It Begins....

As I approached work for the first time in a few days Tuesday I was dreading the start of restaurant week. It was my first time working in the Big Apple for this special week and I had heard nothing but tales of dread around said topic. The other servers were not enthralled by it and therefor I was not into it either. So, I dragged my feet as I went in for Lunch on Tuesday.

I now realize one thing about restaurant week; Lunch is where it's at. Lunch is where the money is made. Our menu is nice and a good introduction to our restaurant and traditional Japanese food for beginners who don't know a lot about it. It can change your mind completely about what you thought Japanese food was or is. There is absolutely no sushi or sashimi on our menu for the week, which is a nice change for many visitors.

One thing I can't stand about this week; no patience from clients. I picture myself only two and half hours ago carrying hot stones resting in blocks of wood topped with Stone Waygu Beef and delicious veggies sizzling hot as the oil burns my flesh. My wrists shaking and my concentration lying only on making sure I get the food to the right table and safely without burning myself more, or the nightmare of dropping the stone. Now when I set down said stone I need to set down two or more, one for each guest. And then, all of a sudden, my concentration can be broken by a simple "what is this?!". I love to tell people about what they are about to eat. It is a big part of what we do. My only request is that while I hold a sizzling hot stone that you wait until it is completely in front of you to ask me about it. I understand that you may be excited for the new mouth-watering deliciousness that you are about to experience. The party in your mouth you can not resist. But I am concentrating too; on not burning the heck out of your or I.

That being said, I am totally pumped because I got into DBGB for Lunch tomorrow. I think I am going to go with my good friend Melissa and we are going to plan out our adventurous weekend at Coney Island where we will be working the shop for Siren Music Festival. This will be followed by a visit from a long lost friend from FL and my Brother coming on Monday! I am so excited for the week ahead even though I am exhausted beyond comprehension for working the past 15 days straight.

Oh....PS- I started knitting today. Scarf is in progress!

Coney Island Lager...oh my!

Instead of trying to catch you all up on my last 5 months in the big city I am just going to start where I am right now; Coney Island, NY.

I am working at Coney Island Lager's World's Smallest Brewery. We are proudly down here on weekends brewing one gallon batches of some of the most interesting and delicious recipes we can create and get our hands on! Today is Sunday and we are on an off day of brewing because I am manning shop alone. Yesterday the lovely gentlemen I work with brewed a Pale Ale which is currently fermenting to my left. How delightful! I believe a previous IPA that we brewed is ready for drinking today so I popped one in the hops fridge to cool down, as we bottle condition our beers down here so they are warm.

Coney Island is quite nostalgic and from my doors I get a wonderful view of the classic Wonder Wheel! I have yet to ride this historic piece of Coney Island history, but I am waiting for the ride co-passenger to go with. Someday before the close of season I hope.

This week restaurant week will commence and I will be in it full force at EN. Can't wait. It is far better to be busy than slow. I am excited to see what other restaurants have on for the week, although I am often disappointed with the selections and prefer the regular tasting menus at these places.

As for publications, keep an eye out for both of my jobs! Shmaltz is racking up awards all over the place for the year of 2009 in July publications for our awesome Coney Island Lager line and our head chef at EN is gracing the cover of a cook book of NY Chefs as well as being featured in a few magazines! I will keep you updated! My life is never boring and I am so pumped I know these awesome people!

Today I think my adventures include finishing up down here in a few hours then heading to the history filled Ruby's on the boardwalk for a nice ice cold beer. I brought my camera down to get a few photos as I feel I am falling behind on that. I will also be heading to the local market to pick up some fresh veggies to start my newest hobby.... PICKLING!! I can't wait. I think I am going to start with a nice spicy horseradish pickled cucumbers. Starting basic.

Keep checking back I am going to update this one daily! Thanks guys.