We started out this episode eating our faces off.  Literally, I ate at 5 different locations in an hour, averaging 4 items per location.  That’s like 118 meals in a hour.  I truly did lose weight when taping in LA.  I truly gained it all back in an hour.  That being said, “The Best Thing I Ever Ate” camera challenge was the least stressful and most enjoyable camera challenge to date.  I loved tasting, talking food and interviewing each of the chefs/owners.  It was truly a dream come true.

The Roast on the other hand, was a different story.  The cooking portion was a breeze (I finally got back on the deli slicer horse which put me right back at home).  At that point, I was gone for 9 weeks, and not only hadn’t I hugged my wife or kid, but I also hadn’t had the opportunity to  use a deli slicer, which I tend to operate for at least 80 minutes a day.  The slicer coupled with the fact that I was doing a fantastic and personal favorite dish (Italian beef) made it a very enjoyable cooking experience.  Having the knowledge that I was a failed comedian (professionally at least) about to serve and present to a bunch of successful comedians loomed over me the whole time.  I knew they knew about my past, and that they would be hardest on me.  My goal was to not lay it on too thick.  Be me, but sit back and get whatever beating they were gonna give me.  If I could throw in a joke here or there, so be it.  But my goal was to show I could be a star not a standup.

Kaboom.  Third win in a row and going into next week’s Iron Chef challenge with a fair amount of momentum and confidence.  WHAT. WILL. I. DO. WITH. SAID. MOMENTUM?

I love you all.  Thanks for supporting me and all the great facebook messages and tweets and whatnot.

A sandwich a day….,

Jeff Mauro