Hello all! Hope this letter finds you doing well. The summer heat is upon us, as are the welcome afternoon/eve showers. All of us are going in different direction during the summer. With the price of gas, a lot of us will be staying close to home. That means more time with family and friends at picnics, BBQ´s and backyard cookouts. Remember we have everything you need to make your event effortless and delicious!

CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Montgomery, Rolling Pin´s 5,000th Cooking Class Participant! Mary was greeted with champagne, flowers and decorations during the "Big Easy Appetizer" class on June 12. We had such a good time and really enjoyed her reaction. Almost to tears and then a perpetual smile, Mary stated, "Wow, I am so thrilled. I was really hoping I would win". Mary and her mom, Gladys have attended many classes over the past 18 months and enjoy doing them together.

Mary won a private Cooking Class for 8 valued at $400 and a $100 Rolling Pin gift card. Her mother was already scouting out things to buy as Mary was fending off requests to be one of her guests during the private event. To see pictures of the event, click on the link above. Thanks to all of you who kept coming to classes and followed-up compulsively to find out when, and who would be the winner. Congratulations Mary!

June 14, 2008 marked the first Iron Chef Style Competition here at the Rolling Pin. Dave Wirth (Channel 10), Jeff Houck (Tampa Tribune), and Pam Brown (Brandon Chamber of Commerce) judged the sold out event with Dr. BBQ verses Chef Jaden. The grill versus the wok, head to head cook-off, was loads of fun, delicious food and continuous movement. A great time was had by all. Check out some of the pictures of the event using the link above. Congratulations to Chef Jaden and her team (Team Steamy) as those who "Reign Supreme"! Chef Jaden could not have done it without the help of her sous chefs who were her devoted and talented assistants for the night. Check out her BLOG about the event.

Dr. BBQ and his "Team Smoke" made a valiant effort, but came up slightly short. They gave it their all. The food was great and they worked really hard.

If you want to be in on our next iron Chef Style Event, it will be on August 23rd. Chef Jaden will challenge a local Chef, TBD. Sign up early, this was a sell out!

Starting in July, we are offering a new "series" class; Winning Wines hosted by our wine guru Brian Reis. This Wine Series is a 6 week event that will help you understand and appreciate wine to the fullest. Check them out on the July calendar. Participation is limited to 8 students and will be held at the wine bar. A small bite will be paired with each week’s selection.

"Dog Days of Summer" was a great success. Mario and Morgan hosted 18 new friends. Each pooches´ human friend received a free glass of wine and while their pooches enjoyed some doggie treats. Join them again on August 10th from 5 until 7 pm. Attire is casual, but pooches must be well groomed and well leashed.

On July 1, 2008 we will begin migration to an all NEW Cooking Class Calendar and Registration System. You may still access the calendar as you always have. If you wish to schedule a class in July, click on the July button and you will be directed to the old system. If you wish to register for an August class, click on the August button and you will be directed to the NEW calendar system.

This new system will require you to create an &account" so that you can manage your classes. It affords much more flexibility to you, the student. The new look allows us to add pictures and better descriptions. You may look at the calendar as a "Month View" or a "Daily View" chronologically.

This is a secure sight. No Rolling Pin or server employees will ever have access to your information. All credit card information is "encrypted" and cannot be accessed. You have all of the control.

As always, you will be prompted to read and agree to the cancellation policy. Cancellations will be accepted 7 days in advance. After that, no cancellation can be accepted. No account credit or refund will be issued.

All associates are trained in the new system and are ready to assist you when you need it. Hope you like the new system.

Thank You, Chef Dave

We are your "Culinary Resource"