Fifteen-year-old Zack is an aspiring chef. He watches the professionals on cable TV's Food Network and uses their tips and secrets to perfect his own culinary creations. When volunteers from the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Mississippi explained to the young cook that he qualified for a wish, he chose to meet Ming Tsai, the Emmy-nominated host of "East Meets West" and "Ming's Quest" – two cooking shows on the Food Network. But Zack didn't just want to exchange pleasantries, he wanted to roll up his sleeves and cook with the celebrity chef.

With the assistance of the Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Greater Boston, arrangements were made for Zack to meet Ming at Blue Ginger, the restaurant Ming owns and cooks for near Beantown. The restaurant provided a comfortable setting, as Ming helped design it and oversaw construction. A feng shui master was even brought in during development to approve the design.

Zack, his family, and a friend flew to Boston for his high-profile cooking lesson. When the teen arrived at Blue Ginger, he was surrounded with the finest cooking accommodations, including an open kitchen with a 40-foot blue pearl granite counter, Italian granite floors, and a water sculpture.

Finally, the time to fire up the stove burners came and Ming and Zack – clad in white uniforms – worked together to prepare an unforgettable meal. Master and apprentice mixed ingredients, stirred pots, and cooked up a friendship along the way. When the steam had cleared, the two offered their final product to Zack's parents and his friend – sushi, seared tuna, and a special bond forged in a famous kitchen.