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

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!

So thousands of miles away from the beach, BBQ, and family and friends on personally my favorite holiday...but I made the most of it!
Was fortunate enough to attend Chef's Master Class, then got a haircut that I am regretting and realizing why I only let Kristen...and ONLY Kristen cut my hair....made myself a nice dinner, then spent the remainder of my evening with my friends.
All at the same time looking at facebook pics being posted of the parade, block parties, and food!!!!! But I know that will all be there when I come home in 57 DAYS!! =D
Until then...here's to all my family and friends that I miss and love dearly and I hope you all had a great 4th of July!! =)
<3

Chef Rudden's Master Class!!

It just so happened that Chef's master class was on the 4th of July. Of course I asked to have that day off not to just walk around Grassington with an American flag in my pocket...but to attend his master class. And I am so glad that I did!!
It was held in the dining room of the restaurant theatre style so the rows of chairs were all facing the "kitchen stage". The attendees gathered in the bar to begin the class, enjoying hot coffee and fresh cookies made prior to their arrival. We were then ushered into the dining room to take our seats, where we were greeted with a packet of all the recipes that were going to be demonstrated, as well as a handout of upcoming classes.
Today's class was to demonstrate Chef's Tasting Slate that is served in the restaurant. This popular starter consists of naan and hummus, liver pate with apple jam, spring roll,  smoked salmon, sauteed shrimp and seared scallops, and local olives. He went through and demonstrated each componenet and plated exactly how we serve it to customers. It made me realize how passionate this man really is with what he does!! The techniques and teachings he was giving to the audience were all the same tips and techniques that he gave me in the kitchen!! He wasn't putting on a front or a show, these people were getting the real deal!! Granted I found out long ago how lucky and blessed I was with this opportunity, but watching him demonstrate to the public while laughing and joking the same way he showed me, just made me realize how great of a mentor this man is and how much he has already taught me in such a short amount of time!! Truly grateful!!
Once the demonstration was completed, we were ushered back into the bar area while the staff quickly changed the showroom back into the luxurious dining room. We were then seated and had lunch together. We were served a tasting slate for each two people, then the most delicious pork in the world with apple puree and crispy skin which was the most delishhhhhhh garnish ever!!!! Followed up with a summerberry pudding for dessert that I actually prepared the night before. haha they weren't that bad actually! =)
In all, a great way to have the 4th of July, even thought it wasn't a block party filled with family and BBQ....it was still a great afternoon and thank you....again.....to Sue and John for allowing to partake in the event!! =)

MY 21ST IN GRASSINGTON!! =)

Not gonna lie...my birthday was a little tough because it was the first time in 21 years that I wasn't with any of my family on my day. But then I realized that I pretty much was with my family...it was just my new family that I have made here in Grassington!! =)
This was such a thoughtful party and it totally made up for being thousands of miles away from my loved ones. The day was a little hard..got choked up and teary-eyed with just realizing that again it was my first birthday alone...but I was showered with so much love! They all gave me big hugs and cheered me up! You would never of guessed by the way they treated me that I have only known them for a month! Everyone was so amazing! It felt like I was at home...literally!
And here's why. When I said thoughtful party, it really was!! They had chips and salsa, a burrito setup, jalepenos, coronas, limes, tequila....and a freakin pinata!!!!! Yea that's right a freakin pinata in england!!!!!!! The night went on and was totally great! Lots of drinking and tons of pictures and memories were definitely made!
Can't thank everyone enough for everything they did: Sue and John for allowing me to have it at their establishment, everyone who helped with the food and for coming out and celebrating...
I say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart!! <3

The Luminarium!!

So for those of you who have no idea what the heck I'm talking about, let me tell you. The luminarium is this really cool inflatable maze that uses the light from the outside and ironically illuminates all the different colors from the material! Oooo-ahhh! From the outside it looks like a bunch of jumpers that are attached one after the other. Not too spectacular from the outside, but once you walk in, it truely is something else! The colors are bright and vibrant! And some of the rooms have ceilings that are so high up it's awesome!
So anyway here are a few pics from it just to show you what exactly what I'm talking about!

