A little inspiration

There is something so incredibly mysterious and gritty about this image. I instantly think it must belong in a hidden kitchen in Japan, accessed only after crossing several bridges and winding through narrow, shadowed alleys...no reason this image should conjure up scenes from Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon, but why does my mind go there?

From the book Japanese Kitchen Knives

It seems almost redundant to say that I have learned a tremendous amount about myself this year. I've lived through a mini life crisis at 32, okay who am I kidding, it's been a major life crisis and it's not over yet.  Death happens, cancer happens, jobs come and go and life goes on. And so should I. Being unemployed and searching for several months can be a great thing- at least that is what I hear. I on the other hand make a horrible unemployed person, just ask my husband, my family or any of my very close friends. I'm the kind of person who likes having multiple jobs. "I relax in other ways," I tell people when they ask why I can't sit still. I love being busy.

Thank goodness for change and opportunity. Recently, as in four months ago, I reconnected with Jody Elsom of Elsom Cellars and the Vineyard Table. Jody is an amazing woman winemaker who specializes in small-batch, handcrafted red wines. Her specialties are cab and malbec. She recently got an 89 for her peppery, leathery 2007 malbec! It is completely deserved and I can only imagine what that feels like!

So, a while back, Jody informed me that the Vineyard Table has to be relocated by December because of the viaduct tunnel project, and would I want to take the project on. Not just finding the new space, but helping to re-build it. Oy! So, I am taking the plunge! I am taking over all the events at the Vineyard Table and Elsom Cellars Tasting room private events and the new Vineyard Table- where ever that will be. The hunt for the new space is proving to be an entire job in itself. (an entire post on that is in draft form to be posted soon). Let's just say, I'm learning the commercial broker game, the costs of this kind of project and am now able to tell you how much per square foot every Seattle neighborhood commercial space is going for.
                     
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I recently went to Marjorie for dinner with a really good friend of mine, chef Kristen Shumacher and immediately fell in love with the use of kitchen space. It was open, homey and so inspiring. The cozy and unpretentious feel is exactly to how I would want the new Vineyard Table kitchen to be like. I also love the feel of the kitchen at the new Sitka and Spruce,  Walrus and the Carpenter, this number or even this sexy new place that I can't wait to visit:  the Book Bindery ... The exact opposite of granite counters and glitzy chandeliers.

Photo taken by Allecia of All-Consuming Blog

Obviously, there is a lot  that needs to happen between now and official.  Jody and I have decided to move the Vineyard Table into storage while we find the right "place." Wouldn't a garden be lovely? Should we move Eastside or Westside? oh the decisions. All I know is that life is short. Someone recently asked me what I really love in life? And I thought for a moment, and said, "I love giving people original experiences through good food." At the end of the day do I want to be exhausted because of excel spread sheets or because I made too many appetizers?

I want to be tired from this:

Photo: Peter Frank Edwards

Jubilee Farm Dinner with Kristen Schumacher

Several weeks ago,  Kristen Schumacher asked if I would like to help her cater a dinner that eight guests had won at a Children's Hospital auction. Jubilee Farms would supply the produce and Kristen would offer her chef skills and talent in the kitchen. I love working with Kristen so of course I jumped at the chance to join her at the farm and in the kitchen. Below are photos from the farm and the dinner. Her gorgeous photos and post about the dinner can be found here.

Jubilee Farm, located in Carnation, WA

One of several different varieties of heirloom peppers

Kristen hunting for strawberries

Feeling nostalgic picking strawberries

Inspired by celeriac root! I had forgotten about this vegetable until I saw it busting through the soil.

The potato room

St. Jude albacore tuna, avocado aioli, grilled pineapple salsa on rice crackers

Jubilee Farm Asian greens, soft-boiled duck egg, fennel salted crouton, shaved pecorino, sherry vinaigrette

Sweet corn soup, Dungeness crab, tarragon oil

Watermelon granita, mint borage flowers

Crispy pork belly

Kristen of Heirloom adds the finishing sauce to the pork belly

Crispy pork belly, farro risotto, Jubilee farms roasted beets and sauteed chard

Jubilee Farm's strawberry, blackberry and hazelnut crisp with cinnamon scented marscapone

So much ahead

You know what is exciting? Holding an unread novel in your hands and knowing that you have an adventure awaiting you. That is finally what I am recognizing after several long months of living through some heavy stuff. 

I am not publishing a novel, but I have been living like I am reading from a script written by someone else. I'm  making amends with this passed year- a passed script that was written for me and am eagerly awaiting the new author of 2011. Fortunately I was given the first chapter to review and I like what I am reading.

It's been five months since my dad passed away and I feel like an entirely different person. It's not just because he isn't in my life any more and the pain that comes with that, it's in addition to everything else that has happened this year. Moving, new job, new job, new job. I realize that the job doesn't make the person, but what happens when you make the job? What happens then? Who makes the person then?

A little bit of inspiration is in order.