Springhouse Restaurant Executive Chef Rob McDaniel has had since July 2011 to get used to the idea of being on national television. And now, he’s finally ready for all the questions about his Iron Chef experience to be answered.

“I’ve gotten used to people asking me questions and me not being able to answer,” McDaniel said. “A lot of people know we went and competed, but that’s all we’ve been able to say.”

McDaniel was chosen to serve as sous chef for Chris Hastings, executive chef at Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, for an episode of the show Iron Chef America filmed in New York City last July.

Read more here.

The Alabama Department of tourism has deemed 2012 the "Year of Alabama Food" and to celebrate, they've come up with a list of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before you Die. All of the dishes and restaurants were suggested by "tourism professionals" in Alabama. Check out the list of restaurants close to you, or click the link to see the state-wide list.

Have you eaten any of these dishes? Do you agree? Or should something else be on the list?

Brundidge:

Chicken Salad Blossom at Sit N Sip - 334-344-6101

Goshen:

Rum Bread Pudding at Old Barn Restaurant 334-484-3200

Troy:

Banana pudding at Sisters - 334-566-0064

Beans & cornbread at Mossy Grove Schoolhouse - 334-566-4921

TROY -- While many college students flock to beaches during summer break, many Troy University students spend their time globetrotting, thanks to the University’s Study Abroad Program.

Study Abroad – not only a formal University program but a challenge from its Chancellor, Dr. Jack Hawkins Jr. – allows students to earn credit while experiencing other cultures, a hallmark of TROY’s international focus.

This year 91 students have participated in 10 trips with 10 faculty leaders spanning the globe from Central America to Asia, said Dr. Orlando Pacheco, Director of Study Abroad.

That figure is almost double the number of study abroad participants from the previous year, with expanded opportunities currently in development.