Chewing It All Up

This week I ate pork and beef for the first time in 10 years but it was all for a good cause. I got the chance to be on ABC's "The Chew." Not only was I an audience member but one of the lucky few chosen to sit behind the lovely hosts at the beloved tasting table.

At first I was a little worried about going to a talk show alone but it turned out to work in my favor. I think it might have been part of the reason I was selected out the 130 plus studio audience members to get special camera time. My hair and bright orange blazer probably played a part too. But who knows. All I do know is I got the chance to briefly be in the bright lights and enjoy some of the show's tasty food.

The special guests for the Merry Meals episode were cousins Sal Basille and Francis Garcia of Artichoke Basille's Pizza. They were there to promote their new show on The Cooking Channel, "Pizza Masters"  and their delectable pies. Prior to the show I hadn't had the chance to taste any of their pizza, but on that day I was able to sample their delicious holiday inspired broccoli rabe and shrimp pie.

I also got the chance to try Clinton Kelly's mini beef wellingtons, and ham crockets from The Chew's cookbook A Year Of Celebrations. I was nervous to taste beef and pork for the first time in a decade but I didn't want to give up the chance to be on TV. So when Mario Batali came around offering up the crisp and cheesy crocket, I couldn't say no. Nor could pretend not to eat the beef wellington with camera in my face. Thank God I got the end piece of the puff pastry filled pocket. It made it easier for me to eat around the meat and enjoy the lovely mushrooms and caramelized onions inside flaky crust.

Only thing hated about my joyous day on "The Chew" was I didn't get the chance to taste the cookies from made by $1 million Pillsbury Bake-Off winner announced on the show. Beth Royals of Richmond Virginia went home happy Wednesday morning when she won the 47th Pillsbury Bake-Off with her Peanutty Pie Crust Clusters. Her shock made co-host Carla Hall cry.

During the commercial break Hall had to get herself together before they shot the next segment. She was overjoyed for Royals. Prior to the announcement Hall got the chance to meet the four finalists as well as other contestants at the event in Nashville. After the show rapped she took out time to interview the lovely winner and her husband and ask what they planned to do with that hefty sum of money.

My experience at the show was truly a once in a lifetime. I got the chance to eat good food and interact with hosts. Mario, Carla and Michael Symon came up and carried on conversations with us during the breaks, while Daphne Oz and Clinton stopped by to say hi and wave. Carla even complemented me on my hair. Before the show kicked off, her hair stylist came up to see what my colorful fro looked like and said I was Carla's inspiration for the day.

All in all, everything about The Chew was great. Now it's time to visit "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon," "Dr. Oz," "Wendy Williams" and "Meredith."  Check me out on "The Chew" below.

Making Dreams Come True

For years rappers have used music an outlet to achieve the unachievable, an aspiration for many that turns out to be nothing but a dream for most. Only a few have been able to live up the lyrics Biggie once so elegantly spoke of on "Juicy," and J. Cole happens to be one of them.

As a rapper Cole have taken the concept of dreams a step further by not only using them to shape his reality but his brand. Since dropping a "Dollar and a Dream" in 2010 Cole's hunger for more has continued resonate with fans. It is this passion to reach for the stars despite the setbacks placed upon you that gives people hope that the fruits of their labor will one day produce a flourishing existence; which brings me the anticipation of Jermaine Cole's upcoming album 2014 Forest Hills Drive.

Since The Warm Up dropped five years ago he has been proclaiming his dream of rap fame to the world. As an artist with each project following including Friday Night Lights and two hit albums, Cole World: The Sideline Story and Born Sinner he has tried to walk the fine line between nepotism and humility.

So far it seems like this baller turned prophetic lyricist has done just that. Cole recently made a childhood dream come true when he purchased his first house in his hometown of Fayetteville, North Carolina. To the surprise of many, it was not a mansion but the modest home he grew up in.

This past Saturday the place that once served as the catalyst for his vision of rap stardom also served as a listening space for a few lucky fans. The "Power Trip" rapper invited out a few of his most loyal followers to get a sneak peak of his new LP, slated to drop Dec. 9. In this intimate setting guests lounged around his home while enjoying Krispy Kreme donuts, getting an experience unparalleled to any other. To me this speaks volumes to what can be expected from his upcoming project.

After releasing the tracklist Saturday for 2014 Forest Hills Drive, news has already broke that official album has been leaked. According to The Boombox this 13-track effort can now be streamed and definitely will not disappoint. Cole delivers his classic lyricism over dope melodic beats.

Check out the trailer for 2014 Forest Hills Drive below.