Before moving to Colorado, I didn’t give any thought to red or green chile. I didn’t really like Southwest or Mexican style cooking. That’s because I hadn’t had *Good* Southwest or Mexican style food. Once I found good food though, there was no going back, and before you know it I learned to cook it myself.
One of my favorite influences is Rick Bayless. He is an amazing chef. He has travelled extensively in Mexico and really taken the time to learn the nuances of Mexican food. He owns the restaurants Topolobampo and Frontera Grill in Chicago. I recently had a serendipitous opportunity to eat at Frontera Grill. It was an experience I will never forget. I nearly passed out with the excitement that, “I am here! I am REALLY HERE!” Of course the food was divine, straight from the kitchens of the gods. My only souvenirs were my satisfyingly full belly and this picture:
My Spicy Second Life 