Our Day OFF!!!

Jon and I usually have at least one day if not two days off together. Our week seems to go by so much easier when we do. Its nice to relax together. When we don't have days off, I have to tip toe around the house in the morning to head to work while he still sleeps,or Jon has to come home to me sleeping. We work opposite schedules right now. I go into work around 6am and head home around 7pm. While Jon starts off at 10am and doesn't get home till 2am.

They do say " Absences makes the heart grow fonder."

This photo was from a party we stopped in on. Our friend Phill invited us out to meet a few people. A few cocktails, sugar cookies, and cupcakes was all I needed to feel the holiday spirit! I cant wait for Christmas, NYC is so busy, and beautiful right now. My family is coming into town on New Years for a week to see us, nothing beats great company :)

Hope all is well with everyone. Jon and I are doing terrific and think of our friends and family often. We love you all, miss you, and Happy Holidays!

Restaurant Review!

Allen and Delancey had their first New York Times Review:
2 STARS!!!!



The whole place is going to be a mad house...almost impossible to get a reservation during the holidays. Please take the time and read the article, its charming. Keep in mind that Frank Bruni wrote this, a man that is hard to impress!

http://events.nytimes.com/2007/12/12/dining/reviews/12rest.html?ref=dining

Congratulations Chef Neil Ferguson, the crew, and Jon!!!!

"next stop: 14th street, Union Square"

Union Square Market is a great place to entertain yourself for one afternoon! Fun times, we went food and people watching. You can purchase a good amount of things; veggies, fruit, meat, Christmas decorations, Christmas trees, flowers, hats, gloves, purses, paper shredders (seriously...in the shape of a hippo) all we walked out with was a cup o warm apple cider. Though we did get some awesome fashion sense:

young and old... these hats are everywhere. its the new thing...the Mohawk hat! i wanted a photo from the front, but I was to afraid :)
apparently ALL patterns are in at the moment, the more, the better!!!

The trees in the park are amazing right now, the bright colors, the whimsical branches...I enjoy this photo.
Good Old fashion Brussel sprouts! not many people are aware they grow this way, on a single stalk! they came in purple too!

living amoung loads...of laundry!

Laundry is so interesting when you wash with 20 other people! We live about 3 blocks from our Laundromat, which we take the car, because honestly its too freaking cold to drag it all. I think I may have to start doing it alone though, Jon has a hard time sitting still for long hours. Just some useless knowledge; our machines do not take quarters! its set up for you to buy a card which you can load money onto it from your ATM card. you then swipe the 'wash card' at the machine. crazy ;)

The city is turning seasons... Christmas is here already! The lights are up ands bright, the shoppers are here...asking how to get home ( which train do I take?). we actually had snowfall the other night!!! Cant wait to take some photos of white Christmas in the city. Also, an update: my parents are coming to visit us in January for a week, cant wait. family is so important, miss you all so much!

Jon and I got together with our good friend Phil! he introduced us to John, who is also in the industry. we all went out to eat, had some amazing Chinese food...IN CHINATOWN of course. I love all the different cultures and cuisines within this city...its a small world in here. Cant say it too often... COME VISIT!!!!

living the dream!

We are NYC people now. Jon and I are now working fultime in the city, and coming home to Brooklyn. So far so good. The hours are long, especially since the holidays are near. I have off Thanksgiving, but Jon is scheduled. I am going in to work with him and his staff for the night.

I want to be there with him, instead of home NOT eating turkey.

This past weekend we went back to Garrison for a good bye party for our good friend Ryan. He's on his way to Portland, Oregan. Its amazing how we are all going our seperate ways now. Nice to know that we have friends through out the country to go visit. which reminds me...

come visit us!!!!

enjoy the photos, more to come:

Ryan, Riche, Jon, & TJ... old roomies from Garrison

Justin, me, and Ryan in the subway...waiting

Ryan & Brandon...great guys!

Stopping by Allen & Delancey to say hi to Jonathan

Ryan... we will miss you, safe travels!!!!!

And the race is on...

Our days in Garrison are coming to an end. Slowly we are both now in Brooklyn much more. Jon has started his job at Allen & Delancey, while I have been commuting to garrison on the weekends to work the weekends. Unfortunately I did not get the job with Martha Stewart Company, they decided to stay within the company, so therefore I' m out. But I will be working at Eleven Madison Park as a pastry cook. With both of us working in New York City Kitchens, Jon and I know time together will be short, sweet, and important.
Jon's day starts at 10 am in the kitchen, prepping food for that evenings guests, by 5:00 his day is only half over. By 6 he will be preparing and plating appetizers and entrees for an average of 80 guests each evening. Dinner service ends, and clean up begins for him late. By the time he returns home the time is anywhere from 1am till 2:30am.
I have a similar schedule, but not as early. My start time is noon. I have a bit more time on my hands to do the important things, domestic things, like laundry and house cleaning. I will let you know how my job is soon, this week I will begin.
Jon and I are very excited and cant wait to see how the city will be in full effect. keep in touch and make sure to take the time and look up our new employments when you can.

It's a small world after all!

Jon and I are finally moving to the city! Brooklyn, in Williamsburg area. The building is right next to an Italian Restaurant, 3 blocks from a park, 4 or 5 blocks from the Subway station. Nice area, old Italian men sitting on their stoop watching the action on the street! The apartment in the ground level, no stairs! The apartment is Small, but what isn't in the city? But its cozy and has a lot of character... check it out:

There's more, but I don't think you need to see the bathroom or closets:)
Come visit us, we will make room for you, a small paint job and some creativity and this place will be amazing!

In San Diego for Harris' Wedding

First night out we all gathered at a bar and watched the VA Tech game, fortunately the trip was much better then the score. We still had an awesome time with old friends from high school, some of which I haven't seen in over 5 years!

