Some days, the events in my life occur like an out of body experience. "Can this really be MY life?"
Well, folks, here's another page out of the surreal chapter:
Today I attended a media event with Thomas Keller (Bouchon, French Laundry, Per Se and Ad Hoc). He was straight forward and sincerely discussed his work in the resto biz. "I'll answer any questions...except how to get a reservation at French Laundry or Per Se." Ha ha!
Thomas talked about striving to hire people who are better than him...And there's a reason why none of the restaurants bear his name. Because it's a team effort and the operation can't function with him alone.
I had a chance to see the French Laundry kitchen when I was in Napa and asked about the live video feed that connects Per Se and the French Laundry. It's designed to share techniques between the two restaurants, but it didn't work exactly like they thought. They discovered early on that the audio was distracting and if they want to discuss issues, a conference call is better. Bigger issues? They have a formal meeting instead of taking care of it via video feed.
A few weeks ago I had a chance to interview Momofuku's David Chang. I've got big love for that man. Borderline worship, really. (Interview is on my blog...)
Then, this morning I had a conference call with a producer at NPR. She wanted to discuss community & the Seattle food scene for a new show that will air in 2010. We had a great conversation and they're flying out in the next couple months for some live audio. (Not sure if they'll use me, but it was fun anyway...)
Also, this summer I worked on a project called the Canning Across America project. A couple weeks ago, Parade Magazine named it one of the 4 most surprising trends in 2009 and later this week, there's a film crew from LA coming into town for a shoot. (CAA was also featured this fall on the Splendid Table and in the Wall Street Journal). It's gratifying to see it still has great momentum.
And finally, after the Thomas Keller event tonight, I logged on to my e-mail. My eyes glazed over and I had to force myself to read carefully. A producer from Oprah.com got in touch with me. They want to feature my blog on their website!!!!
Anybody ready to puke yet?
Holy cow!!! I came to Finer Kitchens as a newlywed looking for rice recipes. Never in a million years could I imagine this....One foot in front of the other, it's astonishing what can happen in a few short years.
Well, folks, here's another page out of the surreal chapter:
Today I attended a media event with Thomas Keller (Bouchon, French Laundry, Per Se and Ad Hoc). He was straight forward and sincerely discussed his work in the resto biz. "I'll answer any questions...except how to get a reservation at French Laundry or Per Se." Ha ha!
Thomas talked about striving to hire people who are better than him...And there's a reason why none of the restaurants bear his name. Because it's a team effort and the operation can't function with him alone.
I had a chance to see the French Laundry kitchen when I was in Napa and asked about the live video feed that connects Per Se and the French Laundry. It's designed to share techniques between the two restaurants, but it didn't work exactly like they thought. They discovered early on that the audio was distracting and if they want to discuss issues, a conference call is better. Bigger issues? They have a formal meeting instead of taking care of it via video feed.
A few weeks ago I had a chance to interview Momofuku's David Chang. I've got big love for that man. Borderline worship, really. (Interview is on my blog...)
Then, this morning I had a conference call with a producer at NPR. She wanted to discuss community & the Seattle food scene for a new show that will air in 2010. We had a great conversation and they're flying out in the next couple months for some live audio. (Not sure if they'll use me, but it was fun anyway...)
Also, this summer I worked on a project called the Canning Across America project. A couple weeks ago, Parade Magazine named it one of the 4 most surprising trends in 2009 and later this week, there's a film crew from LA coming into town for a shoot. (CAA was also featured this fall on the Splendid Table and in the Wall Street Journal). It's gratifying to see it still has great momentum.
And finally, after the Thomas Keller event tonight, I logged on to my e-mail. My eyes glazed over and I had to force myself to read carefully. A producer from Oprah.com got in touch with me. They want to feature my blog on their website!!!!
Anybody ready to puke yet?
Holy cow!!! I came to Finer Kitchens as a newlywed looking for rice recipes. Never in a million years could I imagine this....One foot in front of the other, it's astonishing what can happen in a few short years.