It's finally Friday. I made it through the week with no cuts or burns. A good week. My body however feels quite the opposite. My body thinks I played a significant role in Sumo Wrestling. I literally ache from head to toe (even the bottoms of my feet hurt).
Naturally, in class, no one is the wiser. Its really quite a macho environment. You get cut or burned and just suck it up and keep on slicing, dicing and cooking over high heat. After you cleaned, bandaged and put on a little finger cot. (looks like a rubber an elf would use) I've even begun to check myself to make sure every time I bend down to do something I don't groan. Like a 50 year old gheeser.
I've been DYING for a fresh green anything so tonight I treated myself to the Temple Bar's House Salad and a burger with fries. Anyone who really knows me would be shocked about the last two. After eating raw carrots, green onions, Just Add Water Soups, and cottage cheese with raw tomatoes most peeps would be dying for a hot juicy burger (with a side of avocado for me.) Life makes me do these things. Its not really me doing it all alone. Life happens.
Today's practice competency test was okay. I didn't make the Hollandaise or Mayonnaise. If I can't beat Best Foods Mayo why try. Its easier to get good mayo out of the bottle. Who eats Hollandaise anymore. Its just PURE FAT and egg yolks blended together with a splash of lemon and dash of water. I don't even want to try my own! Yuck. Its not even in fashion anymore. We did that shit in the 70's when we didn't know we could kill ourselves with stuff like that.
Monday we have the Final Competency test for all our sauces and soups. I may actually have to make it. Bleech. I was thinking of sneaking in a small jar of mayo and adding it on top of my "homemade" crap. The jury is still out on that one. The whisking alone is enough to send you to a physical therapist for recovery.
I'll be practicing more soups and sauces at 12 Robert Place this weekend for Monday's final. My first time cooking Chef Stuff on (oh, God forbid) electric! I hope it turns out edible and not compostable. (new cooking lingo)
Have a great weekend everyone!
11/28/07
Edible Compost
Every day in Skills class (kitchen) we make these wonderful creations. This week is focused on soups. Last week was Sauces. Yesterday was a superb Potato Leek Soup. I found new appreciation for my culinary skills. Chef thought it was Excellent too!
Today we made 3 soups in one and a half hours. From scratch. We made French Onion Soup, Clam Chowder and Cream of Mushroom. I managed to make all three in the alloted time. Some student chefs made only 1.
I'm bragging here so if you don't want to read it don't read this paragraph. All 3 of my soups made Chef Happy! And me. I never liked clam chowder but having it made this-a-way was excellent. I actually ate a lot of my own soup. My onion soup was super good and I melted over the creamy mushroom soup. I didn't know I could cook so well. THIS IS SO MUCH FUN.
Tomorrow we make Consomme an Shrimp Bisque. I'm not crazy about either but we'll see what happens.
We have a mid-term Competency test this upcoming Monday on Soups and Sauces. I have to find a kitchen to practice!
After cooking all 3 soups in different pans I then checked the schedule to find out that I had Dishwashing!!! That's 12 students X's 3 pots each. Burnt, crusted, ruined pots. Left to dry over a flame! What morons. Way too much work including all the bowls we used to plate for the Chef. I wish I could wear gloves.
I'm pooped. Going to rest now. I know its early but I'm seriously flogged. We worked hard today. [just like a real kitchen]
Caio.
Today we made 3 soups in one and a half hours. From scratch. We made French Onion Soup, Clam Chowder and Cream of Mushroom. I managed to make all three in the alloted time. Some student chefs made only 1.
I'm bragging here so if you don't want to read it don't read this paragraph. All 3 of my soups made Chef Happy! And me. I never liked clam chowder but having it made this-a-way was excellent. I actually ate a lot of my own soup. My onion soup was super good and I melted over the creamy mushroom soup. I didn't know I could cook so well. THIS IS SO MUCH FUN.
Tomorrow we make Consomme an Shrimp Bisque. I'm not crazy about either but we'll see what happens.
We have a mid-term Competency test this upcoming Monday on Soups and Sauces. I have to find a kitchen to practice!
After cooking all 3 soups in different pans I then checked the schedule to find out that I had Dishwashing!!! That's 12 students X's 3 pots each. Burnt, crusted, ruined pots. Left to dry over a flame! What morons. Way too much work including all the bowls we used to plate for the Chef. I wish I could wear gloves.
I'm pooped. Going to rest now. I know its early but I'm seriously flogged. We worked hard today. [just like a real kitchen]
Caio.
11/26/07
My Little Oasis
This post is another recap of the irritating nerve jangling noise of the family next door. Its worth repeating in more adjectives simply because of how disruptive it is as an only person living right next door. My level of compassion is ebbing. ******
This week I am co-host to a single mother with two teenage sons who speak an unknown asian language directly next door to me. I refer to them as the Bickersons. There is an adjoining door that helps transfer sound sufficiently. Suffice it to say that they have two manners of speech. Polictical and Jesse Jackson in another usual rage. I woke one night at 11:30 to the younger of the two screaming his wisdom teeth out calling for his mother. I take it that the older son (Daniel) was somehow torturing him while their mother was enjoying a nice hot shower.
