This, in case you don’t know, is a VERY special season for food writers. December is fun, don’t get me wrong. But January is the REAL DEAL. This is the time of year when our mailboxes are crowded with invitations to the most irresistable dinners and lunches. People send us little samples of their newest and best. We are treated to sips of this and that.

Thanks for our season goes to the Specialty Foods Association, the folks who sponsor the Fancy Food Show, which fills every inch of Moscone Center in San Francisco every year at this time.

Don’t get me wrong. I fully understand that all of these wonderful mailings and invites are mere ploys for free advertisement. I am not confused. But the best part about the whole circus is that some of the products that people are pitching are really terrific. Two years ago, I went to a sumptuous dinner prepared by Basque Chef Gerald Hirigoyen to learn about the lovely spices being introduced by Spice Hunter. Two years ago, and I still remember the courses that were served. Even better for Spice Hunter, I remember the spices they were pitching, Fresh At Hand, a line of spices that deliver flavor on contact with oil or liquid. No simmer time needed.

I will never forget those great parties hosted by Mezzetta. Those Italians know how to throw a party. The drinks flow, but even better is the food prepared using only Mezzetta olives, peppers and sauces. Yum. (And this is a year after the last party.) Hang on. It’s time for a kalamata olive break…

Not that covering the annual Fancy Food Show is all fun. I am already stressing about which shoes will be able to make the 30-mile (seemingly) trek through the halls. I am trying out bags, fully aware that carrying a purse is out of the question. And the coat. We are really hoping for nice weather. A coat can become very heavy at mile 12.

If all goes well and my strategies work, I intend to uncover at least 100 new products that all of you need to know about. I promise to do my best. But please don’t hate me if I have a little fun along the way!