A Short Story..More to come...

Days that can make even the most well off man wish they were in my topsiders. It was a good day on the top deck of the MS Pride of America. The wind from starboard and the sun was dropping to our bow. There is nothing in this world that comes close to a sunset while underway. The sun casts a golden shadow across a sapphire and aqua sea. A mango sky perfectly contrasting the waters that lay ahead creates an almost surreal horizon. Reclining in a chair I take in everything controlling my breathing, slow and deliberate. I savor every second as the sun inches closer and closer to the azure water. As this natural phenomenon takes place the sky changes into a bright peach hue, with no clouds in the sky it is almost as if the entire sky is under a filtered light. Enjoying times such as these my mind fills with thoughts of the many seaman who were able to enjoy this same event through the ages. Though I am on a craft of Iron I can still close my eyes and try to place myself onto a wooden sailing vessel. I can almost smell the pitch and wood as my modern floating city roars on. It would be an amazing experience to sail without the drone of an engine. The only sounds filling the approaching night sky would be the bow breaking and the sails flapping as we came around to capture the wind. With night falling and the last shred of light disappearing over the horizon the lights on board the creaking vessel would cut, and a blanket of black would veil itself tightly around our small world in the center of the sea. As the day toils on a person it is the night which wears on a man as the day ends it is easy to find ones self moments away from loss of control. With a crew in a mindset such as this it is no doubt that some would light a pipe and share a story of rough seas and even rougher women at port. It is a difficult life for a sailor the rolling of the sea alone can drive a man to fever but the most difficult emotion to deal with is that of feeling alone. With confines tighter than the rigging on the main sail it is hard to imagine one feeling alone. But it is a possibility and a very real part of life. But to get many through this relying on the only real comfort is the knowledge that the next horizon will offer something new and different, and the crimes of the previous will be forgiven and forgotten. A heathenish bunch we are made to be and perhaps the combination of cook and sailor is only placing a grittier than average stigma on my head, which I am completely comfortable with. I like the notion that I am a gruff man who likes women and booze a little too much, perhaps that is correct, but If it is my lifestyle of choosing then I think it is I alone who must bear the weight of the mast. My friends let me inform you of this it is not a lifestyle of wealth and fame we are living; it is thankless and soul breaking at best. It is a environment in which nothing of your past life matters. The only thing that really counts is how you cope with your new reality. I find myself awakening to wonder what day it could be and further realizing that it makes not much matter what day or what year it could be. The positive is in waking up. This is a feat alone when it comes to this fantasy lifestyle. With unfriendly ports and infectious diseases it is only a matter of time before you too will succumb to the hands of the sea. She gives in many respects and takes in many more. She claims more than just the green and she roasts no bones about who will rest within her bowels. These waters we sail are warm and dangers abound. With each rising sun port may be in a number of secluded locations all on the exotic side and with many diversions that make it easy to become lost in the chaos. With the ship moored on a questionable pier in a very questionable port I know every man will find his form of pleasure. Be it lovers numerous as the fish that school in the tidal pools or perhaps a man will take to the drink, a swill on a harsh local cane wine that stings the senses even after it is consumed. But I find my pleasure from another. She is in every port and I know her to be safe and kind. She goes by the name of Lady and comes from the most remote regions of Asia. I know I have come close when I smell her sweet perfume hanging heavy in the air around a group of tranquil locals. I know while under her magical spell I can let the confines of the ship sail, and appreciate the luxury of sprawling my legs as we lay side by side drifting from one conciseness to another. Her passion takes me away to lands that even I dare not go, far beyond my furthest horizons. But my trust in her is strong and I am able to enjoy the times we are able to spend with each other. With my head occupied with other matters I drift away from my thatched bunker and make way through the clouded streets observing and appreciating all the movements happening all around me. Though the temptation of flesh is ever-present I still avoid and revel in the commotion of fruit vendors juggling freshly harvested papayas. The streets are narrow and the stalls are tightly packed with people and wares. In port we provision and replenish, at least that is what is supposed to happen. With the masses of people it is sometimes difficult to move and most do not make way for our type. With the intersecting corridors and the repetition of products it is easy to become lost within the inner sanctum of this living and breathing thing that seems to circulate like an uroburos. Coiled within these serpentine passages and colorful offerings lays a danger greater than the sea, but perhaps it is all in my head. As I stroll every face seems to have an untold air of danger to it. It feels as though I can look into people’s souls through their eyes. A man with a thin mustache and skin worn and tanned like a precious piece of leather seems to stare me down as I pass. His eyes hide barely peeking out of the brim of his woven hat. I can feel a connection between us though no words are shared. I have uneasiness about the man and truly think he is up to something less than pious. But with my fresh high I manage to put these fears aside and succumb to the moment and attempt to enjoy the day as it unfolds before me in a much more favorable light. Though the bustling streets of the port offer excitement and pleasure I find my eyes have become far too dizzy from the colors and movement, my mind is twisting from the sounds and compressed space, the face of the mustached man keeps reappearing and starts to make me wonder what the hell I got myself into. I need to find an area to decompress my head. Though my body is already relaxed I must seek an area to breath the fresh air and let my mind rest and the confines of the city cannot offer such. With a goal in mind I splash my parched face with water and being on my quest. Before I exit the cobbled streets I purchase necessary provisions for this conquest. With everything readily at hand finding what I need is not difficult even in my current mental capacity. With me I take citrus fruits and libations to quench the thirst. It is easy to become ill from heat in locations such as this. With my direction chosen I begin my trek. But to my fortune before I exit the city I am able to find more pure Lady, which I add to my purchases and place into my worn canvas rucksack and fasten the brass buckle finally exiting the city’s mass hysteria. The resulting factor from being in port for an extended time usually equates to a sluggish crew upon departure. I know I am no different, one must enjoy while they can for it is hard to say when the next port will be reached. Perhaps many overindulge but when the next day at sea comes one day to early it is a necessary thing to take advantage of time away from the dank confines of the crew bunk.

