Hello, friends!
I have had quite a week! Presenting at the Stanford Inn was truly an amazing experience. It’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been (on par with Rancho La Puerta). Everything about it was incredible. They’re pet-friendly, so you can enjoy dining with your dogs in their award-winning restaurant, The Ravens. They are the only 100% vegan hotel in the United States.
I gave a culinary presentation with the help of my very talented friend Chef James Sant and hosted a plant-based Jeopardy game. There were trees everywhere—and even rescued donkeys and llamas. It truly was a magical place.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to enjoy the experience to the fullest because I came down with acute pancreatitis as a result of my last immunotherapy infusion. I could only eat the blandest of food, like white rice, while everyone else was enjoying gourmet vegan fare (pictured above).
Pancreatitis is a very painful condition, and it got so bad that I literally couldn’t eat anything for three days. I have friends on chemotherapy—they probably have it worse—but let me tell you, this is no fun.
I’m resting as much as I can, trying to avoid having to go into the hospital, because I’m really looking forward to Wednesday, when I kick off my new Chef AJ & Friends community. I’ll be hosting a cook-along and demonstrating several new recipes celebrating springtime.
Don’t miss the fun—you can join right here!
Love & Kale,
Chef AJ