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!! =)