Don't take it Personal

I totally thought that Danny was pissed off at me for something that I couldn't understand... but he got over it and we're fine now. It's like everything in life. Don't take it personal... sometimes people say things that they don't mean and might be embarassed about it later and put up a defensive stance to cover up insecurities. Learn to forgive and forget the things people do and not hold grudges against them and you'll lead a happier life. I used to be bad at that, but I'm good now at it.  Yesterday I cut my hand really bad on my global knife, a gift from Jason and Michelle... I totally love that knife! I went to the ER in HP and got 5 stitches.... no biggie the restaurant covered it.  There were two filipinos that worked in the ER along with about 12 others... Of course Crissy and I, two filipinos, meet them and are like, "There are so many filipinos working here!" 

This week at the restaurant: Paolo and Steph, Phyllis and Juice, Jason, Michelle and the Moy family are all making it in to the restaurant.  Good stuff! 

Lamb Chops, Pommes Gratin, Seasonal Vegetables Rosemary Reduction

Safron Risotto with Jumbo Gulf Prawns and Watercress

Half Marathon Training for Phoenix

This past year has been pretty crazy.  Now that I have some regular hours I can focus on balancing out.  It starts with getting back in to top shape, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and healthy relationships with family and friends. 

On getting back in to shape.  I'm starting out at a new gym because the Crunch by my place closed down.  X sport fitness in Lakeview is my new stomping ground.  The hours work great with my schedule and its close to my place as well as my family in Libertyville and Vernon Hills if I would ever need to get in a quick workout. 

I'm also getting back on the running band wagon again.  I ran a half marathon in 2008 in Phoenix and I'm looking to do it again next year in 2010.  The Laystroms are down there to house us after building their new home this year.  Steve, John and I are most likely to make the trip along with whomever wants to join in.  I've done the Turkey Trot in 2007 and 2008 and plan to do it this year as well.  One of my new motivations is that every time I run 3+ miles I can buy a new i-tunes song for my shuffle.  The last song I bought is that Black Eyed Peas song, "Meet me Halfway".  Kind of ironic if you ask me.  So, keep running people and tell me how running in this cold weather works out for you!

Thanksgiving is on in Chicago and a quick update

So, my sister has been renovating her place and has agreed to host Thanksgiving this year!  Time to plan out some food and invite the family over.  Last year I taught my brother in law and his brother in law how to fabricate chickens, ducks, and turkeys.  This year who knows whats going to happen?  I think more baking and desserts will be in order for this celebration!

Sage Grille has been great!  Going through the first menu change since I started there.  Should be interesting to see how everything goes together and how people adjust to it. 

In terms of home cooking, I've been really big in to soups as of late.  I had my neighbors over and served them some lentil soup and a arugula salad with a balsamic and olive oil dressing.  They brought over turkey tacos and dessert, which I topped with some home made ice cream.  I had previously made a peanut butter ice cream and an almond ice cream with almond caramel.  The almond seemed to be a hit.

Off to Andy's Fruit Ranch to buy some produce.  On the grocery list today:

Vegetable Stock:
4 spanish onions
8 celery stalks
4 whole carrots
6 parsley sprigs
4 sprigs of thyme
12 peppercorns

3 different soups I'm making:
3 Butternut squashes
3 Acorn Squashes
10 Pumpkins (for decorating and soup)

Lets go Hawks!  Going to the Blackhawks game tonight!

Sage Grille - A new beginning

I started at Sage Grille in Highwood, IL as garde manger chef at the end of last month. I picked this restaurant after staging at several places because I like the work hours and the chemistry that I have with the people there as well as the good karma I get from the place. I get to work closely with chef Adam Grandt as well as the sous Chef Crissy Camba. They both have been really great to work with and keep me challenged and inspired. I hope I can return the favor to them someday... I'm enjoying the beginnings at the new place. I think that if that restaurant had all the pieces in place with the BOH and FOH it could be amazing. Here's some pictures of the food from this contemporary American cuisine establishment:

Beet Salad - Frisee, Walnut Vinaigrette, Beet Canneloni, Candied Walnuts, Fleur de Sel

Beef Wellington / Bleu Cheese / Carmelized Red Onion, Rosemary Sauce, Carrot Puree, Basil Oil

Maine Lump Crab Cake / Shredded Phyllo Crust, Queso Fresco Custard, Grilled Sweet Corn & Piquillo Pepper Succotash, Lime Cream

Roland

Memorial Day weekend

In Detroit with the family. Drove with Beverly and the parents. Met at the airport with Anna, Rod, Eric, Mirola, Andy and Kalea. A good trip thus far... didn't sleep much though and been getting texts from the guys in vegas this weekend. It's my uncle Rudy's 70th birthday and my uncle Chris' 75th birthday.

What Great Reading Material

I found a great thing the other day... My old journal from Italy in 2007. It's great reading and insight into my life at that time. It really gives me another perspective about how I've accomplished old goals and have made new ones since then. It also motivates me to keep writing about the present because in the future you'll never know when you'll want to reflect and understand about what you were doing way back when...

C-House Chicago in the Affinia

Got my externship at C-House secured last night. I was looking at my cell and was like, "I don't know this number but I have a funny feeling about it." My instincts were right and it was Mike the Sous Chef that I had been trailing a couple days ago. We talked and laid out this weekend. I told them how much I needed to work and we came to an agreement over the phone. I'll be working there Friday's and Saturdays at least and any other days during the week that I choose.

Check out their food... www.c-houserestaurant.com