To California and the Good Food Awards

Y'all, guess where I'm going tomorrow? San Francisco! For two nights. By myself. And do you know why? Because after my strawberry-cardamom jam scored exceptionally well in last year's Good Food Awards, I was asked to be a judge this year. So enthusiastically, I said "YES!"

The GFA believes that "For a long time, certifications for responsible food production and awards for superior taste have remained distinct—one honors social and environmental responsibility, while the other celebrates flavor. The Good Food Awards recognize that truly good food—the kind that brings people together and builds strong, healthy communities—contains all of these ingredients. We take a comprehensive view, honoring people who make food that is delicious, respectful of the environment, and connected to communities and cultural traditions."

I'm going to spend all day Sunday tasting the delicious entries in Preserves. My co-judges sound like fascinating people, the other categories are as fabulous as preserves (think: charcuterie, cheese, oil, beer...), and there's an after-party at The Perennial that I can't wait to attend.

I leave at the crack of dawn tomorrow, will spend a few hours with my aunt Renee once in SF, and fly home Monday. A whirlwind and an exciting one. Woo-woo!