I know the name b/c I can hear the mother yelling it regularly. I think the younger one is called stoopid. Or something like that. That's what the older brother seems to call him. I had to intervene by knocking at 11:30 to see if I could administer last aid. The mother said everything was fine. It woke me up. How could that be fine?
I complained to the management seeing if he could send them to another room or possibly to Child Protective Services or even Singapore as a last option. They are quiet tonight. Almost human. Daniel is a real complainer. He's a big kid. Glad he doesn't know the woman next door complained. They'er probably thinking someone else on the entire block complained.
The lighting in the bathroom is strange. If you wanted to have a romantic dinner for two I would recommend my bathroom at the Oasis. I wasn't aware that they made 5 watt bulbs. Luckily I have two in there. Shaving is becoming a sensory experience. Dangerously so.
I have the last room in the furthest corner away from the street which is absolutely marvelous. At the Red Roach Motor Lodge all rooms faced the corner of two very busy streets. Turk and Polk. I felt I was sleeping at SFO on a runway. My room here is bigger and the bathroom is much more modern. It means a lot in a small space.
I'm on the second floor of a four floor Inn. There is a patio area right outside my door with vending machines and ice machines. That good old ice machine makes a wonderful backdrop. I hear it often. Like someone trying to ski down a slope and falling head over heels in the process. People here in chilly SF seem to like ice well into the night. How odd.
Even more curious to me is that we seem to be built over a nest-burrow-enclave of skunks. I like to have my window open but this is worse than it was at my dad's house in Rolling Hills with horses and open space. These little critters are fighting for their lives with their only resource. The Stinker. Unbelieveable. I just shut my window at 7:45 from the intoxicating fumes. Great. Right after my shower. The school said not to wear perfume. Too late. Guess I'll make more of that Sauce Tomate. Then pour it on me. It's really good. I now prefer it to Whipped Cream. (back in the dayz)
That's all I can say about my little outpost on Franklin St. Except that I have about 3 outlets with about 17 things plugged into them. Refridge, microwave, computer, and all the other stuff including their lighting. I better buy some marshmallows just in case. Food. It all breaks down to food for me in any situation.
I LOVE BEING HERE AND BECOMING A CHEF. End of story.
This week I am co-host to a single mother with two teenage sons who speak an unknown asian language directly next door to me. I refer to them as the Bickersons. There is an adjoining door that helps transfer sound sufficiently. Suffice it to say that they have two manners of speech. Polictical and Jesse Jackson in another usual rage. I woke one night at 11:30 to the younger of the two screaming his wisdom teeth out calling for his mother. I take it that the older son (Daniel) was somehow torturing him while their mother was enjoying a nice hot shower.
I know the name b/c I can hear the mother yelling it regularly. I think the younger one is called stoopid. Or something like that. That's what the older brother seems to call him. I had to intervene by knocking at 11:30 to see if I could administer last aid. The mother said everything was fine. It woke me up. How could that be fine?
I complained to the management seeing if he could send them to another room or possibly to Child Protective Services or even Singapore as a last option. They are quiet tonight. Almost human. Daniel is a real complainer. He's a big kid. Glad he doesn't know the woman next door complained. They'er probably thinking someone else on the entire block complained.
The lighting in the bathroom is strange. If you wanted to have a romantic dinner for two I would recommend my bathroom at the Oasis. I wasn't aware that they made 5 watt bulbs. Luckily I have two in there. Shaving is becoming a sensory experience. Dangerously so.
I have the last room in the furthest corner away from the street which is absolutely marvelous. At the Red Roach Motor Lodge all rooms faced the corner of two very busy streets. Turk and Polk. I felt I was sleeping at SFO on a runway. My room here is bigger and the bathroom is much more modern. It means a lot in a small space.
I'm on the second floor of a four floor Inn. There is a patio area right outside my door with vending machines and ice machines. That good old ice machine makes a wonderful backdrop. I hear it often. Like someone trying to ski down a slope and falling head over heels in the process. People here in chilly SF seem to like ice well into the night. How odd.
Even more curious to me is that we seem to be built over a nest-burrow-enclave of skunks. I like to have my window open but this is worse than it was at my dad's house in Rolling Hills with horses and open space. These little critters are fighting for their lives with their only resource. The Stinker. Unbelieveable. I just shut my window at 7:45 from the intoxicating fumes. Great. Right after my shower. The school said not to wear perfume. Too late. Guess I'll make more of that Sauce Tomate. Then pour it on me. It's really good. I now prefer it to Whipped Cream. (back in the dayz)
That's all I can say about my little outpost on Franklin St. Except that I have about 3 outlets with about 17 things plugged into them. Refridge, microwave, computer, and all the other stuff including their lighting. I better buy some marshmallows just in case. Food. It all breaks down to food for me in any situation.
I LOVE BEING HERE AND BECOMING A CHEF. End of story.
My Neighbors
I've had two nights of my new neighbors (being that I am located in a hotel). I am fortunately located at the end of the row of rooms in the eastern most corner facing north. However I do have "neighbors" on the western end.
First. Our walls are constructed of re-inforced styroform and a 15% mix of toilet tissue, Army Grade. Second, there is a connecting door that will leave enough room for the passage of 3 Noregian Rats at the same time. (Check online. They are the largest)
Thirdly, these new neighbors have two speaking voices in an asian manner. Loud and Louder. The woman next door has 2 large children males. Therefore the loud manner of speaking is necessary as we know these males will eventually grow into full adult males. Their growth makes for automatic poor hearing by the male species from the female species. Its historically noted.
