An Overdue THANK YOU!!

With my graduation ceremony this weekend, it really got me thinking of how far I had come is such a short amount of time. How I got to Le Cordon Bleu, everything I did to achieve my goals at school, and then my externship over the summer.
I arrived back home a little over two months ago from the best summer and life experience that I had ever had in Grassington England! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone I had the privilege of working with, as well as meeting! All of you saw me in my best and worst times and welcomed me into your homes and lives as if we were family. And I can totally say that this summer was NOT the last time you would be seeing me!
So what did I learn??...

The Grassington House Hotel is owned by Sue and John Rudden. They are a lovely couple who accepted me not only into their fine establishment, but into their family as well. "Boss Lady" has put so much time and effort into the hotel it truly is stunning, and "Chef" has an amazing, mouth-watering menu to satisfy your tastebuds.
During my time in John's kitchen, I learned an overwhelming amount of knowledge. Two of which have stuck with me the most: think outside the box- just because this dish has these components or these ingredients, doesn't mean thats the permanent product; take out this and add a little of that. And secondly, even when you have tickets lined up for days, it's still possible to work with a smile on your face.
John and his amazing staff in the kitchen taught me to cook with laughs and smiles. How to create an happy work environment. This is exactly why it was so hard for me to leave because I just fit perfectly with all this. Everyone in the back made a comfortable place to work, and was always willing to help you whether it was work related or not. I was never nervous to ask John, Katie, Roman or anyone about a certain task, or even for advice with personal topics. When it came down to business, John knew what had to be done and would give me a push, but it was never overdue. He helped you build self-confidence and would take his time explaining every detail. You would never feel insecure about what you were doing. Don't get me wrong there was plenty of typical kitchen joking, but that was all for a good laugh that would keep us going throughout the day.
I can seriously type for days and give so many personal Thank You's, but the bottom line is this:

Sue and John, you made me a better person this past summer. You, your wonderful staff, the amazing people of Grassington, and the awesome experiences I was given have made me embrace my passion for food even more, and that your dreams really can become a reality when you embrace your heart and the support of others around you. And for that, I say Thank You.

Cheers.

My Grandmother Beatrice Faust

If people were wondering why I wasn't posting anything, it is because last week the world lost an amazing woman. My gramma Beatrice Faust joined her husband's side, as well as my uncle Al in the heavenly oasis above with the angels.
Being halfway across the world and away from my family, this was not an easy parcel to receive. However being surrounded by my new friends here in Grassington was a godsend.
My grandmother lived a strong and healthy life, and was by far the strongest person I've ever known. If she was told not to do something, you better believe she did it right when you walked out of the room. She always put up one hell of a fight. There are so many beautiful and funny memories that I could go on and on for days telling you.
As many of you know, this is not my first time dealing with the loss of a family member. Doesn't change the fact that regardless if it is a sudden loss, or an expected one, it is never easy. And I thank God for giving me the foresight to act before I left. I remember before I came over here to Europe, I went and visited my Uncle Al, and I also went and saw Gramms. The last time I saw her was filled with conversations as usual, however at the end of the visit I gave her an extra long hug and a kiss. Having done this was truly my saving grace in her passing, knowing that is how we ended our time together here on Earth.
With only 15 days remaining here in England, I cannot wait to get back home to my family now. I never thought about packing up and leaving at the news of my grandmother, for she would never just want me to pick up and go. She would want me to finish what I had started. It also feels comforting, knowing that I am in the same country in which my great-grandfather was from, and the same country in which our heritage thrives from.
I love you Gramma!!
Thank you for everything you have done for me and my life!!
Hope you are proud of me!!
This is for you!!

This is a link to the obituary article courtesy of Claremont Courier.
Gramma's Article

This is a slideshow I put together in memory of her.

I LOVE YOU!!

ALWAYS AND FOREVER!!

...NICK P!!

Magic Loungeabout Festival!!

About a month back, Chef came up to me and asked me if I have ever heard of a BBQ company called Weber. Of course I responded with Ummm YEA! It's the biggest name back home! He said that he hadn't heard of the company and wasn't that all familiar with them. It turns out he was going to do an outdoor catering event at this festival and was going to be using one of them. Instantly I asked if I could tag along and help out and Chef quickly accepted the offer, and I'm so glad he did!
So let me just fill you in on the festival if you don't really know how it is. It is like a Coachella-style venue, big open field with a main stage, dj and beer tents, food, other booths selling stuff, etc. However it is a family-oriented music and arts festival { unlike Coachella!! ;) }. The venue is actually located on the grounds of Broughton Hall, a beautiful mansion which of course consists of acres and acres of green fields and rivers. Yes people actually live in this giant estate, so in a way the festival was held in their backyard; you'll know what I mean when you scroll down and see the pictures!
The festival was held throughout the weekend; friday until sunday. Friday morning consisted of us waking up early to head down to the site and continue the setup process. Our layout consisted of the actual food tent, a tent designated for seating, and a walk-in fridge trailer behind us. Yes we were the intimidating food booth! And then all of our tents behind the booth.
So day one was full of high energy! We put on a full pig to roast all the way from 10a.m. until the evening, started 8 pork shoulders in the slow roaster, and fired up the Weber! Our menu consisted of sausage sandwiches, pork n chili burger, pork n apple burger, pork pies, delicious cupcakes, and of course pulled pork sandwiches! With sweet tomato chili jam or apple jam to put on top! And then bacon sandwiches for breakfast! =D Lets just say I wasn't hungry over the weekend.
So all three days that is what we did, enjoyed great music and served delicious food. The first night was hard to sleep because the dj tent was so loud and went til 3 a.m. So Saturday night we decided to ride it out and the two Adams and I were dancing until 4a.m. It was a great time until we had to wakeup for breakfast 4 hours later!
Some of the highlights of the weekend...seeing CHIC perform, watching the light-projection show against the house, meeting great people and making new friends, hearing great music, listening to a totally new band that I fell in love with, and caught the drummers drumstick, then met her!, bbqing for hours on end-which I love doing, and just enjoying the whole experience! =)
Thank you again to Sue and John Rudden for allowing me to tag along on this awesome memory-filled experience that I will never forget! =)

Night on the Town!!

