b'No man is an island. You need a team to create anything worthwhile.i consider this book and the accompanying Tv series to be the best work of my career so far. getting here was not easy, especially for those around me who helped me bring into reality something that was just an idea in my head.id like to thank everyone who helped me create the cooking with nick Stellino project, starting with my team at kcTs/seattle public Televisionparticularly nicole Metcalf, my television producer, who patiently guided the whole team forward, and dave ko, my directorthey were both essential in deciphering and deliveringmy vision for a new look and feel for this television show. also, i want to say a big thank-you to Tom niemi, who helped me put all the pieces of this jigsaw puzzle together.My deep appreciation goes to Lisa Moore, my book designer, who was able to interpret the jumble of concepts inside my head and created a most beautiful graphic rendition of my culinary dreams. id like to give special recognition to my culinary director and personal friend, bridget charters, for her support and hard work during the taping of our shows and especially for her friendship during my most difficult times. i am also grateful to bridgets students from The art institute of seattle international culinary program for their valuable participation. in addition, id like to extend my thanks to Therese Frare, who shot the photographs in this book, and to my editor, pat Mallinson.Finally, these acknowledgements would not be complete without a heartfelt thank-you to my wife, my family and my friends for their support throughout this journey.153'