I have personally grown tired of listening to a combination of half asian and part english shouted from a short 4 inch distance. Last night I put on ear plugs AFTER 11:30 when the youngest spawn was screaming from the top of his voice like he found bugs in bed. I knocked on the interior passage door and heard the outside door open. Then I opened my outside door but it had already closed so I knocked again. The mother was apparently in the shower at the time hiding behind the door (as if I cared) and I mentioned my concern at the Psycho Shower show of emotion by her youngest child. She was apologetic and I saw no visible signs of dismemberment so Off I went to beddy-by.
Tonight was a reoccuring episode of a drama better left undone. I finally decided to go to the manager to press for a resolution. Afterall, I'm paying $1,000 a month and they are here for a short duration. I threw my only weight around asking if he could either move them or send them to another planet.
We in America welcome all from all nations. You just better learn the tricks that make you a good neighbor or one who should be on the new space exploration plan.
A happy home is one that does not wish your neighbors to think of clever ways to anniliate you and your loudmouthed loved ones.
Today I heard a litiny of asian slammed like (ieoaf;alh tj, fiadsusjnt. ksl. itwt98j ) [asian words] followed by "its just that simple!" in English. Damn. Like I didn't know what that meant?!.
God Bless Us All (with earplugs)
First. Our walls are constructed of re-inforced styroform and a 15% mix of toilet tissue, Army Grade. Second, there is a connecting door that will leave enough room for the passage of 3 Noregian Rats at the same time. (Check online. They are the largest)
Thirdly, these new neighbors have two speaking voices in an asian manner. Loud and Louder. The woman next door has 2 large children males. Therefore the loud manner of speaking is necessary as we know these males will eventually grow into full adult males. Their growth makes for automatic poor hearing by the male species from the female species. Its historically noted.
I have personally grown tired of listening to a combination of half asian and part english shouted from a short 4 inch distance. Last night I put on ear plugs AFTER 11:30 when the youngest spawn was screaming from the top of his voice like he found bugs in bed. I knocked on the interior passage door and heard the outside door open. Then I opened my outside door but it had already closed so I knocked again. The mother was apparently in the shower at the time hiding behind the door (as if I cared) and I mentioned my concern at the Psycho Shower show of emotion by her youngest child. She was apologetic and I saw no visible signs of dismemberment so Off I went to beddy-by.
Tonight was a reoccuring episode of a drama better left undone. I finally decided to go to the manager to press for a resolution. Afterall, I'm paying $1,000 a month and they are here for a short duration. I threw my only weight around asking if he could either move them or send them to another planet.
We in America welcome all from all nations. You just better learn the tricks that make you a good neighbor or one who should be on the new space exploration plan.
A happy home is one that does not wish your neighbors to think of clever ways to anniliate you and your loudmouthed loved ones.
Today I heard a litiny of asian slammed like (ieoaf;alh tj, fiadsusjnt. ksl. itwt98j ) [asian words] followed by "its just that simple!" in English. Damn. Like I didn't know what that meant?!.
God Bless Us All (with earplugs)
11/24/07
Just Hangin' Loose for the Holidays
Passed my first official test Wednesday with an "A"! This is for all the work in Skills (kitchen), our Safety and Sanitation class, showing up for class and professionalism. I am happy.
Now I have to study for the Certification test on Monday for our Safety and Sani class. We can't be a chef without one. If we don't pass we have to pay $35 to take it again. I didn't budget for that so I'll have to make sure I pass.
It was a nice Thanksgiving with the family here in SF. Good food, great appetizers, nice wines, and plenty of laughs.
I'm glad I had days to sleep in and feel human again. What a luxury! Can't wait for winter break. I sure started school at the right time with all these holidays and breaks.
11/23/07
A Few More Alcatraz Pics
This is not a sign of the Good Times. This is not the kind of Cell Call I want to get.Alcatraz at Night
I got to take a nighttime tour of Alcatraz recently. It was really chilling. The fog shrouded island was eerie enough but then the darkened builings looming overhead was fairly intimidating.
As we got on the Rock, it appeared that someone was still leaving the light on. I didn't want to approach the Bates Motel to check in.
11/18/07
Week One Under the Belt!
A million zillion more to go.... I've had a great week but at the end I was EXHAUSTED. I had to take the BART back to Millbrae to pick up my car and cousin so he could help me move to my new place at the Oasis Hotel a couple blocks up from the Red Roach.
We moved and then had dinner at a place called Max's Opera. A Fabulous meal that was Hot, Fresh, and I had Finally had a Grey Goose Martini UP!!! (with olives) Yes, Joey it IS good!
We walked back to the hotel in the dark with the fog carefully shrouding the City Hall building in lights. It was really quite the sight. So eerily beautiful.
I wallowed in bed Saturday morning Because I Could. I am muscle sore and hand slashed. I need some 2 days to try to heal. I lugged my laundry a few blocks to a washeteria/laundramat for the afternoon, grabbed a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and went back to the room to unpack. I had to be at Pier 33 at 4pm where the culinary school was treating students to a night tour of Alcatraz!
