Monday, January 2, 2012
Julia Child - Buche de Noel
The Four Seasons - Part II
Happy New Year!
Here is the second and final part of the Four Seasons tour from last week. Seeing the pictures reminds me of all the hard work and dedication that it takes be successful not only at being a chef, but in any career. Although I am seriously considering pursuing the culinary arts at this point, the tour was a special treat to get an inside peek into the hotel and restaurant industry.
Many thanks to Chef Gonzalez and my mom for a wonderful birthday event!
All photographs taken by Alison Linton.
Here is the second and final part of the Four Seasons tour from last week. Seeing the pictures reminds me of all the hard work and dedication that it takes be successful not only at being a chef, but in any career. Although I am seriously considering pursuing the culinary arts at this point, the tour was a special treat to get an inside peek into the hotel and restaurant industry.
Many thanks to Chef Gonzalez and my mom for a wonderful birthday event!
The Pastry Kitchen. Chef Gonzalez said that the hotel will serve gluten free desserts and pastries upon request. |
One of the chefs preparing stacked cakes as a special gift for guests who are celebrating a birthday or anniversary. |
The delicious details! Each was covered on the sides with tiny chocolate bits... something fun to try at home frosting cakes! |
Foreground: fresh strawberries for a cheesecake dessert. The large bins in the background are for their dry ingredients, cornmeal, flour, sugar, etc. |
Separating eggs... not sure what was going on here! So many options with egg whites! |
Sous Chef Peter who runs the kitchens in the mornings. Chef Peter is cutting out dough to make saltines for lunch. |
At the end of our tour... Chef Gonzalez is a very gracious and knowledgeable man, it was a pleasure to meet him! |
One of the beautiful dining areas at the Four Seasons Hotel. |
All photographs taken by Alison Linton.
Friday, December 30, 2011
Check out this super easy recipe!
Apple Bourekas from Steamy Kitchen!
Tonight, some of my family is going to a party at a friends house, and I thought this would be a simple recipe to make up something delicious and different to take along... I even have a box of filo dough thawing in my fridge! It's after Christmas and I am sure some people are open to a change from chocolate and cookies... not everyone, though!
Tonight, some of my family is going to a party at a friends house, and I thought this would be a simple recipe to make up something delicious and different to take along... I even have a box of filo dough thawing in my fridge! It's after Christmas and I am sure some people are open to a change from chocolate and cookies... not everyone, though!
Four Seasons - Part I
The Four Seasons Philadelphia. |
Chef preparing sandwiches for tea, which is served every afternoon at the hotel. |
A chef cutting American cheese for the filling of the cheese-steak egg rolls. |
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Birthday Treat!
Today I got a fabulous treat! My creative mom arranged a special birthday surprise for me: a meeting with the head chef of the Four Seasons Philadelphia!
Not only were we graciously welcomed by Rafael Gonzalez, but he personally took us on an extensive tour of the hotel/restaurant kitchen, food service areas, banquet rooms and explained the joys and challenges of being a chef. We spent nearly an hour meeting staff, observing the kitchen in action, peering into chilly refrigerators and asking questions about the hotel and the cuisine.
In the above photo, Chef Gonzalez is explaining the balance of staff for the different restaurants in the hotel (The Swan Lounge, the Fountain Restaurant, and room service). The plate heading out is for room service with Eggs Benedict. The smells were incredible!
In the next few days, I will add an update or two on life as well as a more complete report on my visit to the Four Seasons. Touring the kitchen was a perfect way to get an inside peek into one of the finest hotels in the region. The standards of excellence and service are evident in the beauty and friendliness of the hotel.
In the above photo, Chef Gonzalez is explaining the balance of staff for the different restaurants in the hotel (The Swan Lounge, the Fountain Restaurant, and room service). The plate heading out is for room service with Eggs Benedict. The smells were incredible!
In the next few days, I will add an update or two on life as well as a more complete report on my visit to the Four Seasons. Touring the kitchen was a perfect way to get an inside peek into one of the finest hotels in the region. The standards of excellence and service are evident in the beauty and friendliness of the hotel.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Remembering A Hero: Steve Jobs
The world lost a
genius today - I was sorry to hear about the passing of Apple's Founder Steve
Jobs. He proved that you can be successful without a college degree. He
pioneered new technology and never settled for anything less than the best. His
legacy of Apple computers created a legacy in my own family.
My grandfather
started buying computers as early as the II SI (I think) and whenever he
upgraded, we always got the old ones. As part of a large family, we appreciated
my grandfather’s generosity, insight and advice on all techie things. It was my
grandfather who recognized early on the importance of Apple computers and made
sure we stayed current on the latest innovations. When the first grandchildren
graduated high school in 2001, their present from Granddad and Grandma was an
Apple laptop. As the most recent grad I love using my beautiful MacBook, in
addition to my iPod Touch. My grandfather passed away suddenly in 2003. The
Apple computer was a way to have a tangible connection to someone I loved very
much.
I was just
moving into my dorm at college when I found out Steve Jobs was stepping down.
Today, I was deeply moved when I heard he had passed. I cried. We never know
how much we love someone until they are gone. Both Steve and my grandfather
have passed on, but I can still feel their presence in many ways. The world is
a better place with Apple computers, but today we have lost one of our greatest
innovators. Steve Jobs will be missed by many people, including me. New
products from Apple aren't the same without the tall, lanky, silver-haired
inventor in a black turtleneck. Steve Jobs was an icon and leader in his field.
Imagine a world without Apple. I am grateful for the full and fruitful life of
Steve Jobs. May God have mercy on his soul.
Friday, July 1, 2011
Happy 4th of July!
This weekend is already off to a great start. Today, my favorite tennis player, Novak Djokovic made it into the finals at the Wimbledon and became World #1! Tomorrow is a celebration of my great-aunt's 80th birthday with lots of fun and food (to start the day off, all the girls are going out for manicures and facials!). Sunday... Wimbledon. Monday... the office is closed!
Fireworks will light up the skies from the Atlantic to the Pacific - when you see them, think of the soldiers that are keeping us safe and protecting our great nation. Say a prayer for them, for their families, and for our leaders.
Wherever you are and wherever you go, may you have a glorious weekend celebrating Freedom!
God Bless America!
Image from Martha Stewart.
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