People I work with,,,,Here it goes

So following the path of Buddha is a hard one. It is near impossible for me to accept all people. I do find some peoples to be less than adequate and I find some to be irritating. Its not virtious nor acceptable but it happens. Some people I find alright to be around for a short time but any longer than a short time and I see the true nature of the people in question. They to me are sluggish and really when it comes to the end of the day do not finish hard. Its hard and sad to say but I cannot live in such close quarters with such people.. Nor would I really Invite some into my home.. but this is a generalization.. Many are nice and good people..but I find them to have strange ways of dealing with problems .. their mental connections are different than my own and I am not sure why but do not make me alright with some actions…Ok so now that I have said all that and will most likely look back on this with negative thoughts I must say that today was a more than challenging day of work. I am used to easy and nice Saturdays with relaxing walks and access to the beach and mostly a fun good time.. this Saturday was nothing like that.. it was like placing fish into a barrel with a hole in the bottom.. or wrangling a heard of sheep.. they each want to do something different than the objective. For instance The galley is a mess and were not progressing What is logical. Clean the galley and them progress. I found the galley was not clean and there was no progression. So it is to say that the most we accomplished today was gaining hours and not too much more. Now I am happy that I worked 10.5 hours on over time that makes me feel great. It’s basically 100 dollars added to my check but is that extra 100 worth the effort I expended..Perhaps? I did manage to have fun with it.. I was placed on a sandwich making task.. It was great! I was slanging mayo and slapping around mustard.. Good fun!! Perhaps a little too much fun. I treated the job with a joking attitude… shit I’m making sandwiches for Christ’s sake..It does not take too much brain function to do so..The person who was responsible for making these sandwhiches was basically a useless lump of meat when it comes to the kitchen.. I wonder about other aspects of her life as well.. This woman is a character, it takes her about 2 hours to cut a case of tomatoes and not a difficult cut just slices..I could understand if it were umm.. a rose or something I dunno even then I don’t think it would take that long.. any who she is fucking nuts..She was using the mandolin the other day and telling me a story about how she escaped Jeffery Daumier and basically she never reported it and later learned he was a killer..now I do not believe this story but it was fun to hear something so crazy for sure. So yea this woman basically sucks at kitchen work and well even pot scrubbing apparently.. Its kinda sad..Ohhh hahah.. another story..Im trying to contain a water spill and this same woman comes up to me trying get in my flooding galley I ask what she wants and I was not really listening..Come to find out she wants in my flooding galley to pour out water from a barrel now I have water spilling into the hall and this woman wants to add to it I could give two fucks what she wants let along dump water I tell her to dump the shit on the floor she does and the dingbat was complaining about no more than a cup of water..It was pitiful..I have more water in my shoes than this fucking green barrel.. and she wants to go into my galley just to empty the thing…For me the situation would have been common knowledge ..just dump the fucker on the floor they will never know the difference. Its silly really when it comes to who they hire into the galley..I am not sure if people lie a lot on there application or during their interview but with out question we have nearly 25 percent of people who should never be allowed to touch a pan let alone be trusted with a knife.. Another person John Garver a huge white Texan with highlighted blonde graying hair apparently used to work in the veg tomb on his last contract It has been said on the job he used to pack a huge wad of Dip and swallow the liquid.. That is bad but what is worse during his shift he used to fall a sleep. Not just daze out and slow down but literally fall a sleep standing up while cutting something..The man is fat fatter than he really should be and when he comes in the room it takes all my might to find pleasant thoughts. I do find many people to be fun. A chef in the crew mess galley is nicknamed fish mostly because he had worked in the fish butchery but partly because some think he looks like a fish I personally do not think the latter but do think he is a valueable asset to this staff.. He has a great attitude and a loud thundering voice that demands attention.. Though with these larger than life characteristics he is not that large of a person.. He is a ligher skinned black man and is gaining some age but still has it as a chef. He works hard and cooks with love and still has the passion.. From what I gather he has never attended school and I am proud to say that I am the same way. I home in my long career ahead of me that I will be able to do the same..being keep the passions and a positive attitude though all the shit that happens. Another chef that I find interesting is Joselito The execuitive sous chef for the Production galley..He is a tall man and with the toque only adds to his comical height.he walks with a wiggle and a flair to his wrist. His voice is very nasally His personality is one for the ages and thinking of him angry is not something I would like to do.. I am sure he can be serious but most of time time he maintains a light attitude towards the people working in his galleys

Breath of fresh air

So Its like Month one plus some days and I have found a new awakening of sorts… I have been more and more spiritual lately but not in the typical Catholic way..I am beginning to have curiosity is eastern religions specifically Buddhism. At the beginning of this adventure I decided to take the Teaching of Buddha from the nightstand from the hotel.. Mostly because it was something Ihad never seen before but also because I thought It would be an interesting way to spend some time.. well as time here has passed I have managed to be distracted and this book basically became crammed between my mattress and my wall. And there it still sits.. so why am I mentioning this and what is the meaning.. Ok so here it is.. I was visiting a friend and we were talking and I found amongst some clutter a book.. The title is odd “Girl seeks Bliss” Zen and the art of Modern Life Maintenance. So its basically book for women but I am still reading it and am coming to a lot of interesting realizations.. Its also teaching me a few things for instance did you know that at the same age of 24 Richard Gere also found Buddha.. I dunno kinda cool perhaps the age of 24 is the year one finds them selves or strikes out on there own path.. Its also said in Neil Youngs sound Old man. Old Man Take a look at your life I am a lot like you, old man take a look at your life 24 and there is so much more living life in a paradise that was only built for two…Seriously This is really cool perhaps the 24 was the ideal number.. Look at my life I am living in a paradise and it built for a lot more than two..So as I am reading this book it is talking a lot about spirituality and the such and really I am becoming more interested and I think it was meant that I found both of these books like my life was meant to include them.. Everything happens for a reason and perhaps this is just another.. Something that was stated later in the book really caught my eye.. It says “ New Buddha groupies are smart, slightly rebellious, Happiness seeking Humanitarians in their twenties and thirties who Are looking for spirituality through righteousness, and peace of mind without illusions.. Cumon is that me or what.. I think it hits the nail very close to the head.. I am thinking this would be the intended audience of the book so perhaps it Is not that of a coincidence at all.. Either way I am super pumped and really think this whole zen way of being can become a good way to relax. I really want to learn a lot about this religion and way of being I think it has a lot to offer me.. particularly when it comes to my line of work.. now I love what I do.. but it is a stressful type of job. So if I can still fill my passion at the same time I am able to be collected I think I will be much more successful when it comes to daily kitchen life.. also I think it would be a great jumping off point for my Masters classes.. I would have a reason to study in India/China..I could eat and write and meditate it would be an all encompassing education. I think it would not only give me a great sense of pride but also be humbling and emotional. So though it is in the Buddhist teaching that one must live in the moment for it is the only moment that matters I must think slightly into the future.. Now I acknowledge that things may change and that is ok and up to the universe to dictate however, If I keep this job and save money and stay debt free over the next few years perhaps one and a half I would have enough revenue to fund an academic trip to Thailand, or some such place to study this along with the cuisine and what it means..I already have some insight into the eating of these people but it would be amazing to really grasp the knowledge and be able to write scholastically of the topic even perhaps teach a class which would be quite amazing indeed.. I think something that I would be proud to tell my eventual children of…” If you knew what I know about the power of giving you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in someway” That is soo true. I want that particular lifestyle.. Perhaps communistic in a way.. everyone shares and chips into the main goal.. I would love to live that way.. I have a many thing I want to do in life but a limited time to do it so basically it comes down to when and how.. Here and now is once again the answer..I am young and anything can happen in my life so why not grab the bull by the horns and just do something momentous with life..Not that I am not..I am sitting in the bunk of my cruise ship..That is a lot more than many people can say..I am taking charge of my life and making money..though not a lot some money and saving up for something special be it schooling in the future or be it a most interesting traveling experience..I think I must take time for adventure before I get too old..My roommate is 34 or 35 he is a great person and had seemingly done a great many thing in his life..I want to also share in that I want to be able to say Yes I did that too and you know it really was special..I do not want to say something along the lines of ohh that tour bus was nice I am sure glad I paid the extra 29.99 to get the audio tour..no that’s not it..I want to explore on my own and do it by my terms ..the only audio tour I want is the one created by the natural setting..the grass crunching between my toes..the tide raising up to rocks and crashing when it comes in and babbling as it retreats into the sea. I want to listen to the squeaking of shoes on a freshly polished marble floor. I want to experience life and I want it all now..I am able to wait I know I am but I know I want it all to happen to me and it would be even greater to find someone to share it with..However some of the best adventures I have faced I have faced alone and I am sure I will continue to find this to be true..