Last night, the Grassington House Hotel staff and company had a night out for our manager who will be leaving. And might I say it was a night for the books! 

We all met in the bar at work as a warm up. We were all just chit chatting and next thing you know, the mini bus is parked outside the hotel waiting to take us to Harrogate! And there was 11 of us total! So we finish our drinks and then pile on into the bus! The whole way there we were so excited! Everyone was singing and dancing in their seats. It was all fun and games until we a bunch of us all of a sudden had to use the bathroom and were forced to hold it until we reached our destination! But we eventually made it! =)

We stepped off and shot straight for the first stop of the night at a bar called Revolution! It was a really nice place but super duper expensive! =/

We had a few rounds here until a few of us...including myself, were getting the itch to hear some loud music and start dancing. So we packed it in and we landed at Rehab. Yes a club called Rehab! 

This place was soooooo much fun! We spent the remainder of our night here, which consisted of lots and lots of dancing! I lost track of how many times I stepped out for a 5 minute break just to cool down because it got so hot in there! ...by the way, there were two big bouncers at the door...and I still have yet to be carded for anything...granted the age thing is different here but still...haha anyways we danced the night away until 2 a.m. when we left and wondered down the steep streets of Harrogate and found our way to Bambino's! I know the names of places in this town! Reminded me of the Sandlot and the Great Bambino! =) We all staggered into this food place and all got something different. I got a pizza, others got burgers and kebabs and sandwiches. 

Everyone got their food and we all piled back into the coach and headed for home!

All in all, it was such a great night with great people and it is going to be so hard to leave them next month! =)

Fun was had by all last night! =)

With just a little over a month to go...

I started to think of how far I've come from stepping off the plane in Manchester, to not being able to sleep due to all the homesickness, first day of work....and now only having 43 days left to go!
People were right when they said time will fly by. In the beginning I swear it felt like time was standing still! However now that I am acquainted in the kitchen, and with everyone else, it makes all of the days go by so quickly!
The amount of knowledge I have learned is indescribable! I've learned so much from everyone, and I can't thank them enough for all the time they took to help me out with all my frequent questions. As far as where do I want to go with the remainder of my time, continue on the path of learning from one of the best in the business with some of the best chefs under him!
Another thing that popped in my head was my education. Once I get home I'll have completed my Associates degree in Culinary Arts. Since I've been here I have been exposed to so many other elements in the kitchen including lots of pastry work, so when I get home I am more than likely going to re-enroll in the Baking and Pastry program to continue my education! =)
Can't wait to get home!
Thank you to all of those who have supported me throughout this chapter of my life!
=)

Foraging in the Yorkshire Dales

I've discovered while I'm here and Chef is holding an event, I want to try and attend it. This time around I was fortunate enough to tag along on a foraging journey through the Yorkshire Dales. We were guided by a man who...well at least to me knew every single plant that was growing up out of the ground. Chris Bax is his name, and it was truly amazing to watch this man identify and explain simply a handful of edible plants and their uses. 

What really stuck out to me was the eye-opening experience he took us on. Right as we walked into the National Park entrance, something I've already done many times, we stop right away and he identifies the first edible plant. It's a pod that when you bite into it, bursts with a strong anise flavor. I soon dubbed it the Jager plant because it reminded me of Jagermeister. Haha. He then showed us the sstinging neddle plant which I am all too familiar with due to hikes in Baldy. However it was freaky to watch this guy just grab it like it was nothing. Turns out back in the day he was assigned to collect this stuff by the bunches, that his hands have actually gone numb and are immune to the stings! Crazy!!! I barely brushed my hand against one later in the day and it hurt like hell!

We continued through the journey as he showed us more cool stuff.

Then we were gathered under a tent where Chef had set up an outdoor cooking demonstration. He gave a live demo of a starter, entree, and dessert, all including freshly-picked wild plants we had just collected. The starter were fried baby salmon. I know sounds weird, but they were really good! They were from a local fish farm and were very tasty. Next he cooked some sliced fillet mignon with pasta, and these greens that were picked that tasted just like horseradish. It was a very strong flavored dish. And for dessert, Chef prepared fried Elderflower. Think of a squash blossom dipped in tempura batter, that is what it closely resembled but with the sweet delicious flavor of Elderflower. 

We foraged around some more, ate our bag lunches, and returned back to the hotel. It was a great experience and I had a really fun time, just froze my ass off the whole time as well. 

But it was all great fun! =)

UNCLE AL!!

For those of u that don't know about this amazing person, I shall give u a small summary.
Al Prado was one of the most funniest and influential people this world has ever seen. He gave me so much and gave my life so much in such a short period of time. My life forever changed four years ago when this amazing human was taken from us and not a day goes by where I don't think of you! If people are wondering about the ring I wear on my finger, it belonged to him. I wear it with pride every single day! You meant the world to me Al, and I love you with all my heart! And I thank you for contributing to my life and helping me become who I am today!
RIP

<3