie! I would love to have that book!

  14. Elizabeth

    I’m so glad you got to come out here to CA, it such a fun place :) I would LOVE to win that book!

  15. sadie

    What an awesome experience! Looks like you had the best vacation ever. And wow, is Rocco handsome! I would have been blushing like a fool.

  16. Ashley

    I’ve been reading through all the posts so far, and how fun! Everything looks like it was such a blast! & I do have to say that I am quite jealous of this dinner! I could say because the food looks amazing, but really it’s because Rocco is such a doll! :D
    I’m loving your outfit by the way!

    Lots of Smiles!

    Ashley

  17. Nicole

    Congratulations on your big win and getting to experience the food scene in LA and meeting Rocco! We were down there just a week earlier and I wish you would have gone before us! There are so many things that I feel I missed out on!! :)

  18. Allison

    Sounds like SOOO much fun! I love Rocco and would love love love to have his book (signed)!!

  19. Misty

    Wow, gorgeous photos! How exciting, and the food looks delish. Rocco is an absolute doll! Glad you had fun, looking forward to your next post

  20. Jenn

    I’m so glad you had such an amazing trip! I’d love to snag a copy of the cookbook- what a neat giveaway!

  21. SaRaH L

    I absolutely loved reading about your experiences! What a treat! Thank you for such a gracious giveaway :)

  22. adie

    ah I must say I envy you. You seem so happy and like you had the BEST time in the world out in Cali!

    Id love to enter the giveaway!

  23. liz

    how exciting for you! and how exciting for the lucky reader that wins the book! it would be so fun the be the winner! thank you for the chance to win!

  24. Jess Willison

    Soo jealous! What a great trip! Would love a copy of his book….especially a signed one!

  25. Kelly

    Oh Amanda, what an amazing trip. As a SAHM to two boys that trip sounded like HEAVEN. I was intrigued by your trip to Sparkles and all of the food vendors. How amazing that all of those vendors were in one location and the converted double decker bus…truly inventive. I’m inspired to make home made pasta. As always amazing pics and thank you for sharing.

    Kelly

  26. Nancy Augustine

    Amanda, can I just say I am JEALOUS. What a great experience. It looks like you had an incredible time in LA. I just love being able to get a little taste of your experience through your blog. I enjoy reading it. By the way I maked your chocolate cake into cup cakes for my son’s High School Football team yesterday, 100 cup cakes but they LOVED them so thanks for the recipe. The Varsity Football Team from Travelers Rest High School says “THANKS”

  27. Barb B.

    Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful trip with us Amanda! I’m so happy for you that you got to experience this. I enjoyed reading about and seeing your time in LA.

  28. Terri

    Thank you Amanda for sharing your trip with us and giving us the opportunity to experience with you. Thank you for also giving one lucky winner a chance to win a piece of the trip:)

  29. Katelyn

    Oh my goodness! That kobe beef looks AMAZING. I’ve never had it, but I’ve always wanted to try it!

    Rocco doesn’t look half bad either. ;-)

  30. Marissa Colwell

    What fabulous photos and amazing trip to share with us! Thanks for giving me a peak into your trip to LA! It is fantastic!

  31. Melinda

    Thanks for sharing your trip with us. It was like we were right there with you. Those pictures were so good I could almost taste the food! :)

  32. CCT

    Sounds like you had a lot of fun on your trip! And the book looks great! What a great experience you had!

  33. Genevieve

    Oh wow, what an incredible trip. It sounds as though Rocco was quite the charmer! Thank you so much for the chance to win :)

  34. Keri Murphy

    Amanda, your trip looked like it was amazing. I have enjoyed reading about your adventure! Thanks so much sharing! PS: Love the new look of your website.

  35. Kerry

    Amanda, I love how radiantly happy you look all the time. I can tell you are using your talents in a way that make your life so happy and it inspires me! I am home with my kids and not living my personal best life, hard to do when I put their needs first, but watching your evolution on your blog gives me hope. I’m not unhappy…I’m just not radiant. I think that is why I like your blog so much. :)

  36. Veronica Spriggs

    wow what an awesome day you must have had! Fab photos thanks for sharing. and since i couldn’t be there it’s be nice to live vicariously thru you and this wonderful cookbook. i don’t currently have one from rocco but i am a fan of his!

  37. rebecca.k

    It looks like you had an awesome time in LA! Thanks for sharing your experience and this great book.

  38. Jislayne Harrison

    Wow!!! What a great adventure. Everything looked wonderful. You’re sooooo lucky to have met Rocco :)
    Thanks for sharing your great trip with us!!! Really enjoyed it!

  39. Brandi

    I love Italian food,it’s always so deliciously rich & filling! Those dishes look absolutely savory :o) & I would totally be smitten with Rocco myself ;o)

  40. Kay

    I am so jealous – all that sun, wine, fun and Rocco! I was just checking out that book on Amazon after hearing about it on the radio. I actually put it on my wish list so I truly appreciate the chance to win it instead of buying it :)

  41. Donna

    what an awesome looking cookbook. those cookies on the cover are under 350 calories???? thx for the chance to win. what a fun trip. lucky you!

  42. Becca

    Wow, what a great trip and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Now I want to go to LA just for the gourmet food trucks. :)

  43. Christi

    I’ve really enjoyed reading about your LA adventures. Those pictures are amazing and makes me feel like I was right there with you.

  44. Stacy Clark

    Amanda, Thank you for this wonderful blog! I love to check in and see what you are up to.

  45. Tina

    How did you guys fit all that in?? What an amazing experience :) I would *heart* to win the new cookbook…it would make an amazing addition to my other autographed cookbooks (obsessed much?? naaahhh!!) hehe :)

  46. Billie

    I would love to win the book. I got to your site via your
    weight loss story, and I must say, it appears you have won
    that battle. You look so amazing in all of the photos.
    Thanks so much for sharing your super trip.

  47. Greta

    WHAT an amazing trip you had Amanda, I am SO envious! And yes he is a very gorgeous guy. Oh and the food. All your posts have had me drooling.. ;-)

  48. Joy

    Amanda…. what a wonderful time you must have had.. you can just see it in the photos. I have enjoyed reading about it.

