I think about Steven often. He was a friend and a mentor, and one of the smartest, funniest, warmest and most generous people I have ever met. I remember fondly the times we spent together in NC, at several Heartland Gatherings and in my hometown of Chicago. I help run a local food discussion forum here, and hardly a day goes by when I don't wonder how Steven would have handled one situation or another there. Frankly, it'd be way beneath him but still, I know he would have happily given me guidance if I were able to ask him for it. What a loss that he's not here with us. They say only the good die young. In Steven's case, that was certainly true.
Here's a shot of Steven, Ellen and PJ at the Rock & Roll HOF in Cleveland in August of 2011, where a bunch of us met up for a Heartland Gathering . . .
RIP, my friend.
=R=
