I'm Still Standing

Jeeze. Seems forever since I last spoke. So much has happened since… worked a bit a Po Boyz, in Folsom.. we talked about that. I enjoyed working there, but it was a lot of work. The owner, Brenda Taylor is a jewel, but the menu was much too extensive to be managed by one person… bar food, and homemade Cajun dishes.. salads… kind of like Cheesecake Factory, only they have a back house staff of many – Po Boyz handled by 1. The take away is that I learned how to hustle the various stations… everything I’ve done to-date has been a learning experience and I have no regrets. I do miss it.
I was invited to participate as a host Chef at the unveiling ceremony of Cuisine Noir [magazine], held in Jack London Square in Oakland. That was simply lovely. Had an opportunity to work with Chef Pannell (which I always enjoy) and his brother, Chef Pennell (Booker T).. great event!
Still in school and struggling with staying focused. Failed a few classes last semester, trying to work and be a wife and Mother.. it’s really too much. I’ve said it before. Please learn from my mistakes… do one or the other. Everyone needs someone, but not everyone is cut out to be the wind beneath your wings. Not even the bird that flies alongside you. It’s hard for most people. Working and going to school is full-time. Some people just want to clip your wings to satisfy their own selfish desires. Not happening.
My latest endeavor is breakfasts at River’s Edge at Moon River Inn. Yes, it finally came to fruition. With the help and support of my family I am the proud lessee of the kitchen at this beautiful 8-room Inn. I serve breakfasts daily and so far it’s been very humbling. The first few days I had absolutely no guests, save for the proprietors of the Inn. I had done little advertising or marketing to speak of. Then, the signs I’d ordered online finally arrived! Charles and I put them up, along Highway 160 (Freeport Blvd.) and within minutes, folks where trickling in! I Yelped, I Face-booked, but nothing brought the folks in like old-fashioned signage. Everyone who stopped in had nothing but good things to say.
My first guests where, of course, Kim & Travis. I love them. They support me in whatever I do. Those are friends. My friend Damica helps out too. She actually did the interviewing for wait staff and has made a commitment to come in and eat once a week. Love her, too! The most endearing experience came when a customer popped in and read the menu. She asked, “are these sweet potato waffles really good? I’ve never heard of that before.” I convinced her that they were probably the best thing she’s ever eaten. She left and came back with her husband; ordered the chicken and sweet potato waffles and absolutely loved them. She left a generous tip for my waitress and gave me $5. She said – “this is for you. The meal was excellent and this is meant to help keep you motivated!” That made my day and was exactly what I needed after having had 3 days with virtually no guests. Today was a good day.