We arrived at the end of the day and the closer we got to the island the foggier it got. When we arrived the island and buildings were draped with a fine mist of traveling fog. It was sooooo COOL (and litterally cool to about 54 degrees). It was the first time in about 4 years that I was able to wear this big oversized turtle neck sweater AND my heavy jacket at the SAME time!!!
It was cold. I saw the cells and the whole place was lit with little naked bulbs just like it would have been back in the day. I even walked into a place for bad characters called "the Hole". They kept prisoners in there w/o lights for a few days and up to years depending on their offenses. Unimaginable.
Today was another sleep in day. At 10ish I wandered outside to hunt and forage for food product. I landed, through shear desperation [I am a chef afterall] at some idiotic place that had golden arches like you were entering heaven. More like hell after eating the bkfst egg and sausage meal. Yuck. I have vowed not to revisit this horror again.
I saw a guy who was overdosing from Sat. night at the corner while I was eating my imaginary delicious breakfast. Seriously. What a depressing site. He was a good looking, fit, well dressed fellow but was completely going into overdose shock. Finally the Fire Dept and Ambulance came and took him away. I can't understand why he'd do that to himself. It was really sad.
I studied all day, took a nap, and went to forage for more edibles. I went to a corner market (?) that was smartly decorated with iron bars. Clever decorating indeed. Inside I found an edible avocado and a frozen low cal meal of compostable food and liquid grape juice with a dash of alcohol. Oh the joys of going to culinary school!
That covers my first weekend. Light candles in church for me. Even if you aren't catholic!
We moved and then had dinner at a place called Max's Opera. A Fabulous meal that was Hot, Fresh, and I had Finally had a Grey Goose Martini UP!!! (with olives) Yes, Joey it IS good!
We walked back to the hotel in the dark with the fog carefully shrouding the City Hall building in lights. It was really quite the sight. So eerily beautiful.
I wallowed in bed Saturday morning Because I Could. I am muscle sore and hand slashed. I need some 2 days to try to heal. I lugged my laundry a few blocks to a washeteria/laundramat for the afternoon, grabbed a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and went back to the room to unpack. I had to be at Pier 33 at 4pm where the culinary school was treating students to a night tour of Alcatraz!
We arrived at the end of the day and the closer we got to the island the foggier it got. When we arrived the island and buildings were draped with a fine mist of traveling fog. It was sooooo COOL (and litterally cool to about 54 degrees). It was the first time in about 4 years that I was able to wear this big oversized turtle neck sweater AND my heavy jacket at the SAME time!!!
It was cold. I saw the cells and the whole place was lit with little naked bulbs just like it would have been back in the day. I even walked into a place for bad characters called "the Hole". They kept prisoners in there w/o lights for a few days and up to years depending on their offenses. Unimaginable.
Today was another sleep in day. At 10ish I wandered outside to hunt and forage for food product. I landed, through shear desperation [I am a chef afterall] at some idiotic place that had golden arches like you were entering heaven. More like hell after eating the bkfst egg and sausage meal. Yuck. I have vowed not to revisit this horror again.
I saw a guy who was overdosing from Sat. night at the corner while I was eating my imaginary delicious breakfast. Seriously. What a depressing site. He was a good looking, fit, well dressed fellow but was completely going into overdose shock. Finally the Fire Dept and Ambulance came and took him away. I can't understand why he'd do that to himself. It was really sad.
I studied all day, took a nap, and went to forage for more edibles. I went to a corner market (?) that was smartly decorated with iron bars. Clever decorating indeed. Inside I found an edible avocado and a frozen low cal meal of compostable food and liquid grape juice with a dash of alcohol. Oh the joys of going to culinary school!
That covers my first weekend. Light candles in church for me. Even if you aren't catholic!
11/17/07
Movin' on Up
Well, today was moving day. From the Red Roach to the Oasis on Franklin. Beeg diff. I'm on the second floor (which is just for Culinary Students) but I'm at the end furthest away from the street towards the back so I don't hear nearly all the noice I did on Eddy. I can't even hear anyone screaming and cursing here. Nice place. In addition, right outside my door is a patio with lots of plants, the ice machine, a snack machine and a soda machine. What? No wine machine?! Oh, the sacrifices I make.
Its too totally pleasant. The courtyard is all green and frondy and there are at least 5 tables with umbrellas to sit out during the weekend and work on homework, read homework, practice homework and slit my wrists. J/K!
I'm so in heaven with my life now. I finished a whole week! I stayed after class two days, one to practice my knife skills on the julienne carrots (1/8 x 1/8 x 8) EXACTLY SQUARE and my Tourne Potatoes. The nerve pricking little icehole footballs. I hate them now. When I get it right I will be dancing on the rooftops but for now they are the devils playground. The other after school was today to help Chef cook up 100 lbs of potatoes into mashed for the Thanksgiving Feed the Homeless Project. I mashed 50 pounds of potatoes. I'm still alive. wait....okay, yeah. I am.
