Thursday, April 21, 2016

looking back to 1999!!

Image result for prince

They say that music sparks your memory. My husband and my lead server literally text me at about the same time today to tell me the Legend died. It's hard to believe. I just don't think there is a lot of talented artist like him out there these days, and despite his own success always helping to further someone else to make there mark in life. I always have been a huge fan of Prince. I don't know why my parents allowed this, but I remember being like 6-7 years old and having a poster of Prince in a bathtub in my play room. So I guess my love for the icon began a long time ago. I have so many memories associated with prince songs. I honestly have been sitting here for the last hour trying to think which song is my favorite, I cant decide I love them all.
Back to 1999, this is the year I decided to make a career out of the only thing I knew how to do. In 1999 I left for Culinary school in Minnesota. I starter school in November, I think, and came back to the WB to do help cook New Years dinner at the restaurant I cooked at before leaving for college. The millennium was upon us and everyone thought the shit was gonna hit the fan. I was 20 years old, hanging with my still best friend Linda, enjoying cocktails, and "1999" blaring through the restaurant! Good times.
Living in Minnesota, Prince was just a natural part of being there. Every kitchen I worked in you would here Prince, Dylan, Phish, and Disney soundtracks. What a combo! We kitchen folk are an eclectic bunch! I worked for some pretty amazing folks up there in the twin cities. At one restaurant I was treated to a Prince concert with one of the owners wives, sitting club level in the excel center. All I have to say is it was "Amazing". I remember getting to drive past Paisley Park and told that's where Prince Lives!! I had a good friend tell me Prince would occasionally open his home up and let fans come in and do small concerts. How awesome! He got to have that expierence once, So jealous.
My year of school in Minnesota, and the years after that I lived and worked there definitely molded me to what I am today. I was lucky to have worked alongside some pretty talented people and have awesome instructors in school. I will never forget those years and people!
Prince "If I was Your Girlfriend", I would be "Delirious", "Kiss" you, wear "Diamonds & Pearls" & "Die For You", but for now "Lets get Crazy", Party like it is "1999" in the "Purple Rain", cause we are all gathered here today, to get through this thing called Life!  Thanks for all the good memories your music sparks and will continue too throughout your fans lives! Thanks Minnesota for all that you had and have to offer a young chef! "Nothing Compares to You"!!

Tuesday, April 12, 2016

Sneakin a Peak!

Most restaurants, the kitchen is a mysterious place. You wonder, how are they putting all this food out with a packed dining room and in a timely manner? Do you want to pier in and watch closely as the chef and staff puts the finishing touches on your plate. Many restaurants these days have went to open kitchen concepts, which is super cool! I worked in one when I was a culinary student I hated it though. But let me explain myself. We were expected to stand there cook and prep while customers sat at a bar/counter in front of us and we were told not to speak to them even if we were spoken to. Well first off I like to talk, & second I found that totally disrespectful to what my parents taught me, if I'm spoken to, I'm to respond. Needless to say I didn't stay there long it was very akward.
So many customers have always wanted to come in and watch for a night and see what we do in there I always thought it was weird, not that they wanted to see, I just was personally was weired out that someone wanted to sit and watch my every move. I wasn't use to being on display. Well until a few years back I decided to put in a window into the world that was always behind the scene. At first it was so strange, the staff and I were so nervous. I had a new appreciation for animals at the zoo! But like the animals, now years later I don't even think about it being there. Unless the occasional customer knocks on the window and waves, or a child, here and there is held up by their parents with there face pressed upon the glass I remember then it's presences.
I was recently out for dinner this past sunday at one of my favorite restaurants and had the best seat in the house with my son and husband at the end of the bar, but mind you the kitchen is at the opposite end of the bar. One of my culinary idols who is chef and owner of the establishment was cooking that night and like that child with it's nose pressed upon the glass I stared and watched her every move feeling inspired by every toss of the pan she made and remembering I still have so much to learn in this world and so excited to get back into my kitchen! So on your next visit to the cafĂ© please don't be afraid to come give the window a knock and a wave and let me know you are out there watching and enjoying your evening! I sure did this past Sunday!