  49. Sara

    What a wonderful opportunity! I can tell you had an amazing time! Congrats on the success of your blog and the adventures that come with it.

  50. Anne

    You look like you had a ton of fun! I would love to win the book!

    Thanks for sharing great pics all week!

  51. Catherine Tang

    stumbled on your site a while back when I was revamping my blog and I just wanna say what a wonderful site you have :D

    and interesting post! the pictures are great..and so nice of you to be giving a book out for free..thanks for sharing!

  52. Terri Dunnewin

    wow does it sound like a wonderful trip! How very lucky. And how nice of you to share one of your books that Rocco signed. I would love to win one! Thanks for sharing your experiance with us.

  53. Shanna Tanner

    WOW!! What an exciting trip. Looks like you had a great time. How lucky you are. Thanks for the chance towin a coy of his book.

  54. Dawn

    I loved seeing your pictures and living vicariously through your trip. What an absolutely fantastic opportunity for you to meet Rocco in person!! Congratulations!! Meeting Rocco has always been a dream of mine, as well. I would love to win his new book. Thank you for the chance!! And thank you for sharing your WONDERFUL Blog each day! I look forward to reading it like the daily newspaper!! You always share such wonderful tips and helpful ideas!!

  55. Ashliee

    It looks like you all had a wonderful time! I love all the pictures! I remember when I first watched his show when it aired, my favorite was watching him and his mother together in the kitchen. Got the feeling of everything that he made having a history behind it, or an emotional connection to his mother.

  56. Ruby

    Oh my goodness, I am loving your posts and photos! Thank you so much for entering me in the drawing.

  57. Jenn Guymon

    It sounds like you had so much fun! Would LOVE to win this book. Always looking for new things to make for dinner and dessert!!!

  58. Staci

    I love it!! I enjoy reading about your trip to LA and getting to meet Rocco. Of course I’d love to win the book too. Thank you so much for sharing, you’re a wonderful storyteller.

  59. Debra

    Oh Amanda, what a once in a lifetime experience!! Thanks so much for sharing through your writing and pictures. It is gorgeous!!!!

    Thanks!

  60. Hilarie

    I was just looking at this in the bookstore yesterday. I’d love to win it! Also enjoying your newly updated blog – looks great!

  61. Liz

    What an incredible week!! Will make a kick-a** scrapbook!!! Thanks for sharing! Does Rocco come along with the book? :)

  62. Autumn B.

    I’m totally smitten with him…. thanks for sharing your awesome trip and I want the book… I want the book… I want the book… I want the book…..PLEASE!

  63. Megan H

    I’ve enjoyed seeing all that you did and ate while you were on your trip! What an incredible experience!

  64. Mandi

    Thank you for documenting your trip so well, Amanda! I love reading about your adventure. It sounds like it was an amazing trip!

  65. Patty

    I don’t have a life so I don’t have a webb site…I live thru you and others that I visit…..I so want to win a signed copy of his cookbook! Please pick me!!

  66. Morgan

    Oh goodness,Amanda! It looked like a fantastic trip and a wonderful experience. I am so jealous(: You are so amazing! Thanks for letting us enter to win, and (just like everyone else) i hope to win!!
    XOXO, Morgan
    <3

  67. Charity

    Hey Amanda! I’ve been reading your posts about your trip… and I love it! So much fun!
    I would LOVE to win the giveaway!! Go cooking… go recipes… go Rocco DeSpirito! ;-)
    Big hugs,
    Chare

  68. Denise Afssa

    Wow, what gorgeous pictures, the food and wine look A-mazing and you got to meet Rocco! Lucky you. This is such a fun blog, thanks!

  69. Jamie B

    Wow it sounds like a trip of a lifetime. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. It was so fun to read about all your stops.

  70. Savannah

    Amanda,

    I just discovered your website thru a friend having your link or something on their page and I absolutely love it! Your trip looks absolutely amazing and priceless with loads of memories!

    Hope you have a great day!

  71. Debi

    Wow! The food looks divine, you look fabulous, and Rocco looks scrumptious! ha! I would love to have a copy of his book. Thanks so much for sharing all your photos and your experiences with us!

  72. Sarah

    I’m LOVING your Blog and Picky Palate! Thanks for sharing your amazing excperience. All the food, pictures, etc are awesome.

  73. Do (like Do-Re-Mi)

    Amazing trip. Amazing food. Amazing photographs. We can almost taste the food from those delicious pictures!

  74. Laura

    Oh I have really enjoyed reading about this fabulous trip. I bet this was just the cherry on top!

  75. Dana

    What an amazing trip! I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of the pictures. Rocco looked smitten, too. :)

  76. Geneva

    I would love to win this! YOu have inspired me to cook after 34 years of marriage! I am truly loving the change in menu and I want to thank you for the boost! Great photos.

  77. Shell

    Wow is all I can say, the photo of you two is super cute. I would have not been able to even talk to him. You look like you had a wonderful trip and that would have just topped it off. I dont know if you still scrapbook or if your to busy but these photos and this trip will be wonderful for a album. A once and a life time trip just to cool…

  78. Nicole

    Sounds like you had a great trip! Amazing. I have really enjoyed seeing your pictures and would love to win Roccos book!

  79. Colby

    What an awesome trip! I am green with envy. And if I were meeting Rocco, I’d blush too! They should hire you to take restaurant pics for them, seeing the photos you posted. Awesome pics Amanda!

  80. fiona

    I absolutely love your blog, and have been delighted to open my mail box each day this week to find another update from your amazing trip.
    The bustaurant i had to show my husband (he is a bus driver) he thought it brill.
    The “Involitini Di Manzo
    Kobe A-5. Delta Asparagus. Enoki Mushrooms. Parmigiano Reggiano.” looked to die for i would even have massaged the cow myself for a bite LOL
    keep up the good work entertaining us all

    Fiona, Inverness, Scotland

  81. Lisa H.

    Ok, where did you get the dress? I love it! Have loved reading about your fun trip! WOuld love the book!

  82. AngieMae

    Oh my gosh!! I cant’ wait for the rest of the story–hope I win! I’d love to have that ;)

  83. Mikelle

    Love your trip! I lived in LA for a couple years and it was great. I would love the cookbook!