My dear sweet Cousin Guy the notable watercolor artist helped me move my Starvation Army stuff to the new place. I took the BART after class and overtime to Millbrae and we drove my car back to SF to facilitate the move. Then we had the most lovely delicious and splendid dinner at Max's Opera Restaurant in the Civic Center. I had the Ribeye steak (like Shannon would) and my cousin was dying for the combo of pastrami, corned beef and pastrami sandwich which came with 3 salads!!! Potato, cole slaw, and a pickled cucumber thing. We dined.
I was in heaven since I don't like to venture out at night by myself. With Guy, we walked the way from the Oasis to the Opera and back. It was slightly foggy, misty and cool. MY FAVORITE TEMPS!! YESSSSS. The Civic Center was so lovely in the foggy mist. With the lights shining on it and the colors muted it was a beautiful site. I'm right in the middle of the entire Civic Center. Its really like being down by the White House in Wash. DC. Just that immense and beautiful. Gawd I love this city.
I finally get to sleep in tomorrow. I hope I sleep past 7am! A whole week..... whew.. Tough job. 3 kids didn't even show up to class today. I did. Go Me!
Its 10pm. I'm toast. Burnt. Nighty night all.
Its too totally pleasant. The courtyard is all green and frondy and there are at least 5 tables with umbrellas to sit out during the weekend and work on homework, read homework, practice homework and slit my wrists. J/K!
I'm so in heaven with my life now. I finished a whole week! I stayed after class two days, one to practice my knife skills on the julienne carrots (1/8 x 1/8 x 8) EXACTLY SQUARE and my Tourne Potatoes. The nerve pricking little icehole footballs. I hate them now. When I get it right I will be dancing on the rooftops but for now they are the devils playground. The other after school was today to help Chef cook up 100 lbs of potatoes into mashed for the Thanksgiving Feed the Homeless Project. I mashed 50 pounds of potatoes. I'm still alive. wait....okay, yeah. I am.
My dear sweet Cousin Guy the notable watercolor artist helped me move my Starvation Army stuff to the new place. I took the BART after class and overtime to Millbrae and we drove my car back to SF to facilitate the move. Then we had the most lovely delicious and splendid dinner at Max's Opera Restaurant in the Civic Center. I had the Ribeye steak (like Shannon would) and my cousin was dying for the combo of pastrami, corned beef and pastrami sandwich which came with 3 salads!!! Potato, cole slaw, and a pickled cucumber thing. We dined.
I was in heaven since I don't like to venture out at night by myself. With Guy, we walked the way from the Oasis to the Opera and back. It was slightly foggy, misty and cool. MY FAVORITE TEMPS!! YESSSSS. The Civic Center was so lovely in the foggy mist. With the lights shining on it and the colors muted it was a beautiful site. I'm right in the middle of the entire Civic Center. Its really like being down by the White House in Wash. DC. Just that immense and beautiful. Gawd I love this city.
I finally get to sleep in tomorrow. I hope I sleep past 7am! A whole week..... whew.. Tough job. 3 kids didn't even show up to class today. I did. Go Me!
Its 10pm. I'm toast. Burnt. Nighty night all.
11/16/07
Wagons Ho!
Well, I gotta move again tomorrow to my new permanent housing two blocks west of the Red Roach Motor Lodge. That would be 2 blocks further away from the Tenderloin District which is a notoriously unsavory neighborhood. Yea for me. Although it is 2 blocks further from the two blocks I already have to hoof it to the shuttle bus that I take back and forth to the South Campus every day. Oh lordy, increasing my exercise further by dragging my bright red carryon and 1000 lb knife kit up and down hills every day. Hopefully I'll lose weight and gain stamina. Otherwise I have a handy knife or two to end the complaining. he he
Did I mention that everyday I'm POOPED!? I can't wait for the weekend when I have to hustle to BART tomorrow for 40+ minutes to Millbrae to fetch my car and then pack it up to the gills with all my crapola and haul it to the new location. Might take two trips. Yippee. More hauling and tugging and lugging. I feel like a pack mule. Thank Gawd for showers or I'd closely resemble one!
Today in skills class (which is where we get to use our "tools") we had to do all 10 knife cuts in addition to making a roux and some clarified butter. After demos we all get assigned jobs daily to help clean the kitchen. First day I did Dishwashing, second day I did another equally stimulating job - Garbage, and today I was on Hot Line which means I clean all the stoves and counters that we used. Tomorrow I'm on Dry Goods. Definition to follow some other time. Its past my bedtime.
Gotta go. I'll miss the Red Roach Motel. Not. I hate moving. But I love every little thing I'm doing in school. I'm a chef in progress! YES.
Did I mention that everyday I'm POOPED!? I can't wait for the weekend when I have to hustle to BART tomorrow for 40+ minutes to Millbrae to fetch my car and then pack it up to the gills with all my crapola and haul it to the new location. Might take two trips. Yippee. More hauling and tugging and lugging. I feel like a pack mule. Thank Gawd for showers or I'd closely resemble one!
Today in skills class (which is where we get to use our "tools") we had to do all 10 knife cuts in addition to making a roux and some clarified butter. After demos we all get assigned jobs daily to help clean the kitchen. First day I did Dishwashing, second day I did another equally stimulating job - Garbage, and today I was on Hot Line which means I clean all the stoves and counters that we used. Tomorrow I'm on Dry Goods. Definition to follow some other time. Its past my bedtime.
