There's so much I could talk about tonight about the conference: the sessions, the networking, the meeting a legit billionaire. But some things wouldn't be that interesting to most people (sessions, networking) and some I can't actually talk about for confidentiality reasons (billionaire). So instead I'm going to talk about the food.
Are you all prepared to receive the gospel? The gospel of the Build Your Own Cheese Ball station?
The hotel catered the welcome reception this evening with buffet stations scattered around the conference hall -- there were several taco bars and dumpling bars, two charcuterie stations, and then off to one side near one of the bars there was The Cheese Ball Station.
Essentially, they set out a huge platter of very soft whipped Camembert, as well as plates of some crumbled feta and a harder blue cheese. Next to those were bowls of fig jam and honey. Then there was a massive platter of toppings -- hulled pumpkin seeds, shredded coconut, crushed pecans and walnuts, candied almonds, a few other things I either didn't notice or didn't identify -- and then a big bowl of crackers with which to eat whatever unholy concoction you had made. I went back for seconds. I wish I'd taken a picture.
I might need to throw a party just to re-create it. I'd add a bottle of hot sauce or sriracha, some dried fruit, and maybe a couple of shakers of various herb mixes. Ooh, and a bowl of French's fried onions.
The cheese ball bar. Genius.