I wondered if I would run into anyone I know--again, Miami is a small big city. Sure enough in the social room where wine and hors'doevres were served by waiters in white gloves, I ran into a former colleague and the best photographer of food and drink--Sid Hoeltzell. In my days as Marketing Manager of Pollo Tropical (a local restaurant chain in Miami), I had the privilege to work with Sid. His studio/home, located in Miami's Design District, is decorated with original photos of his work, collections from his trips and brought to life with stories of scuba diving, fishing and cooking. Sid is an acclaimed photographer but equally passionate about cooking. Working with Sid was never routine or boring. I recall one photoshoot that went beyond quitting time, where cilantro was the hot topic (perhaps brought on by champagne bubbly at the stroke of 6pm). Somehow, Sid convinced me to choreograph the "cilantro dance". I vaguely remember the conversation leading up to this change in development. Aah yes. My company had once filmed a commercial with a two minute dance (some lame imitation of the macarena) and it was choreographed by a Dolphin football Cheerleader. In my champagne-induced confidence, I boasted I could do better. My job was hard work but also lots of fun.

Sid's client list boasts companies such as Bacardi, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and impressively the Vatican Museums in Rome, Italy. To learn about the famous (or infamous) Sid, and his award-winning work, visit http://www.sidhoeltzell.com/

Sid, I'm looking forward to your yearly crawfish picnic in April! Viva Cilantro!