Scarlet Bigonias and a touch of the BLues

So some may say I am many things but in my heart of hearts I am what I am. I Have over these past weeks forgotten what makes me a unique person. I have lost my way and now I have found what makes me happy again. I have rediscovered my hippy roots. My hair is long and my style is what it is. I am a Dead Head. But the kind that has to hold down a job and be productive so I don’t smoke but might take something else. So here I am on a little raft in the middle of the sea and surrounded by many folks who like rap and such type of music. Well here I am on desolation row and I need to find some like hippies. I think I need some tshirts to show my style to say a lot without saying anything. I avoid drugs but love the people in the culture. Some of my best friends have come from such situations and I need to find them her. I am sure there are some here its impossible to imagine I am the only one. So over the next few weeks I am going to look for signs of the people I am in search of. So with the realization that I am a hip type person I must remember that I am also a alcohol free person. Its like a mind fuck though. To be me is to consume alcohol its been a part of my life for quite a while. So am I being true to me if I don’t drink at all? I know I was not an alcoholic but I did consume quite a bit of alcohol. So by not having any am I still the same person I was before I came here. Its a question that is best left to the persons with the white coats. But for me this is too good of a gig to blow it by blowing into a tube. I must remember that no what my mind twists to be alright I must avoid the hooch at least for the time I am here. I cannot afford to go home. To many people know I am here and Its not worth it to go back for something so stupid. I need to be smart and above all that. It is weird though. All my hero’s are drinkers smokers and evil doers. Its odd that I am living an exact opposite of the ideals they instill. Hmmm… So I thought this battery was supposed to last like 7 hours. Its fully charged and is about to die. I think its stupid. Well I dunno.. I don’t think anything is wrong with it but… geeze I really do not like technology sometimes. Its getting at times to be simpler and with that of a lesser quality… ghhh…well I am done with this for the moment I feel that the context of this text is moot… ciao

Words

Two words can do a lot for a person. I was feeling kind of low and dirty and, well, all the feelings a chef usually feels. But the something happened, I was at a bar what a surprise many would think but to all those people I must Inform I was not indulging in any form of Libation. So with the night dragging on and the crowd getting drunker and drunker I entered into a conversation about cooking surprise. Its my profession I am only expected to talk about it, and when you get X amount of chefs in a room there is bound to be cheffing conversations. So here I am talking about cooking with a sushi cook and he give me two words that helped me remember who I am and what I am here for. Now let me back up, these past few weeks have been great I must say, but I have been getting further and further distracted from my sole intent. My intent is to learn and push my intelligence level further up. So here it is I am becoming distracted with other things not really anything too intense but still I have been letting my mind wonder. So here it is this dude at the bar told to me Embrace It! No matter what just embrace it as it would be the most important thing and do it the best and that’s it. Now I have been doing a great job and people have recognized that. I was told I perform better than a multitude of people combined and I really hope to make everyone expect that from me. If I start letting people down It would not be good once I get out of this place. I want people to know I am a strong worker and am ready to take it to what ever level is necessary. So from the moment I heard embrace it. I really kept it turning in my mind. Its like a shot of adrenaline I could feel my body become ready and my heart rate rise it was an amazing pep talk and waking up this morning was like getting ready for a great day of battle I went in with an attitude of must do will do can do..DONE. It was a great day we killed vegetables and did it is a great time. I have a feeling that either a great many horrible cooks have passed through the vegetable rooms door or people really do not care of the job. Every job is important. It all matters. IT all Takes Time and IT must get done. If I keep this up and keep doing a good job I will be a Veg room manager in no time. Its only bound to happen. One man leaves tomorrow, another leaves in 2 weeks and yet another leaves in 2 months. Now with that 2 month time span I have plenty of time to learn the station in and out and take advantage of of it and hopefully will have someone working under me. Now If I cannot get to the top I want out ASAP! I would much rather be a muffin man and perfect biscuits and muffins than cut veggies all day. Though both jobs are hard and difficult being a baker not only sounds better on paper but also gets more respect from co-workers. Its amazing what saying I am a baker does to people its like some special honor, and I got it. So hopefully I can keep my baking privileges but if not I will be the best damn Onion cutter and doer of vegetables I can be. So things are good. My favourite sous Chef Erika is leaving for 3 months which is sad I really like her. But with that change comes different opportunities so I am excited to see what will happen over this upcoming rotation. So other than all this I am very excited for Saturday. It is the reprovision day and we have a bare minimum of prep to do. So with the speed we have been working I am hoping to be off the ship by 2 giving me much time to see the city of Honolulu Which I have yet to explore. AND Here I am able to buy cigars a necessary thing at the end of a day. It helps me clear my head and reflect on what is happening all around me. Well at this point I must go and take care of some business and after that probably relax on top deck and watch the sun set. What a great plan for the rest of this evening. Ok over and out.
Taste everything and regret nothing
3en~

KodaChrome

So there is an adage or saying that states.. a picture is worth or can say..a thousand words..but that is just the half of it..being there to take the picture is.. so much more.. and every day I am ALIVE is worth and is beyod a thousand words..Its odd though,.. I have scournful words, amazing words, and every such thing in between. I like very much to say that every day I can see the ocean.. I like very much I can say I took a random bus to Pa'ia and strolled the streets and talked to random hemp clothing sales people. I like that I can say I am almost sick of amazing sunsets.. How many people can say these words.. I am pleased with many things in my life.. I like that I can sit in the Maui mall and listen to the smiths over the loud speakers..Now with all this I like stuff I must inform you my valient reader that I do not like some aspects of my life.. They being that I do not get to stay in one place for longer than a few hours.. I would enjoy to just be here in this place for a few days just to explore a little deeper than a rough estimate of what is going on. But every day is a gift and every day I must exit the bowels of the ship and breath some "fresh" air. OS o9f late I did do some culinary adventure I had Lau Lau for the first time.. now for you that are not in the know this dish is traditional or a local taste.. its basically a fish and pork dish wraped in a green of sorts and cooked until all the flavours are mixed.. Its very mushy and well the pork was good but the butterfish really threw me off.. still good but I would say not for everyone.. also with this I had a homade banana bread.. now also good but slightly different.. instead of being totally mushy it was only soft on the top the rest was almost like a dryish pound cake.. interesting to say the least.. now to accuire these dishes I went into an "in-and-out" mart trype sitatuion,.. the folks spoke little english and well I must say a good eating adventure...Next Week I have plans to eat at a homke made udon noodle place..I am quite excited.. So I also went to a Hotdog place it was called Haute Dogg so I suppose it was good I dunno nothing like a chicago frank..the best part of the meal was provided by me.. I got a mango from provisions and well I must say it was the most perfect mango ever.. juicy and delicious and ripe..IT was a great treat on such a nice day.. after this I ran into my friend fish and RyaN and as a group we went to the beach and just chilled and loved life.. after that I went and just walked the streets of LuLu ITs a great city but I think I prefer something a little slower in pace.. so far Maui is my favourite Island though I have a shirt that says I heart Kuai.. Over all I am keeping this going just to make everyone back home want to be just like me so.. love me and eat your veggies...Ohh yea I work in the Veggie room I cut them all day so I have a slight affinity for them..
3en~

