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.
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.
Photo via Briana
We were in for a treat with the special small bites tasting menu designed especially for us.
And then came Rocco. He sat down, and I was within wine glass clinking distance!
Rocco asked us about ourselves, our blogs, and our day in LA.
He told us about his recent trip to Italy with Bertolli, his passion for fresh, local ingredients, and where he finds inspiration.
Deep in conversation with Jenny from Picky Palate about food, family, and flavor.
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*
Culina’s new modern Italian chef, Victor Casanova (love his name!), came out to greet us and tell us about our courses.
Plate One
Involitini Di Manzo
Kobe A-5. Delta Asparagus. Enoki Mushrooms. Parmigiano Reggiano.
Wine: Nebbiolo d’Alba. giacosa fratelli. 2007 piedmont.
Photo via Jenny
Melt-in-your-mouth, buttery Kobe beef wrapped around a spring of asparagus, tiny enoki mushrooms, and Parmigiano Reggiano.
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.
Photo via Shelisa
Plate Two
Caponata Di Carciofi
Baby Artichokes. Castelvetrano Green Olives. San Marzano Tomato.
Wine: Pinot Bianco. haberle. alois lageder. alto adige 2007.
Plate Three
Suppli Al Telefono
Saffron Risotto Croquette. Mozzarella Di Bufala. Tomato Sugo.
Wine: Mamertino. cru timpanara. vasari. sicily 2006.
Photo via Jenny
Gorgeous photo of our third plate by Jenny. It was as incredible as it looks.
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.
Apparently Rocco was quite charming. Do I look smitten? *blush*
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”
Rocco asked if my readers were mostly female, and when I said yes, he added the XO. ;)
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.”
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… :)
Wow, you seemed to have had an awesome time. Have you feet touched the ground again yet?
Amanda
Thanks for sharing your fun on your blog. Rocco is just a cutie!
This book would be a great addition to my collection! Pick me!!!
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!
What an adventure, Amanda. It looks like you had a divine time…I hope you draw me!!!!
awesome trip!!! thanks for the chance to win!!
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! ;)
Great shots! Looks like you had a blast!
Amanda, looks like you had a fabulous time – His book looks really great – thanks for sharing your adventure!!!!
How exciting it must have been to meet Rocco!!
What an awesome experience! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to try a new recipe!
That looks like it was so fun! Thanks for the opportunity to win!
Rocco is one of my favs! I’d love to win!!
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!
What an amazing trip you had. All the food wine and cheeses look dellish!
Wow, what an amazing trip you have shared with us! Thank you for the chance to win this book!
Thanks for sharing your amazing pics. I would love love love to win his book. He’s a cutie.
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!
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!
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. ;-)
What an amazing experience! Great photos!!
Looks like you had a great time! That would be so awesome to add that cookbook to my collection. :)
Looks like you had an amazing time there with Rocco! Must have been quite the yummy experience!
Thanks for the chance to win. Looks like you had a great time.
Tam
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!!!
I am in love with Rocco!
I am so jealous you were able to meet Rocco!! He is such a cutie! I would love to have that book!
I’m so glad you got to come out here to CA, it such a fun place :) I would LOVE to win that book!
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.
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
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!! :)
Sounds like SOOO much fun! I love Rocco and would love love love to have his book (signed)!!
oooh that all looks so yummy. what a cool opportunity.
I’d love to win! It sounds like you had an amazing adventure! :)
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
I’m so glad you had such an amazing trip! I’d love to snag a copy of the cookbook- what a neat giveaway!
I absolutely loved reading about your experiences! What a treat! Thank you for such a gracious giveaway :)
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!
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!
Soo jealous! What a great trip! Would love a copy of his book….especially a signed one!
What an amazing experience, Thank you for sharing your trip with us :)
Reading about that trip was such fun. Thanks!
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
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”
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.
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:)
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. ;-)
What fabulous photos and amazing trip to share with us! Thanks for giving me a peak into your trip to LA! It is fantastic!
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! :)
Sounds like you had a lot of fun on your trip! And the book looks great! What a great experience you had!
Oh wow, what an incredible trip. It sounds as though Rocco was quite the charmer! Thank you so much for the chance to win :)
Thanks for this chance to win!
What a fabolous and delicious trip, thaks for sharing ..
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.
I just discovered your blog today – and it is an instant favorite!!!
