An ever-expanding genre of cookbooks is exploring the idea of traditional Japanese foods at home. We have Nancy Singleton Hachisu to thank for that.

It's hard to completely escape this traditional idea of women's cooking as domestic if most of the highest honors given out are opportunities to cook for men in positions of power, like the pope or the president.

Charlie Palmer's foie gras mousseline with bing cherries was also a favorite. Light and fluffy, it was beautifully smooth. And who could resist Francois Payard's tasting table full of macaroons? Each was accompanied by a wink and French charm.

The way to solve problems is through food. I believe that the whole world has to be educated. Every decision we make is a very political decision. If we change the way we eat, we will have tremendous effect.