The boys turned into men after this night! Shot gunning beers... Impressive! Thanks to Joe (the brides brother, in black) the evening was full of great times, bad jokes, and a late night of poker.

Football on the beach in San Diego... during the fires! What a sky.

Besides the beautiful view and amazing weather, the water was a bit cold. The groom: the guy in the orange VTECH shirt... Mr. Chris Harris!

The last night he was single! "are you ready?" was the question of the night, and not even a slumber party of friends distracted him from his goal... DANA, hes still in :)

Not bad!! All dressed up for a wonderful occasion. Two amazing people that deserve each other.

Chris Harris, you impress me! You have turned into a wonderful man and I send you all my love for you, your wife, and your future together. Congratulations, again!

One of the people I loved to see this weekend was my best friend Shelly. Best friends for over 10 years now. I'm lucky.

The color of the night was Brown, like my last name!


Awesome time everyone. We must do it again sometime. San Diego was on fire, and I don't mean the ones that made the news!

Our Friend Philip!!!

http://nymag.com/daily/food/2007/10/jimmys_secret_chef_performing.html#more

LARA's UPDATE is HERE!

I have been busy searching high and low for exciting new things for myself to get involved in. During our stay in Ohio, I met with Lucinda Quinn, the food editor of Martha Stewart Living Magazine. We got along well, since I have been back in NY i have been in contact with you, trying to find a job opportunity with Martha Stewart Company. I have an interview next week for the position of food researcher and food design. Wish me luck, there are 8 other people up for the job too!
Besides M.S.C. I have been looking into The Food Network, A friend Whitey has been helping me with connections, and maybe something will pan out with them.
But if these two "office" jobs don't work out I am trailing (volunteering my time to check out a position and work for a few days) at Eleven Madison Park! They are looking for pastry cooks, I sent in a resume and I have been invited Monday to come it for the day and work. The funniest thing... Jon and I just realized the Pastry Chef is a good friend of ours, she worked in CA with Jonathan. You never know I could be working here instead! I wouldn't mind it...check it out, you'll see http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com/

Either way, We will keep you in the know and tell you what all end up :) keep in touch everyone and have a great day.

BROOKLYN... is nice!

Apartment shopping in Brooklyn! Jon and I went into the city looking for some places to move into, our good friend Justin came along with us. We dropped by Kats deli for lunch. you know, the place where Harry met Sally... and the quote "I want what she is having" line came from. amazing pastrami sandwich's... sliced to order with a bowl full of pickles ( seriously, you get like 15 pickles). Amazing place to grab a great sandwich and enjoy the photos on the wall.

Dropped in at Russ & Daughters, the smell alone will invite you in. This place is like snack food heaven!!! Smoked fish of all sorts, speciality cheeses, and gourmet chocolate. Look it up, The place is beautiful inside and full of fun thins to eat...

We all checked out Allen and Delancey, the restaurant that Jonathan will be working for in 3 weeks. The dinning room is so lovely, great energy inside. When you walk into the place, you forget you are in NYC. It has an amazing effect on you, you feel like you are in your living room, eating amazing food.

By the end of the day we just spent some time enjoy the weather and sitting down in Prospect Park ( 2 blocks from an apartment we are looking into). We will see, in about a month, we will know where we belong!!!

UPDATE... on Jonathan!

As everyone knows Jonathan and I are back in New York. We have be invited back to The Valley by Chef Jeff Raider. Valley's season ends soon and Jon and I are working hard and finding our new home in the city. We will be moving shortly, and looking forward to working in a NYC restaurant. Jon and I in the past have worked together in the same kitchens, but this time we have decided to go separate, learn different things, and bring our lessons to the table at the end of the day and teach each other something new!
Lately Jon has been going to the city and trailing in restaurants he is interested in. (trailing is volunteering your own time to learn in a kitchen without pay, purely for the education & inspiration) this week he is in the city trailing for two very different places. The first Chef Neil Ferguson at Allen & Delancey. The chef has worked under Gordon Ramsey and has just opened a new restaurant in the city this past week! take the time and read a little about it, very exciting: http://www.allenanddelancey.net/
The second is a place that has been doing amazing for awhile. Chef Daniel Boulud, one of the Godfathers of Cuisine. Jon will be trailing at The fine dining restaurant DANIEL. again take a chance and read for yourself about his french cuisine: www.danielnyc.com/daniel

Either way, Jon is in for some great lessons, and fun times. We will keep you in touch in his decisions ! Wish him luck !

a few apps from Valley...

yellow tail tuna sashimi, avocado, orange, yuzu & white soy

trio of Nantucket oysters: chowder, po boy, & grilled

marinated baby beet salad, goat cheese, rye crisps, & watercress

braised pork belly, quail egg, brioche, & bacon consomme

Chef Jeff Raider

Justin in Tarrytown...

Jonathan and I took a trip to Tarrytown to visit a good friend, Justin!

We all work together at Valley and had not seen each other out of the kitchen in awhile. Tarrytown was awesome, all of us just got together and cooked a meal.

Justin's roommate Chris was also there, passing out delicious cheese :)

Thanks guys for all the great fun we had.We MUST do it again Soon!
In another month or so we will all be somewhere else.

Each of us in different kitchens, missing each other :(

MEET THE FAMILY!!

WELCOME...

this is our new home :)

GARRISON NY

Buttermilk our cat made it back to NEW YORK just fine.

She is happier than ever... lots of people to pet and love her.

Chris : Local here in Garrison, kick ass guy, and a server with me.

Ryan: West Coaster, Graduated here in NY from CIA and a great line cook.

TJ: what can I say... If its broken... call him! Handy man of the Millienium.