Days Tenish

Day Nine and Ten July 23 and 24
So work as usual. Still making the muffins and have gained the nickname muffin man so that is perfect. I still make a ton of pizza dough and I am quite happy with the whole situation. I would like to work a line eventually but working in a specialty galley is for sure something to be proud of. Its very disorganized right now for our chef is gone so basically a bunch of random people are left in charge of the whole rip so that is for sure making things a bit harder to get used to especially when it will be changing quite a bit over the next few weeks. Yesterday the 23rd the ship was ported in Kawai again and with so much tension about my hair I went out and bought hair nets in hopes the abuse would stop it almost did but still I got yet more information. Basically its hard to have long hair. So on Kawai we face a lot of criticism from the locals and I understand why. Were a bunch of kids with disposable incomes coming ashore drinking a bunch of alcohol making a lot of unneeded noise I would hate the Shippies to. So I went out and kept with my vow to avoid the elixir. It was kind of fun to see people from the ship out of context. I see so many people every day and its hard to pinpoint if they are good looking or not, Going out really helps solidify my opinions. There are a lot of butter faces and butter bodies. Its not the best I have seen nor the best I will. But getting away from that subject I must say this lifestyle is slightly different than I had envisioned. I pictured a multitude of surely individuals out for blood and pirate like attitudes. Well the people here are like any other. They are young and moderately nice. Its almost like people actually have compassion here. I don’t want to see so many happy people Its supposed to be a rough lifestyle for rouge salts. Buts its not that way. I did see someone with an eye patch but they were at a bowling alley and well I doubt they were on the ship.. I think I should have an eye patch but I doubt it would meet health code on this shit. I mean ship. I feel like Jimmy buffet’s songs he speaks of the sea and the life outlook it helps create.
I lay my head on a semi soiled pillow and my body rests on a poor excuse for a mattress. The ship rocks with a slow shutter reminding me that we are underway. My bunkmates rest as I sit awake. Reminding me that I am on an adventure that not too many people can relate with. It’s a cruel lifestyle that does not lend opportunity to relax or have a moment of true serenity or an opportunity to be alone. Alone is good but it’s a commodity around these parts and if its found I must hold onto it for as long as possible and never let it go to waste. The only escape is my imagination and that can be a dangerous thing if left to wander for a extended length of time. My job is a never ending obstacle. I got off today ay 8 and must return at 2130 for a bon voyage dinner..geeze I kind of like it..welll Time to hit it again.
Stay hungry Bitches,
Captain 3en~

Day Umm Uhh I dont even know any more

Day Eight and Nine
Still going strong! So these past few days have been fun exciting and well everything. I finally started Work It seems like an eternity but it finally happened. I will get to that later. this chapter looks kind of boring but essentially all parts are important in the overall plot of things. So a week has passed and its back to the beginning Back to Honolulu and then to Maui and then the Big Island . But over these past few days I had to sit though meetings of varying lengths on topics of ordinary variety, Sex, Drugs, Safety, Policy Really common sense kinda stuff. So with that it finally was time for me to start work. We met in the chefs office after one of these long meetings and were assigned to our jobs. Kenny got production, Jeff works Aloha Café, Eric work Crew Mess, and I work the Bake shop. I am really excited to be placed here because its something I really have never played with too much. I have made pizza dough, and varying other things but never at this level and quantity. Some things do come in frozen and pre made but that is the way of the beast. We do not make the little breakfast treats either but it would be crazy to do it every evening. Like way Crazy. I have made muffins, 24 dozen a day. I help scale dough and eventually with begin to make the dough but that is a ways off. The people of the bake shop are kinda weird but mostly nice folks. One is from the Philippines another from Chicago, and one from New Mexico so its geographically interesting at best. My days have been starting around 10 and lasting till 7ish give or take a few minutes. Its hot and rapid work and never a dull moment, so its good for that I must say. We usually go underway at about 6 so its not too bad I don’t really have to work when we are traveling. Its hard to enjoy Hawaii when you have to work during the only available hours of exploration. I do think im slightly lucky in that I have good room mates. They are nice folks and seemingly trust worthy people. They have done this bit a few times and have helped me out when it comes to random questions I have. Talking with them and lots of other people it seems that this place is kind of a cesspool for bacteria of the pants variety.

Day Six and seven one week down

Day six and seven July 17/18
With our training coming to an end I feel slightly more knowledgeable and ready to do this whole working on a boat thing. Saturday was a boring day in class when I say that I do not mean that in a light matter. The day began at 645 though most days for me have since my arrival. With this class we sat in the dark watching life boat many other types of safety videos. It was hard to get through I must admit. After this I went above deck to play volley ball with the guests. It was super fun. Chucking balls at paying guests heads what a treat. With the day coming to an end It was Jeff and I still above deck watching the sun sink into the sea. It was one of those moments that really makes me appreciate this job I am beginning. It is still in a glorious mindset however, I don’t think as many people would come back if it were as bad as everyone is making me think. I am worried however at the quality of the food. It is sounding like many people don’t know asses from elbows and that is never a good thing when you are cooking..or anything for that matter. So I am hoping that I will find some other people who know what is up in the kookin world. Jeff for instance is my instant dude. He and I can talk food and can appreciate a person who can do that with me because It is all I love to do. But with the other people on this thing I hope others share our appreciation for food and life. With that It brings me to the 18th the last day of ship training. We had our big test today and boy did it go very very wrong. It started off all well and good and then came the obstacle course. Kenny, another new recruit and cook spoke up to be the leader. He wanted it he got it and well In my eyes lost all leadership abilities from this moment out. He being the leader should have manned up and gotten the job done. We entered the pitch black room in full gear and were pumped to do this thing. We blew past the first stage with no trouble almost a record then came another record breaking experience. With the rest of the maze we successfully rotated through the same area nearly 4 times at which point the instructor had to interject and tell us we were doing something wrong. Hmmm I wonder what that was. So with Kenny still blazing a path we finally finally finally reached the right path and finished the course. With this gear and everything and the physical demand it placed on the body I was ready to pass out but no the day was not yet done. We still had water activities and Fire extinguishing Let me say that this day was the most demanding and critical I have faced in a very long time. It was interesting to see that personality matters a lot, When you place a non natural leader into a leadership role, or they elect to It can go very wrong if they cannot rise to the challenge. It is a difficult thing but one that must be done. Well at this point I am very tired and have been up for quite some time and my day is not close to being done. I still have a dinner with the captain and chef’s It should be good but I have low expectations. I wonder how the event in Huron went I hope well for Leo’s sake. By the time I hit the pillow I will have been awake for nearly 16 hours and Have to wake up early again Tomorrow to do yet more training. It is demanding however, in the end It could save many lives if an emergency does arise.