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. :)
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!
It looks like you had an awesome time in LA! Thanks for sharing your experience and this great book.
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!
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)
Looks like you had a wonderful time. Thanks for sharing!
I would LOVE to win Rocco’s book! Thank you for this opportunity.
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 :)
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!
Sounds like you had a great trip! Thanks for the chance to win his book!
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. :)
Wow! What an incredible opportunity!
I’ve really enjoyed reading about your LA adventures. Those pictures are amazing and makes me feel like I was right there with you.
Amazing. I’ve really enjoyed reading about your LA adventures. :)
Amanda, Thank you for this wonderful blog! I love to check in and see what you are up to.
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 :)
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.
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.. ;-)
I’ve enjoyed seeing all the pics from your trip. Looks like you had so much fun!
Looks like you and Rocco had a moment there….hmmm…..
Kelly
sounds like an AMAZING trip. they sure treated you girls well!!!!
Oh yes please!!!
Amanda…. what a wonderful time you must have had.. you can just see it in the photos. I have enjoyed reading about it.
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.
You look like you had a ton of fun! I would love to win the book!
Thanks for sharing great pics all week!
Soooooo Lucky!!! Love him and Kobe beef!
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!
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.
What an amazing journey you have had, and thanks for taking us all with you. Congrats!
Wow, what a trip! That third plate looked incredible! =]
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.
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!!
Sooooooooo jealous. The whole thing sounded like it was fabulous fun!
What an unforgettable experience. Hope I win the book!
my heart goes pitter patter. I am sooo envious!
So LUCKY!! I’m SO jealous!
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.
oh my how fun! i LOVE rocco!!!!! i would love this book, what a special trip, congrats!
Wow, he’s kind of dreamy. And the food looks scrumptious!
Oh my goodness, I am loving your posts and photos! Thank you so much for entering me in the drawing.
Great looking company and the food looks great, too!! What a great trip!
It has been such fun following your LA Adventure!
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!!!
Looks like ya’ll had fun!!
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.
What a trip! I would love to do that!
Your trip looks like so much fun! I am so jealous.
Oh Amanda, what a once in a lifetime experience!! Thanks so much for sharing through your writing and pictures. It is gorgeous!!!!
Thanks!
Yummy!
I was just looking at this in the bookstore yesterday. I’d love to win it! Also enjoying your newly updated blog – looks great!
What an incredible week!! Will make a kick-a** scrapbook!!! Thanks for sharing! Does Rocco come along with the book? :)
How amazing! I’ve loved reading about your awesome trip!
How cool! Very fancy and fun!
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!
I’ve enjoyed seeing all that you did and ate while you were on your trip! What an incredible experience!
Looks like you had a totally amazing trip! Lucky girl :)
Thank you for documenting your trip so well, Amanda! I love reading about your adventure. It sounds like it was an amazing trip!
Looks like you had an awesome time and his book looks fabulous!
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!!
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
Thanks for sharing your amazing trip, you obviously had a great time. Love your blog.
Lynn x
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
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!
What an awesome trip!! Looks like y’all had a fabulous time!!
what an awesome experience! i would love to win!!!!
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.
Looks like a wonderful and delicious trip =).
It looked like a great trip with lots of delicious food!
Sounds like a fabulous trip!
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!
Looks like you had so much fun! That book would be so fun to add to my collection!
Your trip sounds fabulous. I’m glad you had such a great time.
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!
I’m LOVING your Blog and Picky Palate! Thanks for sharing your amazing excperience. All the food, pictures, etc are awesome.
I would love Rocco’s new book and so would my husband- he loves to cook too!
Amazing trip. Amazing food. Amazing photographs. We can almost taste the food from those delicious pictures!
Oh I have really enjoyed reading about this fabulous trip. I bet this was just the cherry on top!
I’m salivating at those dishes & wine pairings!
He’s such a cutie! I would’ve been smitten, too. :o)
What an amazing trip! I have thoroughly enjoyed looking at all of the pictures. Rocco looked smitten, too. :)
I’m so jealous! what a amazing event. I want that cookbook! :)
I didn’t win the trip, but I’ll take this..=) Your trip looked amazing!!!
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.
I’d love to get my hands on Rocco and his cookbook!