Gotta go. I'll miss the Red Roach Motel. Not. I hate moving. But I love every little thing I'm doing in school. I'm a chef in progress! YES.
11/14/07
Edwarda Sissorhands
I now have the thumb, index finger and bird flippin' finger maimed. I noticed today that my right hand thumb has curious paper cut like slices that I have no idea how I got them. My hands are becoming hazardous contaminating apendages not conforming to a professional kitchen.
I'm in boot camp. What do you expect?! I've got my Chef looking over everthing I slice, dice, mince, and chiffonade. She finds one thing wrong with my style. I keep slicing at an angle. I told her today that I think I'm kind of crooked, its not my slicing. She didn't buy it but I got a laugh.
Yesterday we learned 5 different knife skills. Today we learned 5 more. So that meant that today we did 10 different skills in the same amount of time that we did 5 just yesterday. I managed to do them all. Therefore the injuries. Or my clumsiness. I got 8 more fingers, way I see it.
I had a difficult time with the "tourne" cut today. Chef tried to help me and then realized I had a dull paring knife! Finally I got it going. BIG difference in a sharp knife vs dull. The tourne cut is making a little red potato look like a 7 sided football. Why I asked. "Because we can" Chef answered. Yeah, we can after 80 hours of practice, then lifetime followup. I made 3 footballs.
I ate lunch after school at this FABULOUS Mexican restaurant today which is in the next block from out school. If I wasn't so tired I'd explain what the 3 soft little Polla Abadao (something like that, I'm too tired to think straight) tasted like. I had them Super It which meant adding guacamole, sour cream and something else. I got red fresh med. hot sauce (clearly home made) to add to them and Good Gawd they were incredible. Or maybe I'm just anemic from very little hot food. Naa, they were excellent.
Tonight for dinner I failed my cooking skills. I had an Udon noodle package I got from Trader Joes that I just add water. Its all natural. Trouble is I added hot water from the sink. I forgot I have a little kettle thing that heats up water for me. The hot sink water wasn't hot enough and I ate the noodles which tasted pretty starchy. Yuck. But that's all I had. I don't wanna venture outside at night here. Too close to the "Tenderloin District". If you don't know what that is I dare you to Google it. Very interesting place.
Well, it's 8:40. I'm setting my sleeping goal for 9pm today. I need to have a serious look at my pillow before 5:30am rolls around. Its getting more difficult every day to get my honky ass up and parade it down the street. (proper lingo for my locale).
Ciao ....xoxo
I'm in boot camp. What do you expect?! I've got my Chef looking over everthing I slice, dice, mince, and chiffonade. She finds one thing wrong with my style. I keep slicing at an angle. I told her today that I think I'm kind of crooked, its not my slicing. She didn't buy it but I got a laugh.
Yesterday we learned 5 different knife skills. Today we learned 5 more. So that meant that today we did 10 different skills in the same amount of time that we did 5 just yesterday. I managed to do them all. Therefore the injuries. Or my clumsiness. I got 8 more fingers, way I see it.
I had a difficult time with the "tourne" cut today. Chef tried to help me and then realized I had a dull paring knife! Finally I got it going. BIG difference in a sharp knife vs dull. The tourne cut is making a little red potato look like a 7 sided football. Why I asked. "Because we can" Chef answered. Yeah, we can after 80 hours of practice, then lifetime followup. I made 3 footballs.
I ate lunch after school at this FABULOUS Mexican restaurant today which is in the next block from out school. If I wasn't so tired I'd explain what the 3 soft little Polla Abadao (something like that, I'm too tired to think straight) tasted like. I had them Super It which meant adding guacamole, sour cream and something else. I got red fresh med. hot sauce (clearly home made) to add to them and Good Gawd they were incredible. Or maybe I'm just anemic from very little hot food. Naa, they were excellent.
Tonight for dinner I failed my cooking skills. I had an Udon noodle package I got from Trader Joes that I just add water. Its all natural. Trouble is I added hot water from the sink. I forgot I have a little kettle thing that heats up water for me. The hot sink water wasn't hot enough and I ate the noodles which tasted pretty starchy. Yuck. But that's all I had. I don't wanna venture outside at night here. Too close to the "Tenderloin District". If you don't know what that is I dare you to Google it. Very interesting place.
Well, it's 8:40. I'm setting my sleeping goal for 9pm today. I need to have a serious look at my pillow before 5:30am rolls around. Its getting more difficult every day to get my honky ass up and parade it down the street. (proper lingo for my locale).
Ciao ....xoxo
A Note from the Trenches
1. I'm Tired.
2. I'm Happy.
3. I'm Crazy.
4. I'm Tired.
Daily Schedule: Alarm goes off at 5:30. Do everything possible to ignore it. Shut the #$! off at 5:40. Get the lazy ass up and head two blocks to the shuttle that transports me to the 2nd campus. Pay no attention to street hookers up at that hour in the complete dark. Remind yourself you carry knives and lots of them. Very Sharp.
Get to CCA and change into the world's most amazing black and white transformation that Chris Angel cannot explain. I become a CONTENDER. Or a Chef for the time I have on this uniform. Its Christmas every morning.