day fith

Day Five,
Kona , the Island of coffee and its good coffee. We awoke at 0600 to meet the first tender at 0700. The tender is the smaller boat that takes passengers to the island from the boat. So arriving so early we had very few choices for food. For me I choose to go with out and just get a very large coffee. There is nothing like a good strong coffee to wake you up as you watch the sea from a lanai with a sand floor. We each finished our respective items and began walking. A trolley passed and we got on. Free transportations is one of the few great things left in this world. But this free transport was special it took us to a very nice public State Beach. At this beach I wanted nothing more than to observe and report on what I saw. IT was amazing, a large reef separated the ocean from the land creating a perfect environment for green sea turtles. After some convincing I decided to snorkel and with that I found myself face to face with a massive sea turtle. Along with this hundreds of fish darted through the coral reef with colors only once thought to be possible. Blues and Pinks along with yellows and greens. Amazing I must say and worth doing if only for the story. After a hot day at this particular beach we reloaded onto the trolley and made headway back to the pier. A conversation began with a local and I requested a delicious restaurant. He a welcoming person that he seemed gave me the name and direction how to get there. The island people are very hospitable at times, at least from my experience. Thanking the man we left the trolley and went in search of the restaurant he spoke of. With our expert directional skills we found the spot and appreciated it was a local’s only kind of environment. The food was in large quantities and of good quality. I understand why the locals would come to such a place. If that wasn’t enough the prices were not bad at all, Almost in line with the main land. After this long hot day I got back into the tender and relaxed for the rest of the night. Life on board seems to interesting and one can always find something to appreciate. In my time of relaxation I was on deck 14 and observed a pod of dolphins doing flips and shit it was amazing. I had never see that many and from my vantage point they appeared to be tiny almost the size of a newborn baby. Well that is all for now Stay hungry and I will update more later

My 24th Birthday on an Island

Day Four
My Birthday. I suppose it’s a big deal to turn 24 I dunno though. Today was another day of training, we completed First aid and CPR Training which was nice to have done. But to do this we sat in a classroom from 0800 until 1500 not really a long day but when it comes to sitting around it does become quite lame. But we make the best of it I suppose. I really am starting to see more and more in this Gudrun girl but it also seems the whole of the ships male crew does too. But that is all for what ever, if it works it works if not then not…Most likely Not! So what is a boy to do for his birthday on a boat. I started by getting my access to the deck. So that was nice I had a meal for 10 dollars which was covered by Jeff, Angie, and Ryan. All fellow new crew members, which really I did not realize got reservations to a restaurant so we could eat..Really surprising I must say. So dinner came and Jeff and I ordered the same dishes and both had criticisms about everything. I think we are a lot closer than other cooks when it comes to our opinions on cooking and the craft. We had osso Buco which was alright but it was served with raw mir piox ..Im not sure why but it was and it was confusing..For dessert we ordered a tasting of everything it was really nice I must say. For the most part we got what we paid for it was not the best food nor was it the worst. So I figure why not just go with the flow. Dessert was the best part. I asked if we could eat it on the aft deck so we could watch the Lava Flows. We get to the deck and it is a set table with a candle the whole rip it was amazing!! A great B-day with some new friends, still can’t believe that I caught them I was just about to hit the sack for the evening and then next thing I know boom I’m going out with some people for a genuine nice time..I really have to do something nice back for them I think I will get them a card or something tomorrow and slip it under their door. Well shoot I am about to really do the sleep thing. The ship seems to lull me to sleep its kind of nice for sure..Ohh I suppose the biggest thing right now is no drinking. I want to give it up and I think I have to. So as of July 14 on my 24th birthday I am no longer drinking. I have made this pledge many many times in my life and it is hard to escape from and hard to avoid. But at least for now I am not going to. After a while it most likely turn to once a week and then to twice then to only two an hour..hahah because that’s all I can have..But I must maintain a grasp on this thing. Its like why drink if I can actually lose my job over it you know what I mean. Well That’s the end of this one Stay Hungry and eat often! (unless you work on a Cruise then eat whenever you think your stomach can handle it.
3en~

Day Three

Day Three,
With a class at 0800 on crowd control and fire safety it was the beginning to another day. We got some chow and hung out. Really there was nothing to do after class so I hung out above deck and studied material. After this roamed around for a while then came back to my room I met a girl from laundry and told her I was cold and needed warm things for my bed. She hooked me up quite well. I got officers mattress pad and duvet cover, both are really nice I must say. Along with this I also was given a new shower curtain gret! Over all nothing really exciting went on. We set off at 1800 and I watched as we powered away from Maui. Returning to my elaborate state room I got into my newly comfortable sheets and passed out awaking at 0600..whoops it was nice to have 11 hours of sleep I must say.

Day two

Day Two,
The First day off and last for a while. We left home port around 1900 and we were underway all night arriving in Maui at about 0700. The ship dropped gangway at about 0745 and I was on land around 0845 before I left I decided to take some breakfast and for what it is I don’t really think it’s as bad as soo many say. I do know it will get old but it really is not that bad when it comes to dinner and lunch. Breakfast on the other hand takes some getting used to. The eggs are hit or miss and most everything is the same way for the breakfast buffet. The food is either surprisingly alright or amazingly disappointing. So departing I took a walk around the Maui Mall it’s really not that great but there was a hot spot for wireless so I took advantage. The better mall of Maui is the Queens mall typical with stores like Macy’s. With shoes off my feet I chilled under a large tree and enjoyed the sun and slight breeze it was amazing I must say! From here more walking and relaxing. I ran into my friend Jen randomly around 1145 and we caught a quick bite off ship. Leaving her behind I caught my other new crew members and we left for Lahana or something to that effect. IT was a nice “Beach” town with a Huge Banyan Tree. Very interesting and a great place to enjoy some time in the water..Great fun with my skin burnt and stinging with salt I felt the need to indulge in some Shave Ice. Be it a touristy thing to do or not it made my whole person feel refreshed and ready to finish up the day. Finally after an interesting situation we returned to the ship and readied ourselves for a nice dinner of Sushi and a few beers. A restaurant close to the boat serves ½ price sushi from 2100 until 0230 a great deal for what it was. Perfect. With that taken care of it was time to hit the sack and get ready for the first real day of training..