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…
What a fun trip! I’d love that cookbook, especially with the xo :)
Wow… looks like quite a trip! I’d love to win the book. ;)
Oh my goodness! You are so lucky! I LOVE Rocco!!
Sounds like you had a great trip! Amazing. I have really enjoyed seeing your pictures and would love to win Roccos book!
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!
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
Ok, where did you get the dress? I love it! Have loved reading about your fun trip! WOuld love the book!
Oh my gosh!! I cant’ wait for the rest of the story–hope I win! I’d love to have that ;)
Love your trip! I lived in LA for a couple years and it was great. I would love the cookbook!
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
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.
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!!
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.
Wow! I’m speechless, looks like you had a great time!
Looks like such an amazing time! Wish I could have gone – but maybe I will win the cookbook ;) ha ha
What Fun!!! Sounds like a great time!
Your trip looked AMAZING! So does that signed book! ;)
looks like you had a great time
Wow! I’m smitten with how gracious he seems too! Throw my name in the hat :0)
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!
Amanda…love your blog…and your trip looked amazing! So lucky to meet Rocco! Would love the book! Thanks for thanking about us!
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. ;)
Ohhh I would love a new cookbook to go with my newly renovated kitchen! Put me in the runnings! :)
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!!!!!
:)
Looks like a great trip and book, would love to have it.
Want it! Haha!
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
What an amazing experience!
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! :)
Wow! What a fun time. ps. i need a new cookbook ;)
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!
it looks like you had an amazing time! Treasure the time you spent tasting all that amazing food! so jealous! :)
Rocco—What a cutie! The food, wine, and company look amazing! What a fun and memorable trip for you, Amanda!
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.
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!)
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!!
Wow! What a great trip and amazing experience!
Oh Amanda…He’s Hot! (BTW – I love your blog!)
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!
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!
Girl, you are SOOOO lucky! Love your blog!
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?!!! :)
I would’ve been smitten, too! That is one handsome man!
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!
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!!
Looks like you girls had a wonderful time…so jealous :)
What a wonderful trip! Fun, fellowship, and food…my kind of trip!!
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!
Wow! What am exquisite ending to a great day. Do you hear “envious”? Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Diane M
Amanda – what a wonderful experience! Thanks for sharing with us!
Looks like a good time was had by all. I would love to win Rocco’s new book!
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.
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!
Looks like you had an amazing time! I would love to win his new book! :)
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!
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
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!
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!!
HOLY COW … SO excited for you. Those pictures are incredible!! And I’d love to win. :)
looks amazing! thanks for sharing!!
WOW! What a trip! I think I would have swooned as well. Oh to be so lucky….
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!!
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!
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!! :)
It sounds as though you had a wonderful time! I enjoyed reading all about your trip.
YOU ARE AMAZING!……wow! what an adventure…picture me jealous!!!…i would LOVE the new Rocco cookbook!!!
…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.
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.
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!!
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-
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.
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!
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!
I would love this book! (and after not taking me to LA, it’s really the least you could do :)
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!!!
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!
How exciting!! I would love to win his book…especially signed with the “xo!” Looks like an amazing trip.
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!
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!
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!
How dreamy! I would love to win Rocco’s book!
What a blessing to go on that trip! You LUCKY girl! Can’t wait to hear more adventure stories =) Gretchen
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!
Looks like y’all had a great time & terrific weather!! Thanks for sharing! :)
I LOVE ROCCO!!!!!! What a great trip. Thank you so much for sharing your trip with us!!! I would love to win that book!
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!
What an awesome trip! I’m so jealous!
Amanda – This looks like a once in a lifetime experience. What great memories you will have of this trip!
Please, oh please, let me be the winner of Rocco’s book! Thanks for sharing your awesome LA trip with us!
Awesome! You lucky dog with a hug from Rocco! :) I’m jealous!
Tiffany in South Carolina
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?)
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!!
Wow, looks like it was an AMAZING time!! He’s not so bad either! :)
Wow. Looks like an amazing trip. Thank you so much for sharing!
Ooh yay! That would be awesome. Looks like you had fun out on this side of town :-)
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.
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!
Your trip looks amazing and the food sounds incredible!! What a awesome giveaway to win – THANKS!!
Amanda, what a truly wonderful experience you & your friends have had. Love your cute sundress & shrug.
Aww, looks like you had a blast!
It’s been said before, but what an amazing trip! Rocco seems like such a nice guy.
