There is a saying in Argentina that goes:  No hay dos sin tres. Literally it means:  There isn’t two without three.  I thought this was a common saying in Spanish but I came to find out that many Spanish-speaking countries don’t know this saying but we do in Argentina.  I use it all the time.  Whenever something happens twice, it will happen a third time.  Now, does this saying work for me because I’m always looking for the “third” or does the “third” happen because it is meant to be so.  Like the chicken and the egg, which one came first?  I don’t know.  So, what am I rambling about?  (I know you were asking yourself.)

I’ve been blogging mostly about recipes and you have been very kind to let me go on with my stories and tales.  This time I only have a story.  About one month  ago, I received an email  from Corti Brothers Market.  My first thought was, “Oh, wow, they are having a sale!”  Then I realized that they don’t have my email.  I opened it and saw that Darrell Corti was asking me to judge at the Los Angeles International Extra Virgin Olive Oil Competition in Pomona, CA.  Well, I was ecstatic and surprised.  This is a great honor and one that I had never considered for myself.  I answered yes immediately and then began to worry.  I was worried to judge in such an important event.  For days, I had this on my mind until one day I decided that enough was enough.  I was going to go down there and enjoy every minute of it.  I love tasting oils and I wasn’t going to let my head get in the way of this.  Needless to say, I really enjoyed myself and met some very interesting people from all over the world.

Here I am with my fellow judges, Margaret and Pablo. Both of them are internationally recognized Olive Oil Tasters.

Mr. Corti and the team at the Fairplex really treated us like royalty.  My hotel room was a suite.  The food and wine was exquisite.  Everything was top notch.  The judging was for three days and I think we tasted about 50 oils a day.  My lips were chapped and my mouth pretty raw but I loved every second of it.

Great food, great wines and great company.

When I got home, I received an invitation to judge at the California State Fair Olive Oil Competition.  I had had my eye on this competition since last year and was very interested in partaking.  That was only one day and again very enjoyable.  So, there is number dos.

This is my panel for the California State Fair EVOO Competition. Deborah has been a miller for 20 years. Both judges were very knowledgeable and enjoyable to work with.

Here is my No hay dos sin tres.  A week later, I’m invited to the Napa Valley Olive Oil Competition.  It was a bit of a drive but I commuted with a fellow judge which made the ride and all the traffic very palatable.  (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself.)   We had a great time chatting and getting to know each other.  My fellow judges are very friendly and down to earth people.  There are some that are masters at this and I learn something every time I am in their presence.

Well, my story should end there but actually, I have been invited to the Yolo County Fair Olive Oil Competition.  That has yet to happen.  I am sure that I will have a great time judging again.

As always, I am honored that you allow me to share with you.  I look forward to getting my next recipe out.  It is a lemon-glazed monkey bread.  It’s not my recipe but I am happy to share it because it is out of this world.  Eat well, drink well and be well.  Until next time.