Was there a "moment"

[amcleod]

To echo all the others, many thanks for taking our questions! Reading all the posts is very interesting (and entertaining!).

I was wondering if there was some moment in your life when you realized that you wanted to do what you are doing. Something you ate that inspired you, a trip you took, a restaurant you visited. Even though you grew up surrounded with people who cook, not everyone would follow that path with such passion and devote so much time and energy to learning the craft...and teach others about it.

perhaps this is a silly question, but in general I think that most people don't discover their "true calling," so to me, it is fascinating to hear how those who have discovered it came to find it. (Of course, assuming that being a chef/restauranteur/teacher of Italian cooking actually IS your true calling.)

Thanks again,

ann

p.s. I am coming to NYC in two weeks and am very grateful that I have speed dial and was able to secure a res at Babbo during my trip!!

[Mario Batali]

hey ann there never was a clear moment of eye opening stuff, it just seemd to me that i loved cooking more than what i was studying even back at stuff yer face pizzeria... i could still become a pool boy if i play mycards right mb