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!!!!
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.
It looks like you had an amazing time! I’ve loved watching your journey! Thanks for sharing!
It looks like you had a wonderful trip and I have really enjoyed drooling over all of the delicious food pictures you have posted.
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!!
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!
Wow what a great time you must have had… Awesome pictures.
Who wouldn’t want a book signed by Rocco. I am so envious of your trip, it looks like you had a great time.
Lucky you, looks like an amazing trip for you!! I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of that book!!
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!
Looks like you had a fabulous time in LA!! I am so jealous!
LOVE your blog and LOVE these pics of Rocco! I have just recently discovered this blog and thoroughly enjoy it!
i love all your recaps! such an exciting adventure! thanks for sharing all the fun details!
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.
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!
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!
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!?
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!
Que bonito viaje!!!
que bonitas fotos!!!
gracias desde España
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.
What an exciting opportunity! Lovin’ your photos!
Fun, Fun, Fun! The food looked amazing!
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! :)
Sounds like you had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing it with us!
OMG! He’s so adorably handsome. Thank you for sharing your trip with us. We can all live vicariously through you! ;)
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!
Your blog entries made me feel like we all won the trip. Thank you for the chance to win this book as well!
What an incredible experience! I ADORE Rocco!
looks like you had an amazing time!!!! that risotto croquette has my mouth watering!
Love the photo’s. He is a handsome man and yes, you look smitten ;)Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Amanda, I’m so jealous! Your trip looked amazing! Thank you for sharing the experience with us through some amazing photos =)
What an amazing trip of a lifetime!
What a handsome man he is!! :)
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.
Looks like you had an awesome trip!! So glad to hear all about it! The photos are absolutely wonderful!!
wow what an amazing time!! I live in OC and have to make a note to head to some of those places!
you look great, and I have enjoyed following your adventure…thanks for writing about it!
Amanda the pictures look fabulous! Looks like you had a very yummy time!
What a fabulous trip you had! He looks so charming too! I would a copy of his book. Thanks for sharing!
An Amazing trip for a truley deserving and amazing woman, and the way you journal it all is perfect!
What an awesome trip. Would love to win the book. Love Rocco!!
Love hearing and seeing your LA trip. I’m so jealous! I’d love to have a copy of the book…
Wow ! What a fabulous and exciting trip! Thank you for letting us participate through your wonderful pictures! And Rocco looks wonderful!
Would love to win this! A great
cookbook always helps me get out of
my cooking slump.
What a great giveaway! Love it.
(PS- You are SOO tiny!)
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!
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!!
It looks like you had so much fun! Wish I were there :)
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
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!
What a perfect man! Sigh…. Looks like you had a blast in my old stomping grounds of LA!
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!
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
you must have had funnnnn:)))
Thanks Amanda! It felt like we were on the trip with you!
I want to be you!
Thanks for your wonderful posts. I love living vicariously with you! I love your life!!!
How lucky are you to meet Rocco!!! Sounds like you are having so much fun :)
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?
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!!!
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.
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
What fun! Everything looks amazing, and who WOULDN’T be “smitten” by Rocco? Can’t wait to check out the cookbook. :)
GREAT pictures! Would <3 a copy of his book! :-)
I loved reading about your trip and seeing all the pictures from day one! It looks beyone amazing!!!
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
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!
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
How thoughtful to bring along an extra book. That was so nice of you and him!!
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!
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 :)
Looks like you had a great time! I’d love a copy of Rocco’s book!
It’s been so much fun following your trip to LA…thanks for sharing and for offering this wonderful book as blog candy!
Thanks for the chance. Looks like you had a wonderful time!
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!!!
Looks like you had an awesome time!!!
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!
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
That Rocco is soooooo dreamy. What a cutie!
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.
looks like you had a trip of a lifetime!! Love the new look our your blog! Cheers!!
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.
Wow! What an amazing trip and to meet ROCCO!!!! WOW!!! I hope to go to Cali soon!
Rocco!!! Divine :)It all looks fab!
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. ;)
Great giveaway, you’re so kind for thinking of your readers!
(Pick me!) =)
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!
How fun! Trip of a lifetime-so glad you shared it with us! Love your dress!
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)
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
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!!
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!
Would I like a copy of Rocco’s book???? I would LOVE a copy !!!!!!! Soooo jealous!
