I fell in love with Rick Bayless as he extolled the quick, intense, passing burn, and tropical fruit like undertones of the habanero chili.

When I was young I preferred the quirky sensibility of Dianna Kennedy's take on the various regional cuisines of Mexico. I still ADORE her cookbooks and her, but I have to admit. Bayless has really grown on me.

I think it's the tone or timbre of certain peoples voices that really do me in. I don't find Bayless's voice all that sensual, but when he gets really passionate about things, and really wants to get his passion across to you, a certain magic happens. He describes the food like a smoldering lover whispers in your ear in the most intimate of moments and THAT drives me insane.

Since were talking about voices I might as well go on ahead and confess to you now that Mika's voice totally does me in. His deeper tones are luscious and smoky and yet the way he slips effortlessly into his falsetto is like butta', BUT-TA', I tell you.