The Passing Of The Knife

I had the distinct honor and incredible pleasure of meeting one of my idols last week: Chef Michael Romano of Union Square Cafe fame.

I've been a longtime fan and seized the opportunity to place the winning bid on one of his chef's knives during a recent Slow Food NYC auction.

It took a while, but finally I was able to secure a coveted time slot to pick it up from the "man behind the Filet Mignon of Tuna."

He made it worth the wait. Dressed in a dapper suit and tie and wearing a warm smile, Romano offered a chuckle as he noticed that my copy of the Union Square Cafe Cookbook was a first edition. He pointed out some secret "mistakes" in the well-worn book and then proceeded to sign it in bright red ink before he handed me my real prize -- a handsome Wusthof knife.

And, as I tucked it in my leather bag to keep the blade safe and sound, I asked for one more little favor from Chef Romano: a snapshot. As you can see, he amiably complied. Heck, he was even a good sport about offering up a "V" for the photo. A "V" not so much for victory, but for VittlesVamp.

It goes without saying, he's no longer just an idol. Now, I've got a bit of a crush as well.