Thomas Keller just released The Bouchon Cookbook! It’s incredibly hot, I have to say. And I’m not the only one who thinks so. (You should probably all go out and buy this wonderful new text and, yes– I’ll be happy to autograph them for you). Even though the book is oversized, I’m pretty sure it would fit inside my stocking…but if not there, I’m sure there would be ample room under our Christmas tree should someone (Santa are you reading this?!?) deign to put one there. Ahem.

I’m not big on owning eight million cookbooks, but having a few professional-quality references on hand never hurt anyone. To that end, I would just like to point out that The French Laundry Cookbook is also on sale right now, and that TFL is definitely in the professional-quality-reference-book category. (I’m willing to bet that would fit under our tree as well, though it could be a tight fit…).

Pubs, bars, saloons, taverns, lounges: there are sundry names for your basic drinking establishment. Whatever you call them, these pillars of society are recognized nationwide for the refuge and refreshment they offer in every hamlet around the globe — and as you might imagine, they’re extremely popular here in what may very well be the drinking capital of the world: Sin City. Here’s a picture of some Bouchon employees and former employees on our most recent excursion to one such establishment (three weeks ago…we really need to get out more).

[Picture detail from left to right: Ria, Cindy, Matt, Seth, Shira, Guillaume.]

It’s raining and I’m searching for Substance.

Are you kidding me? : The only all natural lip plumper…

I know I’m belaboring the issue, but I just need to share with you how moved I was by voting yesterday morning! This was the first presidential election that I’ve been able to vote in and I have to say that the experience inspired me to such a degree that I’m positive I will not miss a single election for the rest of my life (assuming that I’m still an American citizen down the road…). I came out of the booth feeling so alive! I felt awake! Making decisions, using my mind, having an opinion, saying something! I’m pretty sure that was the most meaningful thing I’ve done in a long time. Standing in line with my fellow Nevadans I started to cry thinking about what we were all doing there! (Okay, so perhaps I was a little overtired…) But the reality that Everyone in America comes together because they believe in freedom — within a thirteen hour time span– is truly a phenomenon! Don’t you think? Did anyone else out there get a Voter’s high?

Yes, folks. That is a giant squash. Don’t worry, it won’t be there forever, I’m just experimenting with some new design styles (much less hazadarous than most of the other things one could experiment with, so calm down, I know it’s heinous). What would you like to see incorporated into moltenchocolate.com’s design? I know you’re all bursting with exciting new ideas!! It’s past my bedtime, I’m going to go vote now. Did you vote yet? Today’s the last day!!