Hey Y'all!

2008 is is flashing by me so fast I can't stop and take a breath! It’s ok, 'cause this year has been filled with so much great stuff so far, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year has in store for me.

In case y'all haven't heard me talk about this, May 23, 2008 marked the grand opening of Paula Deen's Buffet at Harrah's Resort and Casino in Tunica, Mississippi. This is the very first restaurant I've opened outside Savannah, and I'm so very proud of it. When you walk in, you’ll swear you’re in my house, cause it looks like my house, even the entrance looks like my front porch! Once your inside, you’ll have six stations to eat from.

Granny Paul's Garden is a full salad bar with some of my favorite salads and of course "Skillet Cornbread" Uncle Bubba's Oyster House has menu items served at my brother Bubba's restaurant in Savannah with his famous "Char Grilled Oysters" The Lady & Sons station will have the food that started it all! My Fried Chicken, Collards and Lady's Cheesy Mac is just a sampling of what you'll find. Captain Michael's Smokehouse is a meat lovers dream! With an assortment of BBQ, using my spices and sauces, y'all are gonna need extra napkins for this station! Little Jack’s Corner is of course the dessert station. My famous Gooey Butter Cake, Grandmother Paul’s Sour Cream Pound Cake, Peach Cobbler and hand-dipped ice cream is just the best way to end the meal.

Now, if this weren’t enough to keep me busy, I have a children’s cookbook coming out in the fall. Y’all have been asking and asking for one and I finally got around to picking some great recipes that kids can help you make in the kitchen. I’m so proud of this book and I just had the best time putting it together for y'all. Look for it in October.

I'm going on another cruise this year with my fans, I’m gonna do some more live shows around the country, and I’m continuing "Paula's Party" and "Paula's Home Cooking". So, I guess my plates pretty full this year, but don't worry, I make sure I'm given plenty of time to spend with my family and friends. So until I see y'all, I send you love and best dishes from my kitchen to yours!