  84. From the Heart

    everything looks DELISH! and might i add so does Rocco! hehehe! I would sooo love to win his book, did he seal it with a kiss too? hehehe

  85. Andrea

    Amanda- I am in envy of your fun, super fabulous trip! I really enjoy your blog (especially all of your great fonts!). That is awesome you were able to meet Rocco & sneak an extra signed cookbook for a fan.

  86. Alexandra Arora

    Amanda you look so happy next to Rocco!! of course I would be too :) What an awesome experience, thanks for sharing it with all of us!!

  87. Erin

    Wow, what fun! I LOVE your blog and check it daily! I must say I might have to have another look today, Rocco is too sweet! I can’t wait to see your pics of your time in Jenny’s kitchen, I really enjoy her blog too.

  88. Melinda

    Looks like such an amazing time! Wish I could have gone – but maybe I will win the cookbook ;) ha ha

  89. Dixie Holt

    I simply can’t get the smile off of my face while reading all your posts! I have a small catering company that crosses into the big city of Houston from time to time. I so enjoy all your comments and especially your exquisite taste! Thanks for sharing with all of us.
    Rocco’s book! WOW!!!!! I have to admit that seeing you with him both of you smiling made me so happy for you. What a trip!

  90. Tara

    Amanda…love your blog…and your trip looked amazing! So lucky to meet Rocco! Would love the book! Thanks for thanking about us!

  91. Elizabeth Y

    Oooh la la! What an awesome trip and opportunity you had! Would loooove the cook book. Great give away and very nice of you to think of your little ole blog readers. ;)

  92. Jeanna

    Ohhh I would love a new cookbook to go with my newly renovated kitchen! Put me in the runnings! :)

  93. Flower

    OMG he is absolutely so totally gorgeous! You’re soooooooo lucky you got to meet him … I’m so jealous!

    Thanks for a chance to win!!!!!

    :)

  94. Peggy Whisenhunt

    wow, I bet the food was to die for. what a wonderful experience and great pictures that captured the moments. So enjoyed viewing your trip. thanks, Peggy

  95. Denise

    What an amazing trip! I have loved reading all about it and seeing all your fabulous pics & how fun you got to sit with Rocco! I have to ask, is he better looking in real life? LOL! :)

  96. Geneve

    What an awesome trip! I would love to go just for the food! :) But I’m so jealous you got to meet Rocco too! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book. I would love it!

  97. tracy

    it looks like you had an amazing time! Treasure the time you spent tasting all that amazing food! so jealous! :)

  98. Lauren

    Rocco—What a cutie! The food, wine, and company look amazing! What a fun and memorable trip for you, Amanda!

  99. Marie/Mer

    You were so lucky! It sounds like a wonderful time. I’ve been looking at his new book but haven’t bought it yet. Maybe you can fix this.
    Thanks for sharing all about your trip. So much fun.

  100. Jenn

    WOW! You are so incredibly lucky! I live outside of LA and I’m drooling over the restaurant pics! (Rocco is drool-worthy as well! yum yum!)

  101. Anna Marie

    I have had a great time “with” you on your trip! Everyday I wake up anxious to see the next phase! Also wanted you to know that we painted my grown daughter’s room Dill Pickle this week! It’s awesome with her
    Baroque style comforter and decorations! Looking forward to reading about your adventures tomorrow!!

  102. peamissy

    I’ve been living vicariously through your trip, thank you so much for all the fab photos and recaps! I definitely want to win Rocco’s new book! I have another question … can you get him to submit his handwriting for Pea Rocco font? I’d love it!

  103. Ashley G.

    Wow what an amazing experience you had. I wish I was a lucky as you. I check your site everyday to see the newest photos of the trip. I would love to win the cookbook!

  104. Stacy Kennedy

    Wouldn’t it just be GREAT if I won?!!! NOT just because today is my birthday (yay!)… but because today is officially Day 9 of what I am affectionately calling my “Amanda Diet” ~ 1,200 calories a day + Jillian Michael’s 30 Day Shred. Just yesterday, three people asked me if I was getting skinnier! THREE!! I cannot believe how easy this is to do, that 1,200 calories is ENOUGH!, and the amount of energy/strength I already have. If you were here I would hug you! Thank you Amanda! I will keep you posted on my progress. {I plan to take a picture of the size tag on my “before pants” and my “after pants” when I shrink back down to my wedding day size:) Did I say thank you?!!! :)

  105. wendyp

    Sounds like a once in a lifetime, fabulous trip!! And once again, all those photos of photo have me drooling! Yum! Would love a chance to win a book!

  106. AnaBel

    What an amazing trip! The food, the wine, the ladies, and let’s not forget…Rocco! Thank goodness for your blog, I can live vicariously through you! Thanks for sharing with those of us at home!!

  107. Heather

    OMG!! How fun!! It looks like you had a fabulous time and you and Rocco are both adorable!! Thanks for sharing your once in a lifetime trip with us!

  108. Diane M

    Wow! What am exquisite ending to a great day. Do you hear “envious”? Thanks for the opportunity to win.

    Diane M

  109. Marlena

    Amanda thanks for sharing your beautiful pictures you do such a great job. Looks like you had a great time can’t wait to see the other pictures. Thanks for the opportunity to win Rocco’s book.

  110. Tina

    What an amazing time you must have had!!! Thanks for sharing it with us all! It really felt like we were there with you! Amazing photos!
    Thanks!

  111. Gina

    It looks like you had an amazing time on your trip! The photos you took are fabulous and can’t wait to see the rest! I need to go to the book store and find that book!

  112. Lucy Lam

    Hi Amanda! What an amazing trip you had to L.A. I live in Glendale, CA, but grew up in L.A. … I never knew how truly exciting L.A. could be until I experienced it through your eyes, and taste buds! Thanks for taking us all along on this wonderful journey!
    I would absolutely love to win Rocco’s book! I’ve seen him on The Biggest Loser … holy moly … that man sure is handsome! Comfort food under 350 calories? Sounds too good to be true!
    Thanks again for sharing with us … I really enjoy your blog!
    lutee at sbc global dot net

  113. Kristin S

    I didn’t even enter to go with you because I could not travel this week. BUMMER! What an amazing trip! And Rocco. Doesn’t he know he needs to marry me? Gracious.
    Thanks for the giveaway!

