It started as a lark. A contest I read about on Instagram and told my self, ‘What the hell.’

As a long time worker in the hospitality industry, I’ve always considered myself a writer first and foremost and this past year, I finished my first novel. Now, I’ve written fifteen or so screenplays, TV pilots, plays, blah blah blah but finishing a novel was an accomplishment that had always overwhelmed me. I was very proud of this. Through submitting and acceptance and editing and re-submitting, it appears my first novel will be released this year. Which raised and still raises the question, how to promote it? I initially started this blog but through investigating I found an interesting chance to utilize my side gig: Amateur Chef.

In the past year, I’ve had a unique opportunity to cook nearly everyday. What started as perhaps pedestrian became more and more intricate as I tried newer dishes and practicing techniques I’d never tried before. Rolando Eats isn’t just a catchy hashtag; it’s became a lifestyle as I cooked for my dad and kept him alive and going through a difficult year. For that, I’m very proud. So, when the opportunity to enlist in the FavChef contest, I did it.

And what a run it was. I cooked my ass off but the support and following I received from family, friends, my dad and my girl, Heather, was overwhelming. To say I was surprised how far I went, is putting it mildly. I won my Group! I made it to the Quarter-Finals and I’m proud of that.

I want to thank everyone who supported me so staunchly. It is in my heart and it is dear to me. Family members I’ve only seen through Zoom for years, came forth. Friends I worked for and with, many years ago, reached out and helped. My buddy said his ex-girlfriend’s were texting him to say that they voted. It is all appreciated.

And now, the next step. My novel will be released this year (time to be announced) and I will travel to promote it. I would love to cook for all I can on my tour and sell as many books as I can. Please join me and be a part of it. I promise I will make the experience worthwhile and we will all have a long, long laugh.