Wow – I’m so jealous of your adventures! I’d love to win a copy of the book!
Wow, Amanda! What a terrific experience! Thank you for the chance to win an amazing book….signed at that.
Yeah, Rocco is definitely easy on the eyes! Glad y’all had so much fun!
Wow! Your trip looked fabulous! I have enjoyed reading about it this week and I look forward to more!
Sounds like a fabulous trip! The foodie in me is jealous. Can’t wait to read about the rest of it.
i LOVE Rocco! You’re so Lucky!
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.
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
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
It’s been fun reading your blog. The book is a nice surprise.
STILL incredibly jealous!! Looks like a fabulous time! and how thoughtful are you to bring an extra book for all of us!
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}
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!!!
OMGosh! Even if I don’t win, I NEED that cookbook!!!
OMG Rocco is sooo cute!!! Lucky you to see him face to face!!! ♥♥
What wonderful pictures and the food looks absolutely amazing!
I’ve been LOVING reading all about your LA trip. Looks fabulous dah-ling! :) Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks like you had a blast! I’m super jealous!
Wow you are a lucky girl! Thanks for the chance to win a book!
Awesome pictures! Wow, Rocco sure is cute!!!!!!!
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!
Who could resist a book that looks that GOOD on the cover? :)
Oh wow!! It looks like you’ve had quite the experience of a lifetime!!
Totally jealous!
mouth-watering … and the food looked delicious too! HA!
Looks like you had a wonderful time!! Can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures from your trip.
Candy
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.
How fantastic! It seems like you’ve had such a great trip! I’ve read every single e-mail! I look forward to them!
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
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. :)
Wow Amanda! A trip of a lifetime. I’ve enjoyed seeing it through your eyes.
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!
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!!
What a fabulous time it looks like you had! Thank you for sharing with us all the details and photos of your trip!
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!!
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 :)
Amazing photos of your amazing trip! And yum to the food and Rocco! hee hee. Thanks for thinking of us with this giveaway!!!
Thanks for the chance to win the book. What a lovely & fun trip you had.
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!
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.
It looks like you all had an amazing trip! I think I would have been smitten while speaking with Rocco too. ;)
I have really enjoyed reading about your trip! It sounds like it was so exciting!
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!
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.
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!!!!
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!
How awesomely fun! Looks like he enjoyed talking to you too! Thanks for sharing the trip with us. Looking forward to the next segment!
I am so Jealous! Looks like you girls had a BLAST! :)
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!!
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! :)
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!
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!
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!
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! :)
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. :-)
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!
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!!
OH MY! you totally out do yourself! Thanks for thinking of all of us!
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!
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!
Great pictures! I love that you are sharing with us. I’d love to win the book!
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!!!!!
Amanda,
I’m really enjoying all your posts about your trip! I’ve never been on a trip so I’m living through yours :)
Amanda, I am sooooo jealous! Your trip sounds “fairy-taleish!” I am sure that isn’t a word but you know what I mean!~!
WOW. Lucky you for meeting Rocco!! Hopefully lucky me for winning his book???
Looks like your trip was amazing!! I’d love to get my hands on that Rocco cookbook!
Looks like so much fun! What great memories!!!
Looks like you had an awesome time! I have loved looking at all the pictures. Glad you were able to experience all this.
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;->).
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!
How fun! That dinner looked delicious too! And that cookbook looks like it has some good recipes too :)
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!
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!
AHH! Fun. Awesome. Exciting. Fabulous. I’m so jealous! AHH!
Oh my what a fun trip! :) The food looks amazing and what an experience to meet Rocco! Thanks for the chance to win.
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!
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!!
Wowwwwwwwwww!!! I am sooooooooooo jealous!!!
He’s soooooooo gorgeus!!!
How awesome, yummy. Would love to win this one. My stomach is now growling. lol
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.!
What a fun and exciting trip! I have to win this book, I just *have* to!! :)
Wow – what a great trip! I’m so glad you had the experience and took us all along! Great pictures :)
What an amazing trip! You are one lucky girl! Rocco is so cute.
WOW!! What a trip…I am sooo jealous. I have been looking forward to these pictures. Looks like you had a memorable time…
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!!!
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!
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!
I am having so much fun reading all about your trip! What an experience! So jealous but happy for you at the same time. :-)
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……….