Imbarcation

Day One,
I set to the Sea or adventure for the first time today. It as of yet has had very little fanfaire. My postion is Cook. MY quarters are small, and my time is precious. It seems I am always to be someplace at a specific time which becomes difficult with the lack of a proper time piece. With the day passing by hour by hour I realize that spirits can be broken aboard this vessel quite quickly those who posess a spunkey attitude are in for somethning very special. Most likely a hard culture shock to this new world they are living in. As for me I will attempt to keep my wits about me for the next months of my endenture. My goal is to be a sponge and absord as much information as I possibly can. I need to break away from the Clique and set off in the direction of becoming the best I can be. I can understand how one can find themselves in the trappings of alcohol along with a vast array of misleading devices. For me I must maintain my FOCUS I must become someone that I have never been. A man with direction and amind set for perfection. But remember this is day one and my spirits have yet to be shattered by the coming storm I am sure to ensue. The activities as of yet have not been the most interesting. We took photos for our new ID and we signed a stack of papers and learned the same information over and over again. It is interesting to see the amount of dolts I am currently training with. They posess no common sence and open their mouths at in opportune moments. Its becoming something of a comedy of errors. But I am not with out fault. I was to be at the capiains lounge at 2200 in proper uniform and to my horror I had forgotten this particular meeting. With my supervisor giving me a glare from across the gally I knew something was wrong. We spoke, and I ran to my cabin rapidly switched to my whites and returned to the porper location in my required dress. It was a moment that really let me down I was quite appologetic yet it seemed to be too little too late. With this travesity I soon found out that all of my other new recruits had apparently forgotten as well and we were the first class ever to do such a thing. I feel it is a bad first impression and a bad mark on my record. I need to focus and really get to the point I am here to work not play. Playing is for kiddies and those above deck I am now a man and below the deck. So with the team of new recruits assembled it was time to tour the dining facilities. We saw each dining room and its proper hot side and cold side area. It was exciting to see what kind of conditions I will be working in for the next length of time. It was tight quarters and stations looked to be impossible but with the right people training me I am sure I will fit in and take control once someone sees I am able to. This is a restaurant the only difference is we don’t have fire we had 2000 covers 3 times a day and we have less space and time to do it..Ohh did I mention we are moving the whole time.. I suppose that is the major difference. Well I am about to set off on to Maui it will be my only day off for quite some time So I am going to enjoy it by getting off the boat and playing around on the Island.

Franks and Beans French Style....

This past weekend I traveled to Hartford Connecticut to cook for Jacques Pepin..That alone sounds amazing but it was much more than that my friends...Chef Leo Bushey my good friend and Executive Chef of the Hartford Club Invited me to come out and assist him at a private event in Jacques Pepin's Honor...There is no way I would ever want to miss this so I caught a flight out of Detroit and was ready for another adventure in Hartford...It began with preparation Making a cassoulet..beans, ham hocks. After a few hours of prep for the next day we changed gears and began setting up for the event Lobsters and Lights, a once a month event in which the club orders hundreds of pounds of lobsters and other summertime treats in order to hold this fun and social event..With lobsters and lights wrapping up we packed up a few extra lobsters and steaks went to a friends house and did some surf and turf over a wood fire..what a good night! Next morning was time to pack up for the main event...Loaded up the jeep and drove to a very nice country home at which the event was held..There were 4 chefs cooking in honor of Chef Jacques..Bon a sushi chef at mia or mila something like that apparently the best sushi in CT..Tyler Anderson , Leo and another chef who I have forgotten..Either way a good event save the rain...after the event was basically washed out we unloaded the gooods and hung out for a while at the club..after the dining room closed I was taken to a small club in which we played darts and just relaxed...Sunday was yet another fun day...My friend Luke came up from NYC to see me b4 I take off to Hawaii..So it was nice we went to RI and relaxed in Newport..that city really gives you a stiff neck let me tell you...Getting back to the Hartford area we again grilled out and Luke was off to catch a bus..Overall a great few days with good friends, amazing food, and smooth cigars...With many more adventures on the way I will be sure to keep this updated...
Stay Hungry,
3en~

I got one hand in my pocket....

And the other one is giving Toledo the Peace sign!!! and a middle finger...It's time to leave I got an e-mail saying I was signed up for the July 3rd training session..meaning I would be leaving the second...Its hard to thinhk this day is actually in the very near future..Two Weeks to get all my shit together..I have a list but really have nothing on it.Well N0W its really time to get down to business!!!!Geeze oh Geeze!!!As for the Middle finger to the city It's much needed people around here think they are a lot more important than they actually are..Reality checks are sonsofbitches...Well I am going to see the Hangover..Not that I have one or anything...:0) Ok Eat your Veggies especially if they are from the Culinary Vegetable Institute!!!
Next stop..IDK

3en from Ohio~

Come Sail Away!

So I got the call the other day! "the Call" meaning NCL called me and said they were ready for me co come to Hawaii and begin my Cooking Adventure on the High Seas!!!However I was not ready for them..I still have a lot of stuff to do before I am ready to leave..First and fore most I must give my place of employment a two week notice and they did not really enable this to happen..Second at the end of this month June I am to cook for Jacques Pepin in Hartford Connecticut with my good friend Leo Bushey..I am very very excited for this event..It will for sure be interesting and fun for sure!!!So basically I have been super busy..Between Trips to the east coast and cooking and sleeping My time is very narrowly allocated,,Actually at this point I must depart for an early shift and a long night!!! Well Hours pay bills so I might as well do something with them other than let them go to waste...
Thanks and Remember Keep an eye open for good food and stay Hungry~~~
3en~

Cooking for Friends

So I must say it has been a long time since I have updated this post..I am sorry if anyone was actually following...Haha..So This past Week I had one day off My work life has been really busy! SO being a cook I cook even on my days off for this friday dinner party I prepared a leg of lamb marinated in lemon, thyme, and oregano, and finished on a wood fired grill. Accompaniments were a type of chic pea puree almost like a Hummus but with out the garlic, also I made Dandelion greens cooked in vinegar, For starters we had a cheese plate and some Tempanade of olives and artichoke hearts..This I thought was slightly large undertaking...But being ever in search of something harder I decided to take the invitation to cook again on the following Sunday...So my day started early with a brunch A very nice and smooth service around 2 I departed to Bowling Green, Ohio to cook this Dinner for which I had no prep or ingredients. The only thing I knew for sure was I had eight hungry bellies I had to fill by 6....So I arrive and begin to provision this dinner...Still at this point I had no Menu planned, nothing! I was to prepare salmon because the hostess provided the protein...At the store I frantically toss veggies and fruits into the cart hoping to find inspiration in something and a menu to come together! So finally with zero time left I manage to come up with a moderately alright menu which eventually turned into one of the best meals I have ever prepared...The feast began with a nice assortment of cheeses and some nice red wine..Serving Buffet style I started with Baby portabella caps filled with an herbed goat cheese served with a spicy mayonnaise type sauce..Salads included a beet and fennel mixture dressed with chopped cilantro, olive oil, and citrus squeezed over the top. The second was an arugula, cherry tomato, and pink grapefruit, dressed with an avocado dressing..The protein was the salmon with a cilantro dill citrus crust served over browned potatoes and caramelized onions Along with this I wilted beet greens in hot pepper infused oil with sugar and red wine vinegar..For dessert I prepared a light chocolate mousse with stone fruits..A white sangria was made to accompany dinner..Over all I think it was a successful cooking adventure, for no planning and a very strict time crunch!!..after 3 hours of hard cooking I took time to step back and observe and realized I destroyed this kitchen to a degree that I was not remotely prepared to clean...Thank goodness for willing guests to clean my mess!

