Wow! Back in the saddle! At least this time around, it's more comforting knowing I have one foot in the saddle AND one foot out! I've missed the cat-like smirk on Padma's face as she would introduce our death dejour. And I have also missed the familiar, comforting, yet ever present no-bullsh*t Chef Collichio (Does anyone else feel is NOT playing around this season!?) break it down to us in layman's terms.

I recall the first uncomfortable union of everyone. Laid before you, the very food stuffs on which you will create your first masterpiece to show the world what you are made of! Or not.... Oh, what a very awkward time this is -- soul-searching the room, taking in the mindless, nervous chatter. Who will be the chef that will be sent home first, or eventually outcook you, or simply just drive you batty. They are all there, and you have just found yourself in a culinary time warp. Let the games begin ....

... Here comes my insider tip to Season 5: "When they feed you your first meal together, pay attention! You will be using that food to write your own destiny! Doesn't anyone in the room realize this???