A look back...

 The invention of cooking is considered to be the single greatest step  in the evolution of man.

Hardwired into our genetic makeup through centuries of evolution is an intense love of meat and fire. It may have allowed us to evolve, but few things get men  grunting like the guy from Home Improvement faster than firing up the grill and throwing on a big piece of meat. 

However, man has always had a respect for the process. The history of animal sacrifice is first documented in Crete in 2000 BC. The Minoans discovered guilt for killing a living thing and sacrificed part of the animal back to the gods.

So, for my birthday dinner, in thanks of the years on this Earth that I have been graced with, I boned out two legs of lamb and marinated them in garlic, thyme and rosemary. The meal was both reverent and primal.

However, I doubt that even the ancient Greek gods got these fantastic confit potatoes cooked in duck fat for 2 hours.

Thanks to all those in attendance for helping me ring in another year. And to all of you who couldn't make it...we look forward...