  114. Karen

    Love reading the day by day accounts of your trip; I looks like it was fabulous and you look like you were really having a lovely time!!

  115. Nataleigh G

    oh Amanda I don’t know how you didn’t pass OUT! He is SO cute!!! I’m so easily smitten, hahaha. I reaaaaaaaaally hope I win!!

  116. Leanne

    I love it!! I am so jealous of your trip and am glad that you are sharing it all with us. I would love to win this book!

  117. Jenny Hochstetler

    Every time I come to your blog, you amaze me with such beautiful photos! I have loved reading about your journey to LA to meet Rocco. Keep up the wonderful work!! :)

  118. Sandi Hixson

    YOU ARE AMAZING!……wow! what an adventure…picture me jealous!!!…i would LOVE the new Rocco cookbook!!!

  119. Sherry

    …and he hugged you too! Where’s the photo of you melted on the floor? LOL
    Great blog of your fabulous trip. I never knew one could have so much fun in LA. You have some wonderful new memories that will last a lifetime.

  120. Pati L

    You were “Smitten” all right! Not the word that came to my mind but a good word, I was thinking similar! You are too funny. Thanks for the photo tour, and all the extra pics of Rocco : ) Glad you had such a great time with the gals & Rocco.

  121. Jaime

    I can honestly say I am SO jealous of your fantastic trip!! I can’t even imagine all the wonderful memories that were made. It’s been fun looking at all these beautiful pictures and living vicariously through your once in a life time experience!! Thanks for sharing all of this with us!!

  122. Cathy

    Wow! I’d LOVE a copy of that book!

    What a fabulous week, and AMAZING photos! It’s almost like we all along for the trip with you. Almost. My mouth has been watering daily as I look through your photos, and I wish that I would have been able to experience that portion of the trip in person as the virtual aspect doesn’t quite cut it -wink-

  123. Lori

    Wow, what a fun trip you’ve had! I love the whole bus eating adventure AND would really enjoy Rocco’s cookbook…..he’s very dreamy.
    Thanks for sharing your adventure with us.

  124. Kari in MN

    Loved all the details and pictures about your trip – what a fabulous opportunity. And to top it off with meeting Rocco – what more could a girl ask for! Thank you for having an extra signed book to give away – who wouldn’t love to win that!

  125. Krystal

    OMG…he’s beautiful. Did you ask him about his dancing with the stars experience? He seems like a chef god that I would be in total awe. Loved the post and the beautiful pics!

  126. my life in tune

    I would love this book! (and after not taking me to LA, it’s really the least you could do :)

  127. Collette

    OMG………Rocco is adorable!!!! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us and allowing us to live and enjoy the experience vicariously through you! I’m glad you had a fantastic time and look forward to seeing pics from your final 3 days in beautiful CA!!!

  128. Breeana Shill

    Looks like you had SOOOO much fun!!!! How sweet to think of your readers when with the ever-so-handsome Rocco. I’d love it!

  129. jeny

    How exciting!! I would love to win his book…especially signed with the “xo!” Looks like an amazing trip.

  130. Michaeleen

    Hi Amanda, I have been following your story about your trip. Thank you for sharing it with us. I am glad you all had a great time. You were all treated like princess…lucky you! I am a Cali girl now living in Phoenix. I miss it so. ps…Rocco is so dreamy!

  131. Katlyn Gibson

    Looks like the vacation of a lifetime! Rocco looks as good as the food on your plates! Cute as a Button! Thanks for sharing your trip with us via pictures and blog! You do amazing things with your blog…keep em’ coming!

  132. Stephanie

    OMGosh…I’m so jealous. I’m absolutely in love with Rocco!!! He is my most favorite chef!!! I would give my eye teeth…sell my husband and kids just to be able to sit down with him for an hour!!! My day is shot. I can no longer focus on business. I must continue to drool.

    Please, please, please, please pick me! I’ll save you shipping! I’ll drive to you and pick it up. Can’t guarantee how long it will take me to get there, but I’ll do it!!!!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

  133. Gretchen

    What a blessing to go on that trip! You LUCKY girl! Can’t wait to hear more adventure stories =) Gretchen

  134. Tricia Cunningham

    Amanda, I always enjoy reading your blog! Looks like you had a wonderful time in LA! Thank you for always sharing these great experiences with us!

    Hugggggggggggggggggggz!

  135. Ashley S.

    I LOVE ROCCO!!!!!! What a great trip. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us!!! I would love to win that book!

  136. Erin

    Amanda, I have had chills every post you have written about your trip. It is truly amazing. What a special blessing!!! How exciting! Thanks for sharing every detail!

  137. Nancy

    Amanda – This looks like a once in a lifetime experience. What great memories you will have of this trip!

  138. Cara

    Please, oh please, let me be the winner of Rocco’s book! Thanks for sharing your awesome LA trip with us!

  139. Tiffany Beesley

    Awesome! You lucky dog with a hug from Rocco! :) I’m jealous!

    Tiffany in South Carolina

  140. Nicole@FarmgirlChaos

    Sign me up! Looks like you had a fabulous time.

    (I also like the new blog design/layout. Did you design the papers/elements, or did you pick them up from somewhere?)

  141. Colleen Broach

    Amanda, your trip and the food looked amazing… I’m a huge fan of Rocco’s soo of course I wanna throw in an entry for the giveaway!!

  142. Emily White Ballard

    Amanda…HOLY MOLY…jaw dropping! He is just as gorgeous as the food, and truly looks like a nice guy! The pictures and captions were so entertaining, every morning for the past couple days I have enjoyed getting snippets of your once in a lifetime trip…thank you so much for sharing and allowing so many of us to vicariously live out our culinary dreams through your realities! :) God Bless.

  143. Chastity

    I would LOVE a copy of the book! Your trip looked amazing and I’ve already written down places I want to try when I get to LA!

