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 :(