I love being able to attend culinary events and judge wine competitions. Besides learning about new foods, beverages and the local eateries, I often see the same faces. Some of these acquaintances have become friends over the years. One of those familiar faces is Charles Dale, who for the past several years has frequented the Food and Wine Magazine Classic in Aspen.

He has been one of Colorado's best chefs. In fact, in 1995 he made Food & Wine magazine's top-10 list of "Best New Chefs in America."