  144. Dana

    Your trip looks amazing and the food sounds incredible!! What a awesome giveaway to win – THANKS!!

  145. CAROL STEBNER

    Amanda, what a truly wonderful experience you & your friends have had. Love your cute sundress & shrug.

  146. Chantel

    Oh my!! You are super lucky, and I am super jealous!! HE IS GORGEOUS! Thanks for sharing your experience with us. I would absolutely LOVE to win that book! I hope the rest of your trip is just as great, and you have a safe trip home!!!!

  147. amanda jones

    i am so envious of you gals right now. it looks like you had an amazing time! duh, of course you had an amazing time. your pictures are great too, as always. i know there are plenty more pictures to come so i will stay tuned.

  148. Erin Beck

    It looks like you had an amazing time! I’ve loved watching your journey! Thanks for sharing!

  149. Leslie Herrema

    It looks like you had a wonderful trip and I have really enjoyed drooling over all of the delicious food pictures you have posted.

  150. Annie

    I am seriously salivating just looking at all of your delicious pictures. How do you eat that fabulous food and manage to stay so tiny? So glad you had a fun time in L.A!!

  151. Nikki

    Oh my WORD!!! What a fabulous trip! And to get to meet Rocco!! And HUG. HIM.

    *faint*

    You both are absolutely precious. Fun! Fun! Fun! Can’t wait to see pics of the rest of your trip!

  152. Sandy Young

    Who wouldn’t want a book signed by Rocco. I am so envious of your trip, it looks like you had a great time.

  153. Jenesse

    Lucky you, looks like an amazing trip for you!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of that book!!

  154. yuki

    Wow Amanda, what a great trip!! I drooled over ALL the food! Wonderful of you to think of us while away~~

    Can’t wait to see the rest of your photos!

  155. Liz Anderson

    LOVE your blog and LOVE these pics of Rocco! I have just recently discovered this blog and thoroughly enjoy it!

  156. Sheena Perron

    It looks like everyone had such a fun time…I am so jealous! :) Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Hope I win the cookbook.

  157. coleen

    Amanda, it was such fun “following along” as you enjoyed your big adventure in LA! so glad you had a fabulous time… thanks for sharing it!

  158. Sara E

    what a cool and fabulous trip you had … it’s so cool about the cow’s being massaged daily to get the marbled beef – so wild!

  159. Ellen

    OH MY, oh my, OH MY!! I LOVE looking at your photos, Amanda. They are scrumptious to look at …you have quite the “eye” for capturing exactly what we’d like to see. May I ask what kind of camera you have? I KNOW the talent is also in the eye of the beholder (this would be akin to asking Rocco what kind of stove he uses!!) but your pictures are just crystal clear! I am a Kevin and Amanda devotee, and so love living vicariously through your blogsite. THANK YOU for taking the time to keep us in the loop about your adventures — makes my life seem otherwise dreary, even when you’re doing nothing more than playing in the mud in your garden, or seeing the world through the eyes of your doggies. OH, and Rocco’s not so bad himself …though I’d rather have your Kevin any day (LOL!)… Rocco’s just too high maintenance. OH, and YOU looked stunning — loved your shrug! Did you make it!?

  160. Tammy

    I have been following your story all week…how fun! Rocco does look like a down to earth guy with a very fun personality. It looks like you girls had a blast. I am so jealous!

  161. Christine

    What a fabulous evening! Rocco looks like such a nice and personable guy in all these photos. Sounds like it was an amazing experience! Thanks for the chance to win his cookbook.

  162. Amy

    What an amazing trip! I would love a chance to win Rocco’s book. I really enjoyed watching him on The Restaurant. I am excited to try some of his recipes! Thanks! :)

  163. Michelle Davis

    OMG! He’s so adorably handsome. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. We can all live vicariously through you! ;)

  164. Amanda Sevall

    I love seeing all the pictures — they are all so gorgeous and mouthwatering (yes, the pics of Rocco included ;) lol). So glad you are sharing your trip with us!

  165. Gina D.

    Your blog entries made me feel like we all won the trip. Thank you for the chance to win this book as well!

  166. Sharie Thompson

    Love the photo’s. He is a handsome man and yes, you look smitten ;)Thanks so much for sharing! xo

  167. Sarah

    Amanda, I’m so jealous! Your trip looked amazing! Thank you for sharing the experience with us through some amazing photos =)

  168. Sherri K

    Thank you for sharing. You take such beautiful pictures. It must have been amazing to go on such a fun trip. I will have to look up this cookbook on line for more info. It looks really interesting.

  169. Jennay

    Looks like you had an awesome trip!! So glad to hear all about it! The photos are absolutely wonderful!!

  170. Chatelaine B

    wow what an amazing time!! I live in OC and have to make a note to head to some of those places!

  171. Cheryl

    What a fabulous trip you had! He looks so charming too! I would a copy of his book. Thanks for sharing!

  172. Shannon

    An Amazing trip for a truley deserving and amazing woman, and the way you journal it all is perfect!

  173. Jana S

    Love hearing and seeing your LA trip. I’m so jealous! I’d love to have a copy of the book…

  174. Françoise

    Wow ! What a fabulous and exciting trip! Thank you for letting us participate through your wonderful pictures! And Rocco looks wonderful!

  175. Jen Jones

    Wow, how exciting! One day you’re floating down an Alabama river with the doggy babies & the next you’re casually hanging out with celebrity chefs…lucky you! Can’t wait to see more fab photos of beautiful California!

  176. Ms Izzy

    I am so “T” totally jealous!! That must have been an awesome experience. I am so glad you shared it with us. It was almost like I was sitting right across the table from you taking the pics of you & Rocco myself! I bet that is one adventure you will NEVER forget. So happy fo you to have been able to experience that! FYI: I LOVE your blog!!

  177. Mary Colovich

    Thank you for sharing all of your amazing adventures with all of us! I used to live in LA so it was quite nostalgic for me. What a wonderful experince you had and you’ve gotten me excited to go back and explore some new places! Your pictures are amazing (what kind of camera did you use??) Welcome home and have a great weekend!
    ~Mary

  178. HeatherB

    I am loving all the photos from your trip – keep them coming. What a fabulous prize package you + your dear reader received. So nice to see this for you!

