Training

I went to a 60 minute Bikram class at my favorite hot yoga studio in Chelsea today after work. I’ve been going quite frequently during this transition period: I got moved to Penny (very exciting news), the dating field which was quite a buzz when I first moved here has died down after a Frenchmen left me for Paris (not really, that’s just what I’m telling myself..), and next week I will be attempting the construction of a princess cake.

My story about deviled eggs is still out in the universe waiting to be published, but I have a feeling it will be soon? I met with my editor a couple weeks ago for a coffee in Williamsburg and we spent around 3 hours combing through the piece, narrowing the word count and choosing the perfect words. It was honestly quite fun, and I’m hoping to work more with her in the future.

Today I made brioche for the second time, pretty much by myself, simultaneously overseeing the cooking of a pseudo version of my grandfather’s “hamburger curry”. I was grateful that my co-workers took over while my hands were helplessly coated in flour, and amused as they continued to add ingredients to taste - I honestly did nothing but chop vegetables and laugh, but it came together - I don’t think the staff thought it was too peculiar, although I did not serve with yogurt, cucumber, or mango pickles like Grand usually does so it was definitely just inspired.

Saturday I volunteer all day for Cherry Bombe’s Jubilee and I am so excited! I intend to report back to say how it goes, and I’m looking forward to meeting people and networking + Jaden is volunteering as well so it will be fun to hang with her! Sunday night is Cake Zine’s launch party for their latest issue → Steak Zine. We’re supposed to wear our “steak house finest”, but all I can think about is these adorable red Samba Mary Janes that I saw the other day which I’m dying to have. In regards to table arrangement for the event the email reads, “perhaps even find love or a creative collaborator over steak frites?” One can hope..

Training:

After making my transition from Stars to Penny —> where I trained a new guy on tasks I felt moderately comfortable in - I then entered into the ___. The line is about the size of a lap lane, and running or walking down like a clown with big clumsy strides does not help one operate more efficiently. I’ve been trained by Harper, the same goddess I met back in October at my first trail. She is smart, she is efficient, she is tall, and she knows how to get it done. She also kind of scares me.

The first couple weeks were especially rough as I felt as though I was starting from square one. I was overwhelmed, the past 2 years seemed to reflect in no way in my actions, and my only saving grace was the oysters I got to shuck for confit at the end of my shift - this was a return to the known. My origins.

Then I realized even though I am still “green” I know a lot more than I give myself credit for, and the term is becoming more of an excuse than a barrier. The main issue is confidence and keeping my cool (a problem I have grappled with my whole life) and of course moving faster because I am truly slow in the kitchen. The other day Josh told me to trust my intuition and this is what I’m trying to do.

Sugar:

I don’t know if it is stress or walking everywhere, or something, but all my body wants is sugar. nothing else - not even my coveted Doritos has sounded appealing to me. I eat family meal, and immediately I want sugar. This has happed in the past, but not to this severity. The thing that troubles me is not the sugar intake (although it is concerning ), but more so the fact that nothing else sounds appetizing. I’m inspired to make food for others, but I am not craving. I think I have turned a curve perhaps though, and have made myself some things for taco bowls this week, in addition to having grapes and dried mango on hand. I think what did it was a crappy piece of red velvet from Wegmans to reset the equilibrium. + I’m dreaming about the Stargazy pie at Deans, so maybe I’ll go try that.

Party:

I’m dying to have a party with cute finger foods and drinks, but I need to make a plan for that + find a way to finance/ venue/ when.

Lobstering/Clamming:

Going to find a way to do some fishing this summer.

Green Market:

I must spend more time in the Union Square Green Market

*Side note*:

Maggie and I are going to get Indian food on Cinco de mayo.

Peace and Love,

B.

P.S.

I tried Sunn’s with the fam —> it was bomb

Noreetuh still fucking rocks!

Visited Andrew M. at Fradei Bistro → absolutely lovely + good view

Trailer Park Lounge is despicable (sorry)

Ice cream is still the cutest dessert → for some reason people waiting in line for ice cream or eating ice cream gives me so much joy even though I tend to abstain given that it brings me the most pain as a lactose intolerant being

I’m sure there’s other things, but I’m hitting publish!

A fork Sam gave to me with a B in case I forget who I am. Will be displayed with Molly’s fork when I have a more permanent place in the city. April 1, New York, NY.