First 2 1/2 hours of lecture, second 2 1/2 hours of lab (kitchen work). Day is over at 12:10. Take shuttle back to base and walk uphill back to the Red Roach Motor Lodge. Opps. Typo. Same meaning. Kidding. Its not bad. No edible bugs.
I scour around the blocks trying to orient myself as to establishments of worth. Walgreens, Subway, ..... that's about it. Subway was iffy.
Back to the room, shower, check uniform for spots or messes, eat something like noodle ramens (I get the natural kind from Trader Joes) and it works for me when I'm so beat tired.
I don't go out after dark. (you wouldn't either if you were here) so I do homework, prepare for tomorrows class and check the student portal to the CCA (Ca. Culinary Academy) to see if I need to know anything soon.
Gotta move into a new hotel room this weekend (2 more blocks away from my favorite hookers) so that's a drag. "scuz the pun"
Life is good. I love school. I will most likely lose weight since this is the most exercise I've done daily and I have NO time to eat. Halleluija (spelling challenged) Like I care.
I collapsed into a deep sleep today at 3 until 5:30 so I'm okay with being up late but this is late enough. I'm out of here. I miss all my family and friends but I'm LOVIN' this slice of pie my life has turned into.
2. I'm Happy.
3. I'm Crazy.
4. I'm Tired.
Daily Schedule: Alarm goes off at 5:30. Do everything possible to ignore it. Shut the #$! off at 5:40. Get the lazy ass up and head two blocks to the shuttle that transports me to the 2nd campus. Pay no attention to street hookers up at that hour in the complete dark. Remind yourself you carry knives and lots of them. Very Sharp.
Get to CCA and change into the world's most amazing black and white transformation that Chris Angel cannot explain. I become a CONTENDER. Or a Chef for the time I have on this uniform. Its Christmas every morning.
First 2 1/2 hours of lecture, second 2 1/2 hours of lab (kitchen work). Day is over at 12:10. Take shuttle back to base and walk uphill back to the Red Roach Motor Lodge. Opps. Typo. Same meaning. Kidding. Its not bad. No edible bugs.
I scour around the blocks trying to orient myself as to establishments of worth. Walgreens, Subway, ..... that's about it. Subway was iffy.
Back to the room, shower, check uniform for spots or messes, eat something like noodle ramens (I get the natural kind from Trader Joes) and it works for me when I'm so beat tired.
I don't go out after dark. (you wouldn't either if you were here) so I do homework, prepare for tomorrows class and check the student portal to the CCA (Ca. Culinary Academy) to see if I need to know anything soon.
Gotta move into a new hotel room this weekend (2 more blocks away from my favorite hookers) so that's a drag. "scuz the pun"
Life is good. I love school. I will most likely lose weight since this is the most exercise I've done daily and I have NO time to eat. Halleluija (spelling challenged) Like I care.
I collapsed into a deep sleep today at 3 until 5:30 so I'm okay with being up late but this is late enough. I'm out of here. I miss all my family and friends but I'm LOVIN' this slice of pie my life has turned into.
11/11/07
Orientation Day
Yahoo. Today I finally got to the REAL school of CCA. They have a campus in Potero Hill not too far from the original campus. The new one is 5 years new (as opposed to the original which was rebuilt in 1977).
I'm really feeling like a Chef! They gave us all a duffel bag of clothes, aprons, hats, scarfs, blah, blah, blah, that weighed at least 60lbs. I drug it everywhere while all these youngun's carried them. I didn't care. I was trying to protect my pinched nerve in my neck. I just couldn't let them all know I was so handicapped at the first meeting. I saw a new doc here in So. City who got me on some new stuff for nerve pain, and by God it works! I'm almost feeling sane again.
We took a tour of the campus today and all the various rooms for instruction. They even have a room that looks like a Bar (for bartending) and a game room (Vegas style) for the peeps who have to run a room like that. They will also teach us all about Vegas cheating. ?? I dont' know why but it sounded good. I guess that is for the folks who take the Culinary Management course.
All said, its been a fun day. Got all my outfits and long pants that have to be sewn by Monday. I have two huge books I have to read 4 chapters from before MOnday and I still have to finish moving into my temporary place for this week before I'm able to move into my permanant dorm room for a year. Gawd, I hate moving.
Its finally raining today. I think of it like a final wish I have been wanting. I've been staying in my families camper to sleep in since I got here and it never rained. Uncle John said the rain sounded so nice so I was hoping to experience it. It rained today. I'm so lucky. It sounds so soothing on top of the camper. This is a special moment for me, I'll remember it always. In my Home Town, cutting edge to my own future, living life as it comes, no one else to watch out for...
I'm living a dream. Sort of odd since I haven't worked since February. Life is pliable. Keep the faith.
I'm really feeling like a Chef! They gave us all a duffel bag of clothes, aprons, hats, scarfs, blah, blah, blah, that weighed at least 60lbs. I drug it everywhere while all these youngun's carried them. I didn't care. I was trying to protect my pinched nerve in my neck. I just couldn't let them all know I was so handicapped at the first meeting. I saw a new doc here in So. City who got me on some new stuff for nerve pain, and by God it works! I'm almost feeling sane again.
We took a tour of the campus today and all the various rooms for instruction. They even have a room that looks like a Bar (for bartending) and a game room (Vegas style) for the peeps who have to run a room like that. They will also teach us all about Vegas cheating. ?? I dont' know why but it sounded good. I guess that is for the folks who take the Culinary Management course.