  179. Jacqueline Wogan

    What a perfect man! Sigh…. Looks like you had a blast in my old stomping grounds of LA!

  180. Connie

    Amanda, what an amazing adventure you had! Love, love, love looking at all the pictures, they made me feel like I was there too. So happy for you!

  181. Alicia Wilson

    I am so glad you choose to share this once in a lifetime trip with us!!! You always make me feel like I am there too! Thank you so much for that. I was wondering though, was Kevin sad he was not able to go? lol

  182. Julie Bogart

    Thanks for your wonderful posts. I love living vicariously with you! I love your life!!!

  183. Leigh

    Wowza! He’s gorgeous! I’d like to win this book so I can just prop it open and stare…did I just say that out loud?

  184. June

    WOW!!!!! What an amazing experience and I am so happy for you!!! Thank you so much for sharing this and letting us experience it with you!! Love your blog and can’t wait to see what’s next!!!

  185. Rebecca

    I can’t believe how addicted I am to reading all about your trip. It sounds amazing! I would love to win this book because you inspired me to count calories and so far I have lost 10 pounds. Thanks for sharing everything with us.

  186. Melissa in MI

    What a wonderful experience! One of my favorite dishes is a Rocco recipe from back when the CBS Morning Show featured Chef on a Shoe String on the weekends. He cooked a skirt steak in a mixture of red wine, brown sugar, mushrooms, onions, tomato, and tarragon. It bakes for hours in the oven and is just divine served over egg noodles. One of my all-time favorite recipes! You can actually still find it at http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/10/11/earlyshow/saturday/chef/main525284.shtml?tag=mncol;lst;2

  187. Diana

    What fun! Everything looks amazing, and who WOULDN’T be “smitten” by Rocco? Can’t wait to check out the cookbook. :)

  188. Michele V

    I loved reading about your trip and seeing all the pictures from day one! It looks beyone amazing!!!

  189. Laura

    Amanda, that was some trip you had! Looks like you had a blast! :) I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win this book. I recently started a diet (because of your inspirational posting about how you lost weight) and this book would come in so handy!

    Hope you’re having a GREAT weekend! xoxo!
    -Laura

  190. Maria Johnson

    Wow Amanda, I have gained 10 pounds just reading about your fun, food filled trip. What an amazing experience! AND there is more? Can’t wait to see more pictures and hear about all the fun. I love your blog! Thanks!

  191. Megan C.

    I’d love a chance to check out that book especially a signed copy! I’m soooo envious of your adventures. I’m stuck in a cubical all day :P

  192. Tara

    Wow! Rocco??? That is so so cool! And I am glad you enjoyed LA—it tends to get a bad rap sometimes, but I always have fun there!

  193. Jen V.

    Amanda, it looks like you had a great trip! Thanks so much for sharing it with us through pictures :) I would LOVE to win this book, so thanks for the opportunity – I would be smitten with Rocco too :)

  194. Wanda Cullen

    It’s been so much fun following your trip to LA…thanks for sharing and for offering this wonderful book as blog candy!

  195. Sandra Tejeda

    I love So Cal!! I moved away from Southern California 3 years ago. I got back every few weeks since its only a 4 hours drive. Glad you had a fabulous time!!!

  196. Becca @ One Girl

    I would love a copy of Roccos’ book :) It looked like you had a fabulous time!

    While I’m here… cute new site update. I love the new header… I get the email subscriptions so I don’t always get a look at your site as much as I should. But I do love the new header. So cute, I wish I was as talented and artistic especially working around computers!

  197. Brenda

    I really love reading your blog. I look forward to the emails with all of the goodness you have to share. This last week I have lived a vacation through you. I cannot tell you how nice that was. :) I would have just DIED to taste all the food you had! Show a prego woman food and watch out! lol That book looks fantastic, too. Thank you so much for the chance to win. I feel like I have already won just by being able to read your posts. Seriously…little mini vaca in my head. haha

  198. Sheila Rooker

    OMGoodness is he Handsome! What a great experience…looks like you had a great time. Thanks for sharing & a chance to win. I would love to have his book.

  199. Berta

    What a FABULOUS time you HAD!!! We’re all a bit jealous – but so happy for you! My kids live a few blocks from where you were partying – I recognized much of your surroundings! Congrats and thanks for sharing.

  200. Kristen H.

    How fun!! I’m so enjoying reading about your very fabulous trip! And I’d love to win the cookbook…I am starting the process of trying to eat healthier…but I loooove to cook, so that’s a small problem. ;)

  201. Letitia

    I have LOVED reading about your LA adventure and seeing all the beautiful photos! That book is actually on my “to get” list. I love all of the Eat This, Not That type of books too!

  202. Christy D

    Oh wow!! That looks like it was such a fun trip!! Rocco looks about as yummy as the food!! That’s so neat that you got to meat him!! Thank you for sharing your experience! I would love an opportunity to get to win the book =o)

  203. Noelle Reese

    I am a happily married woman, but if that HOTTIE was hugging me I am not so sure I would let go! LOL Your trip looks like such an amazing time! Thanks for the chance to win!
    Noelle

  204. Erin Hill

    Thanks so much for sharing your LA adventures! I’m a newcomer to your blog and I love it! Your pictures are so great and I’ve made a couple of the recipes (the shredded pork… oh my!)and now am a huge fan! Thanks for the opportunity to win Rocco’s book!!

  205. Laura

    I have been salivating with jealousy – and cravings for all this food – over all your blogs this week! Looks like you had an amazing time. Hope that book is coming my way soon!

  206. Kelly Katz

    Wow, Amanda! What a terrific experience! Thank you for the chance to win an amazing book….signed at that.

  207. Coni

    Wow! Your trip looked fabulous! I have enjoyed reading about it this week and I look forward to more!

  208. Elizabeth Reed

    Sounds like a fabulous trip! The foodie in me is jealous. Can’t wait to read about the rest of it.

  209. Mandy

    Wow, wow, WOW! I am so jealous. What a once in a lifetime experience! And my lands he is completely delicious isn’t he? Your photos are AMAZING! Thanks for letting us live through you this week.