=)

Busy Night Alongside Executive Chef!!

This weekend was busy at the restaurant, not too surprising. So on saturday night I was assigned to work the starter station alongside the one and only Executive Chef of the restaurant! And might I say...it was freakin awesome!
Even though it was busy, we both still had time to laugh and joke, while he taught me so much! He took the time to explain everything to me in the greatest detail. Why things are the way they are, why they go the way they go, and helpful tips for even the smallest things. It made me realize how awesome of a place I landed and how it's truly a blessing to have this experience. And I feel so comfortable in the kitchen because I am willing to learn and everyone back there is willing to help me achieve as much as I can. I feel myself getting more and more comfortable each and everyday back there. Whether Sous Chef Jane asks me to make a fish n chips, or veggie for two people to share on the table, or if Katie asks me to help on starters or make scones, or if I get a ticket for the popular summerberry slate...I know what I have to do and i can feel myself getting more efficient each and every time!
And during that dinner service when I was with Chef, when we were crankin out the starters I noticed he called me Chef...which for one totally caught me off guard because I am a baby fish in a big ocean when it comes to that and nowhere near that caliber yet, and two, it made me realize how much respect and passion this man has towards everything that comes out of his kitchen! It inspired me and drove me to do the best I can each and every time I walk into his kitchen. And I thank him again, and everyone else in the kitchen for letting me be a part of the team! =)

Gift from Pops!!

This week I had another piece of home arrive from across the pond! My dad and Susana sent me a care package with lots of goodies, as well as some of the papers from  back home. I got a copy of the Claremont Courier, as well as the Daily Bulletin issue with the Kings on the front holding the Stanley Cup! In the box there was lots of my favorite candy, some clorox bleach pens, a work apron, copy of the Hunger Games, and other fun stuff! =) Oh yea and my iPod and camera that I forgot at home haha
With already a month in the books, I can tell that time is flying by! And with my birthday in less than a week, and only 60 days left after that....yea I'll be on a plane in no time at all!
So thank you for the package both of you it really helps!! =)
and Dad, thanks for all the support and kitchen advice you give me each and everyday!

Be back soon! =)

A Month in the Books!!

Okay so tomorrow marks my first month of being a part of the Grassington village. If I look at where I was simply a month ago it's a total 180! When I first landed here, believe it or not I had a shy spell. Yea I know right me being shy?! But I was quiet, shy, and homesick like no other! I had I don't know how many times I checked my calendar hoping that September 1st would magically show up around the corner! I would have really bad homesickness to the point where I asked myself "why the hell am I all the way over here?!?!"
Of course that was then and this is now. Now I am back to my loud, laughing, friendly self with not an ounce of shy in me! I go into work just as if it were Pizza n Such, saying Hi to everyone. Work consists of joking and laughing with everyone. And after work doesn't consist of me hiding in my room all night with restless sleep. It now consists of me along with my coworkers heading up to the nearest pub, having a pint..or more....playing cards and having a great time! I can walk into the pub and people know who I am and I actually know who everyone is now, bartender knows my name and asks if I want the usual brew I get. The people here have made this experience so much better because they make me feel as if I've known them for 4 years instead of 4 weeks. I know for a fact I will come back here. Even if it's not for work but simply for a week's visit I will come back!
Everyone back home told me I needed to do this, that I have to do this, and that it would be a great experience in my life and that I'd never get another one like it. And I sure am glad that those people who know who they are...took the time to sit me down and make me realize how amazing this opportunity would be and gave me the boost of confidence I needed. Just wanted to take a minute to say thank you to all my family and friends who have supported this for me. Thank you!

And I'll see everyone in a short 2.5 months! =)

This waterfall is where I would sit when I would get homesick. There's a ledge that I am actually sitting on when I took this picture and that's where I would go when I would start to miss home. Now I go there with a more positive attitude and think how time is flying by and how quickly I'll be home, and that this will all soon be a journal of my past experience I had in England!
Cheers for now!