All said, its been a fun day. Got all my outfits and long pants that have to be sewn by Monday. I have two huge books I have to read 4 chapters from before MOnday and I still have to finish moving into my temporary place for this week before I'm able to move into my permanant dorm room for a year. Gawd, I hate moving.
Its finally raining today. I think of it like a final wish I have been wanting. I've been staying in my families camper to sleep in since I got here and it never rained. Uncle John said the rain sounded so nice so I was hoping to experience it. It rained today. I'm so lucky. It sounds so soothing on top of the camper. This is a special moment for me, I'll remember it always. In my Home Town, cutting edge to my own future, living life as it comes, no one else to watch out for...
I'm living a dream. Sort of odd since I haven't worked since February. Life is pliable. Keep the faith.
11/10/07
Ready, Set, Defrost!
Today I met with the SF Housing person regarding my room location at the Temple Bar and Grill. Finally I got to Temple. I had the kosher Ceasar Salad and a diet coke. She had trouble getting me into the Oasis Hotel this week so I'll have to bed up at a little slice of heaven called the Red Coach Motor Lodge which is on the very corner of Eddy and Polk. A little red and white number with 3 floors. The room had two double beds, a TV, a desk, 2 chairs a No Closet closet (no doors) and a fairly nice restroom with a shower that has a nice tiled side you can sit on, if you dare. The room was conveniently located right next to the elevator. Oh boy. Better than next to the ice machine I guess.
Tomorrow is orientation where I get the outfit and the books. They won't give us the knives until Monday when we show up to class. Hummmm I wonder why. Who told! Anyway.
I'm really psyched up about the move, seediness helps build the ambiance, and the books I'll get. The outfit is fine since I'll look like every newbie within 3 blocks. They hang out everywhere. I've yet to see anyone even remotely near my golden years. This all should be interesting. I haven't decided how I shall present myself yet. The Aging Rock Star, The Quiet Librarian, the Older Hippie Cool Gal, the Mother of All youngun's or what. One only gets a first chance at a first impression and I want it to be a wing dinger!! (ie. very old phrase only a person over 50 uses).
Okay. I've got to plan for my induction into my future tomorrow so I'll sign off now. Hope you all hang in there so I can tell you all about the interesting folks I'll meet at school and around the neighborhood.
Welcome to my world. :))
Tomorrow is orientation where I get the outfit and the books. They won't give us the knives until Monday when we show up to class. Hummmm I wonder why. Who told! Anyway.
I'm really psyched up about the move, seediness helps build the ambiance, and the books I'll get. The outfit is fine since I'll look like every newbie within 3 blocks. They hang out everywhere. I've yet to see anyone even remotely near my golden years. This all should be interesting. I haven't decided how I shall present myself yet. The Aging Rock Star, The Quiet Librarian, the Older Hippie Cool Gal, the Mother of All youngun's or what. One only gets a first chance at a first impression and I want it to be a wing dinger!! (ie. very old phrase only a person over 50 uses).
Okay. I've got to plan for my induction into my future tomorrow so I'll sign off now. Hope you all hang in there so I can tell you all about the interesting folks I'll meet at school and around the neighborhood.
Welcome to my world. :))
11/4/07
5 Days and Counting!
Well, I'll be moving into my new "home" this Friday. Time is flying. The weather is hot up here and I thought I left LA for the cooler climate! My neck is acting up again since yesterday. I went to take a pain med and was shocked to find that my neighbor must have helped himself to them when "helping" Karen and I pack our car on my last Friday night in LA!! I had 3 left and I know I had at least 50 in the bottle. What a Buttwipe. I thought I liked the kid. Fargin' Icehole. I'll be looking for another doctor up here tomorrow. I may just need the steriod shots in the neck now.
I saw a mini fridge at Costco that I want to get for the room. I bought some queen sized sheets and a nice spongy mattress pad all on a 50% sale they were having at JC Penny's. What a cool sale! Everything was so cheap. Including Me! ha.
I'm working on finding a provider for my laptop so I can have internet access. Right now, I use my Aunt's computer.
I made some Crab Ceviche today. Yum. Haven't been cooking much since its been so hectic. I'll keep you posted on the happenings. This Saturday I have an orientation meeting where I'll get to meet the other students, get my kitchen clothes, shoes, and books. Just like real school. (that's probably when it'll stop being fun huh).
Gotta go. Sitting too long at the computer does no good for my cheap Irish neck. ta-ta.....
I saw a mini fridge at Costco that I want to get for the room. I bought some queen sized sheets and a nice spongy mattress pad all on a 50% sale they were having at JC Penny's. What a cool sale! Everything was so cheap. Including Me! ha.
I'm working on finding a provider for my laptop so I can have internet access. Right now, I use my Aunt's computer.
I made some Crab Ceviche today. Yum. Haven't been cooking much since its been so hectic. I'll keep you posted on the happenings. This Saturday I have an orientation meeting where I'll get to meet the other students, get my kitchen clothes, shoes, and books. Just like real school. (that's probably when it'll stop being fun huh).
Gotta go. Sitting too long at the computer does no good for my cheap Irish neck. ta-ta.....
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