A small taste of TOledo

OK so Toledo may be the Glass capital and frog city Why?.. I'm not sure.. but a culinary wasteland it is not...Toledo has more restaurants per capita than any other u.s City..So the urban legend goes..However many are the lame chain type dining experiences with specialties like the ever popular chicken fingers...None the less I do find interesting places to explore unique foods..So my exploration tonight was with an adventurous friend.. Our first point was the Beirut a place that has been serving the Toledo area Middle Eastern food seemingly forever..A common place for me but always a treat to take someone for the first time!After a plate of grape leaves and some Falafel we decided to take the tour a bit further and get some sushi..For this I chose Sakura a nice atmosphere and a delightful selection of products..I asked the Chef to create one roll and a few Shashimi..He supplied us with Tuna Shashmimi and a spicy salmon and avocado roll..Both quite nice..I really enjoy letting the chef select things for me It makes the experience that much more special..After the far east and the middle east our tour was to be cut to an end but for sure I will continue to explore what is around me...Actually I'm Still Hungry any suggestions...

Kiss ME Im ITalian?

So its St. Patrick's Day and wow what a tradition! Drinking Excessive amounts and doing things one would other wise regret such as obtain clover shaped spectacles, or a beer shaped Hat. Well I do not plan to take part In these activities mostly because if I'm going to get plow faced wasted I'm going to do it on my own terms not just because its the socially acceptable thing to do on one particular day.. OK enough ranting and raving Its still early so there is still a possibility I will end up shwasted in some metropolitan area..As for today I enjoyed a lovely cigar at La casa De La Habana a nice Cigar store in Toledo they have leather couches and great Cigars but HORRIBLE MUSIC...Like really Really REAlly BAD!!! So it kind of ruined my enjoyment of cigar smoking..But none the less it was a pleasurable way to burn a few hours.. After this I returned Home to Find a bottle of Portuguese White something cheap (Mateus) cooling in the fridge A little cool wine a spring like afternoon really has a tendency to soften the edges on life a little bit..While in Rome instead of asking IF you wanted to go get drunk We would say "would you like to soften the edges a little"..The response would be yes things are too sharp right Now...So away we would go off into the night consuming delicious red wines until our lips and shirts were stained purple...When I returned home every article in my possession was stained with some varietal of red grape....I love Italy!!! Today is also MY friend Flavia's Birthday which is nice she was an amazing girl..She was the first to introduce me to LEmoncello and I thank her for that!!!!Well I think Im done with this post I don't really have much to say..Other than with weather like this I really want to walk around and enjoy life..I suggest you do the same and stay hungry, I know I will!!!!!

I went, I spent, I ate, and I drank

So I'm back from Las Vegas.. I actually have been back for a few days but I don't know just haven't gotten around to writing in the blog..So Las Vegas lived up to its reputation for being a city in which anything is possible! One suggestion for any food aficionado right off the bat is hit up China Town..Once in Vegas you will see an outstanding population of Asians. China Town is the center of all the local activity, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, whatever style you choose their cooking is available and properly done! I choose Korean BBQ for a lunch! an all you can eat style place but the food was fresh and exciting offering a wide range of thinly sliced meats and sea foods even offering sushi and Chinese style cuisine.. The markets within this unique shopping complex were amazing.. One offered live crabs, shrimp, lobsters, fish, and bivalves of many varieties. Their offerings of post mortem fish was also quite impressive. When it came to meats the "variety" meats were not in short supply livers, kidneys, feet, ears, brains, uterus, and, bung...OK some were slightly less appetizing than others but none the less, available.. Even the produce was exotic, Druian, Jackfruit, lechee, long beans, The list continues but all of this was ripe for the taking not more than 2 miles away from the glitter and excitement the "Strip" offers.
So the markets and stores of China Town impressed me quite a bit! But the strip had many offers to tickle my tralala as well. Five Dollar steak and eggs at 1 a.m. how about 6 dollar lobster at 12:30.. Appetizing EH! Well no matter your culinary savvy something is right up your alley in this city! Another Spot that surely wont disappoint if your into the darker side of life's exploits is the Double Down Saloon....Tourist Beware.. This is not the place to come with the kids nor is it the place to actually come if your not looking to escape from reality entirely...IT is by definition a deep dark hole in the wall and that is exactly how nature intended it.. Don't Bother if you don't enjoy the music of Gwar, or a good Troma Film... The crowd that piles into this place at all hours ranges and one can never predict who is going to fall in the door next....
Something more accessible for everyone is puffing on a perfectly hand rolled cigar from Lovo Cigars on Fremont St. I suggest going on a Sunday afternoon when the owner and craftswoman Egda Ramaz herself is on site to offer you suggestions on the perfect smoke.. Sit stay a while and enjoy some Salsa music while the hours pass without notice....
My final bit of advice is AVOID the celebrity Chef Restaurants It might sound like a good Idea to go and taste the food of (insert famous Name here) but Just don't do it..Search a little harder do some digging and take a risk on a local..Its better for your stomach and better for your wallet and more than Likely Better Food!!
Until the next meal I'm still Hungry.
3en~

I've got Two Tickets to Paradise well actually I only have one But.....

So today was my last day at work until my eventual return from SIN City...I am excited to see what all the hype is about.. I hear a lot can be done in the city and I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can get away with..So I Dunno killing a hooker is possible or Close your eyes and imagine, feel the magic, Vegas on acid seen though Yves Saint Laurent Glasses and Ive realized Ive arrived...With everything going on I'm Sure I will find something to do..As for today at work I did some redecorating I moved a few things and I dunno Its kinda nice to have things the way I like them..I did clean but just the floor and got rid of some less that perfect products. When Life gives you 13 zested lemons you make some lemon Juice and put it in a squeeze bottle....I was guided to an amazing chef he has posted his cooking style on youtube and http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=58002940666&h=rNJFA&u=H1NA- if you copy this and paste it in your search bar you will see his profile and his videos showing perfect kitchen habits and an impeccable kitchen..particularly his knife skills in Making Coconut Bread #1....I hope you enjoy it as much as I...One day I Hope we can cook together, It would be a horror....
Other than that I just did work as usual and over all it was a nice Tuesday very slow but still better than Sunday and Monday combined. I Really Like this job I'm learning alot about myself and how I operate compared with other people. I also observed that the employee cups are bright red and plastic...Very Smart..One they are Bright Red you cant miss them Two They are plastic and wont break as easily..Great plan!!! But slowly but surely I'm getting the place Clean and Even if its only by my hands It will be eventually...
For Lunch Today I had Indian food with a friend It was good but I dunno it seems like I have had better food from the Tandoor So I may try a new place on my next Indian adventure...They had an interesting Soup today it was really lemony and tasted of a Jose Shot..Kinda rough actually....MY friend seemed to think the food was good but not the best and I would have to agree... they let me down a little...After Food Some Starbucks was in order and that was nice conversation..I always enjoy good conversations...
I received an E-mail today telling me what I had to do to get the paperwork moving..As for the rest of my day I went to the police department and DMV to get some of my records to send to the Cruise Line..They kind of need to know a lot about me..Like If I had any skeletons in my closet I for sure would not be able to get this Job...NExt post I will enter will be from Vegas So hopefully my good luck will continue and I will get some major cash to come home with...Im also Looking forward to some delicious meals and interesting stories...Untill then Im still Hungry
3en~

Monday Night's Alright for Fighting.....