  210. Turley Times

    I would love a copy of Rocco’s book – thanks for the chance to win! Your photos with him look so great…when I saw the last photo I hoped that he didn’t get black Sharpie on the back of your pretty sweater! :)

    Hannah

  211. Katie

    WOW! Sounds (and looks!) like you had a great trip! Sometimes Rocco is on The Biggest Loser teaching the contestants about healthy living and eating. He is such a cutie!

    Katie

  212. Molly in MN

    STILL incredibly jealous!! Looks like a fabulous time! and how thoughtful are you to bring an extra book for all of us!

  213. Jennifer in Idaho

    Thanks for sharing all of this with us! I love the way I feel when I read your posts….like I know you personally, and I was there. {sigh}

  214. Tiffany

    Oh my goodness, you look like you had so much fun! I would love to suprise my husband with this book ( he’s the one that does all the cooking around here) and I know he’d just flip! Thanks for sharing your experience with all of us, I feel like I was right there with you!!!

  215. Lindsay

    I’ve been LOVING reading all about your LA trip. Looks fabulous dah-ling! :) Thanks for the giveaway!

  216. Victoria

    goodness, he sure is dreamy, isn’t he! :)) I’d love to win the XO book :P and I love reading about your adventures! What a day!

  217. Candy

    Looks like you had a wonderful time!! Can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures from your trip.

    Candy

  218. Cathy

    Thanks for sharing your LA experience with us. It looks like you had a fantabulous time and my mouth is watering looking at all of the food photos you took.

  219. Lauren

    How fantastic! It seems like you’ve had such a great trip! I’ve read every single e-mail! I look forward to them!

  220. Audra

    Amanda, what a fabulous inspiration you are! I’ve been feeling a bit lost lately, and finding your blog has really helped me to believe that better days are possible if I can believe in myself again. I want to thank you for simply being the best of who you are, and for having the grace to share it so wonderfully with all of us.

    Very sincerely,
    Audra

  221. Renae

    Wow! What an awesome trip. I almost didn’t want to read because i’m so jealous!! You deserve it though, happy to hear you were able to spend some time in So Cal…one of my favorite places in the world! And i’m from Nebraska so I don’t get there often. :)

  222. Carla

    I too, am enjoying this recap of your absolutely *amazing* trip Amanda! The pictures of you & Rocco are excellent!!! What a trip of a lifetime!

  223. Mary

    I’m pretty sure I would have melted like that delicious cheese ball-ey thing sitting next to him! What a lucky girl you are Amanda!!

  224. Jenn

    What a fabulous time it looks like you had! Thank you for sharing with us all the details and photos of your trip!

  225. Martha S.

    OMGravy!!! Rocco is just a beautiful man. And he can cook. *sigh* (Yes, my husband knows about this little crush!)

    Your trip sounds fabulous and I think it’s awesome you got to experience it like you did!

    Thanks for the chance to win Rocco’s book. If I don’t win, it’s certainly going to be on my wish list. Gotta watch this girlish figure (that is more of a mommy figure at the moment…).

    Thanks for sharing!!

  226. Mary

    Um, oh my gah…are you going to frame any of those pics and hang them in your living room? Because I would! What an absolute hottie!!!

    P.S. I would totally hang that cookbook in my living room if I won!

    Mary :)

  227. Jaime P.

    Amazing photos of your amazing trip! And yum to the food and Rocco! hee hee. Thanks for thinking of us with this giveaway!!!

  228. Brenda Jorgensen

    The beautiful pics of the food are making me soooo hungry and all I have is cold cereal for breakfast. Hmpf!! Thanks for sharing, I can’t wait to see what you did in Jenny’s kitchen!

  229. Dorene Donaldson

    Your blog and all the photos always are excellent, but this one is over the top. Thanks for making it feel as if each of your followers were there with you the whole time. I could smell the food, and taste the wine. What a wonderful trip of a lifetime. Looking forward to more.

  230. Claudia

    It looks like you all had an amazing trip! I think I would have been smitten while speaking with Rocco too. ;)

  231. Heidi

    Loved hearing of your adventures in LA. I have been there myself and had a great time…thanks for sharing your trip with all of us!

  232. Meryl

    WOW – what a great experience and great photography! Thanks for sharing. I’d love to win Rocco’s book. Pick me! :O) Thanks for the chance.

  233. Barb in FL

    What a fantastic evening. It was nice to see the different plates and the wines. Fresh ingredients are so important in making a wonderful meal. I think I’ll have to get Rocco’s book….he is handsome isn’t he?!!! ;) Continue to have fun and keeping us tagging along with your postings!!!!

  234. Lisa C

    Amanda, it has been such a blast following your adventures vicariously! What a total thrill to meet Rocco and get to spend some time enjoying some of the best California has to offer!

  235. Lori McC

    How awesomely fun! Looks like he enjoyed talking to you too! Thanks for sharing the trip with us. Looking forward to the next segment!

  236. Doreen

    Looks like a fabolous time! Wow! All the culinary trucks. Wish we had that here. You were one lucky person to have that wonderful experience. Thanks for sharing through the wonderful photos. Maybe I will be lucky……….Thanks!!

  237. angi aka jinxi~

    Ive thoroughly enjoyed your trip to LA via your blog. You were really treated like a celebrity! I love the photography and am envious of your visit with Rocco ;)
    Thank you so much for sharing with us.. and I am soooo happy I found your blog!!!

    ps:Your dogs are soooo cute! Even my husband gets a kick out of seeing the photos of them! :)

  238. Jen W

    What an amazing week! I’ve never been out there so it was fun to read about and see all of the great experiences you’ve had on your trip!

  239. Krysten

    Amanda thank you so much for sharing your incredible experience with us through your terrific selection from what must have been 100’s of photos, and your colorful descriptions! I felt just like I was there!

  240. Monique F.

    What an amazing trip you had! The photos you took of the food, people, and places you went made me feel like I was right there with you. I am sure that this was an unforgettable experience for you. Rocco looks wonderful,I can only imagine how great it was to meet him!