OK, Not really at all, I'm a lover not a fighter....
So the past two days at the New Job I've been cleaning like a mad man. I think I will end up cleaning every piece of equipment in the entire house... Today I spent nearly 4 hours cleaning a dough rolling machine alone it was really in bad shape and with the help of the chef we got that thing looking brand new!!! The rest of my day was devoted to boiling off the hood vents..They were also in need of attention so like a good man I did what needed to be done and now the restaurant has clean hood vents..I like to take pride in little jobs like that.taking time to remove all the grease and then go over it again with Satin Shine to bring back that amazing stainless steel shine...The only down side to all this is it will be dirty almost immediately, mostly because someone will inevitably use it incorrectly (the dough machine) or not care (Everything else ever)..Hmm..But really though this place is starting to come around!! Just about 1,000 more tiny cracks that needs cleaned and we will be close to 1/10 the way done...I dunno I guess that is all part of this life and I can accept that.. Last Night was also fun! I went out after work and played some darts and pool for a few hours Its a good way to pass the time and get out of the house both of which I need to constantly be doing..Well I leave for Vegas in 2 days and I'm getting ready for an interesting time...Ohh I made a good sandwhich at work it was a grilled eggplant with arugula, baslamic glaze, cherry tomatoes and motz A favorite among favorites.....I need to relax a little bit (can you believe what happened on the Bachelor)..JK

Ciao
3en~

Good Bye Dear Friend...Well Not Forever.....

One of my best friends Luke James, is moving to NYC!!! Last night was one of his last shows in Ohio (until he is Famous). He played at Reverends formally Reverend Chico's, and totally owned IT! I wish The man the best of Luck with his adventures in the Big Apple. I know the dude will totally own the city so much for Puffy "running New York" the new big shot is Luke James...Check out his website Lukejameslive.com After the goodbyes were said and done it was time for me to put in a little work. Today I cleaned and cleaned ( I smell like Bleach) It was so very slow and the kitchen kinda needed a little TLC so its looking like Its time to give it what it needs.. No real culinary adventures so to speak today but it was a great day with a great friend...
Another new offer has been put on the table and I'm not sure what to do. I have been offered to cook at a private party for an old professor (sounds good right) but the down side is that I would be just getting back from vacation in Las Vegas and with this job being so new its almost kind of disrespectful to leave again... If anyone reads this let me know what you think and possibly give me some insight as to what I should do...The deadline is coming soon so I'm not really sure....

IM On a Boat..Im on A BOat.....

So Big News in my Life. I went to an Interview on the 26th of February in Columbus, Ohio. The position I applied for was to be a cook on a Cruise Line..After A short yet intensive interview I was offered the job on the spot.. and ACCEPTED..However, the application process takes quite a long time nearly 10 months..But none the less this is a great offer to find some interesting adventure on the high seas..Ohh, Did I mention the Cruise Line was based out of Hawaii, yes cruising and cooking around the Hawaiian Islands for five months at a time. Sounds like a sweet deal to me!.. So This month is ending quite nicely I get a job one day the very next day I'm offered an even more amazing position and at the beginning of next month I will be In Las Vegas.. What!!! This is a Dream but its a really good one!! Today the 27th of February was the second day at my new job at La Scola..I have to admit I'm am impressed with the menu..We have interesting presentations and nice garnishes. One dish is finished with black sea salt and another is finished with crisped leeks..I'm really kinda enjoying what this place has to offer though it is still in Toledo... :( But over all the food looks great and from what little I have Tasted is quite "eddiable".Everyone I work with seem to be really nice and good people but what else would I expect Kitchen Crews are often full of really cool people.
As for something Interesting I ate today: I went to The Summit Cafe on Summit St. and ordered a Lenten Nightmare.. It was 2 eggs cooked on a flat top, filled with Home fried potatoes, Sausage, Bacon, Ham, Cheese, and covered with Sausage Gravy and yet more cheese It was served with toast I choose rye and it was generously buttered..It was a perfect choice for someone who just want to eat some crazy mixture of breakfast foods..THe one thing that would be necessary to perfect this extraordinary food would be the addition of blueberry pancakes..If that were an option I would have for sure taken it But alas no such option existed..Maybe they could name it after me!!!Benny's Kill your face Breakfast..Well Im very tired after such an exhausting few days.
Im Still Hungry,
3en~

My Tuesday Adventures with Indian...

So I really Like this Indian Restaurant in Toledo, Ohio...Its called the Tandor, They have a buffet and it has always been Good. I have made a decision to frequent this establishment until I am tired of the food they provide me with. I have been four times and each time is better than the prior. The most recent trip lent me A ground lamb masala or some such stew/sauce with peas and crazy spices, and it was great..They also had an amazing veggie Currie that had cauliflower with carrots, tomatoes, some variety or large green legume, Again Perfect...A constant with the buffet is the Tandor Chicken..slightly spiced and crispy outside make for a great time....

SO GREAT NEWS!!!!!!! as of 9:30 Tonight I am Employed.. The Restaurant is La Scola, An Italian Place on Airport Highway in Toledo,Ohio..Im Ready to do some cooking my Hands are kinda Dull and need some Sharpening.. haha sorry I now have something to write about daily..

And with this Job it may mean all those fun adventures I had planned in my head will have to stop...Well...Maybe not all of them....

WOW....My first Blog.....

Describing me in a nutshell, when other kids were eating chicken fingers and French-fries I was eating jellied trotters and rustic breads. Hello, My name is Benjamin Tansel, And I have always been really into food!!!
My family showed me that food is not something to be feared, so with their help I have been exposed to many types of edibles, and have no predilections when it comes to eating. From the ideology they instilled I ascertained that “If someone has the balls to serve it to me I have the balls to eat it".

With that Interlude I must confess that I have an Eating Problem.......

..........I Love food and all kinds of IT......

My Loves in Life are Food and Travel...I'm a Cook, and a Traveler...Some people in my life and no longer around have see me at my worst whilst I indulged in my passions and on both fronts I apologize however, I also must say...IT WAS WORTH IT!!!

My Mistress's are Quality Wines/Booze and Street Foods......Ill keep these my dirty Little Secrets...Maybe!!

As for my life motto tends to be "LIVE" meaning..for the moment. Take advantage of every opportunity, surrounding, hospitality..What ever else will produce an interesting result..Take it and LIVE IT...I prefer a slow way of living and also love the products this way of life often provide....I attempt to Live kind of graciously I appreciate that something gave its Life so mine can be that much better.. "ENJOY IT"

As of lately I have been unemployed..BUMMER.... I have done many jobs in my 23 years. Some were way better than others!! The most memorable and best in my mind always will be in a kitchen. My cooking experiences have varied from Bulgarian in Bowling Green, Ohio to a screwed up pasta Adventure in Austria...So I am sure I will have something to say about alot of different things...

My plan for this Blog is to go on day trips, or longer trips and tell of my eating journeys...I want to kind of take all the eating/ Travel shows on T.V. and Make it my own kind of "Top No Reservation passport to Diners, Drive-ins and Good Eating on the Road Again" Take all of em and cram it on here...That's my Big plan Hopefully.....

Am I making this Blog too Long....Do people read long Blogs..If anyone reads this all I will be Surprised and im sure the next will be Shorter...