  241. Jessica

    Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us! Can’t wait to see the other pictures! Put me down for winning the cookbook! :)

  242. Kelly

    I’m so happy you got to have this experience, Amanda. What a wonderful trip!! Thanks for sharing your photos. I would love Rocco’s signed book….he looks as yummy as the food! Thanks for the chance to win. :-)

  243. Ginger

    Amanda – wow! what an amazing trip you had – I am so jealous, but a copy of Rocco’s new book might help! I enjoy your blog so much – thank you for all your wonderful pictures, tips, and for sharing it all!

  244. Mary

    Thanks for sharing the special moments of your trip! So happy that you had such a great opportunity to visit LA and meet Rocco… awesome!!

  245. Mary Anne

    It makes me want to follow the same itinerary and go to California right now! Great photos and what an awesome opportunity! I’d love to win that book!

  246. shanna uptergrove

    What an amazing dinner with Rocco! Can’t wait to read about your next 3 days in Cali! I LOVED Santa Monica when I visited there 9 years ago!

  247. Krissa

    OH MY HECK!!!! i am so so jealous!!! I love Rocco!!! and I have been wanting this book…oh how i would love to win!!!!!

  248. Emily P.

    Amanda,
    I’m really enjoying all your posts about your trip! I’ve never been on a trip so I’m living through yours :)

  249. Cary

    Amanda, I am sooooo jealous! Your trip sounds “fairy-taleish!” I am sure that isn’t a word but you know what I mean!~!

  250. LeAnne

    Looks like you had an awesome time! I have loved looking at all the pictures. Glad you were able to experience all this.

  251. Tina Mac

    WOW, Amanda, What a great trip! Looks like you all had a wonderful time. And that one on one time with Rocco must have been unbelievable (hope Kevin wasn’t too jealous;->).

  252. Andrea S.

    oooh! Fabulous photos! Of course I’d like a signed copy of the book…since I didn’t get to go with you. (and obviously it would have been weird for Ben to go with that big ol’ group of dolled up girls! haha. Looks like it was an awesome trip!

  253. Kandra

    How fun! That dinner looked delicious too! And that cookbook looks like it has some good recipes too :)

  254. Niki

    I can’t wait until I can get to a bookstore to check this book out. I’ve been sticking to my diet – lost 20 lbs so far – but am getting tired of the few low-cal recipes I have. I could sure use some new ones!

  255. Jamie

    What an awsome trip! The food looks amazing, Rocco looks fab and I am so jealous! Thanks for sharing this with all of us! I would love to win the book!

  256. Michelle

    Oh my what a fun trip! :) The food looks amazing and what an experience to meet Rocco! Thanks for the chance to win.

  257. Paulette Payne

    What an amazing trip! I have enjoyed reading all about your trip and seeing all the great pictures you’ve taken. Your pictures are awesome…makes me feel like I am right there with you! Thanks for sharing!

  258. aimee

    What a fantastic trip you had!! I have thoroughly enjoyed all of the pictures! I would love to win the book – LOVE Rocco! Thanks for the chance to win!!

  259. Leiah

    WOW! The pictures are amazing and I really shouldn’t have read this before breakfast because now I want some sort of garlicky, savory, pasta dish and it’s only 7:15 a.m.!

  260. Patricia Coffey

    Wow – what a great trip! I’m so glad you had the experience and took us all along! Great pictures :)

  261. Carla

    WOW!! What a trip…I am sooo jealous. I have been looking forward to these pictures. Looks like you had a memorable time…

  262. terri

    ohhhh my goodness! so jealous of your ROCCO encounter! i love that he signed the book with a little smooch and huggie!!! thanks for sharing the deets of your fun trip!!!

  263. Keely

    I’ve enjoyed reading about your exciting trip! Bet the pups were happy when you got home. :) Would love to be the lucky gal to receive Rocco’s book!

  264. Deidre

    Oh my gracious! I wouldn’t be able to speak a word (other than a serious nervous giggle) had I been that close to Rocco! He’s so dreamy and the Bertolli videos he seemed so down to earth. Yay for a great trip!

  265. Stephanie

    I am having so much fun reading all about your trip! What an experience! So jealous but happy for you at the same time. :-)

  266. Elizabeth

    Would love to have Rocco’s book. Thanks for the chance to own.
    Love your dress and shrug in these pictures. Such a handsome
    gentleman too……….

  267. jenna

    That looks like an AWESOME trip and of course I would love a piece him… uh I mean the book. ;)

  268. Valerie P.

    It looks like you guys had such a wonderful time. Rocco is so cute! I would love to win his book.

    Valerie

  269. Angie Barrett

    looks like you had an awesome trip!!!!!!!!! All of the food and all of the pictures from your trip so far look amazing!!!!!!! I’d Love to win that book!!

  270. Lynette

    Wow Amanda it looks like you had a wonderful time in LA. Meeting Rocco looked like a lot of fun, and would LOVE to get this book, I need to lose weight and it looks like this would help so much. thanks for this opportunity.
    Lynette~

  271. Leigh Anne Lindsey

    I’m a new fan of Kevin & Amanda and I love your site! So glad I got to see pictures of your trip!! Looks like you had a fabulous time!

  272. Chris W

    Amanda, what a “dream come true” experience for you! Thank you so very much for sharing your adventure with us! The photos are wonderful and the eye candy is not bad too! Thank you for also sharing this opporunity with us. Owning an autographed copy would be totally awesome! Enjoy your blog, thanks so very much!

  273. Lauren | Pegasus Photography

    What a fun trip!! I love your dress and little shrug – it’s so adorable. Can I ask where you got it? :) Would love the book and would die to taste that kobe beef! ♥

  274. Kelly M

    OMG he is totally gorgeous! You are so lucky to have met him and I’ve enjoyed your blog this week!

  275. Tina

    Oh, Amanda, what an absolutely fabulous trip! It looks like you had an absolutely incredible time. Thanks for letting us participate vicariously through your wonderful pictures!

Meet Kevin & Amanda

Kevin and Amanda

We love to travel and to eat! Here we share our favorite quick and easy recipes, plus travel tips and guides for our favorite places around the world. If you have any questions about what camera I use or how I edit my photos, check out my photography tutorials.

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