Ef̱charistó̱ Chef, Merci Mon Amis

 Being away from the work i hold dear to my heart has been a bit trying, to say the least.  The last few months of nursing my knee back to health and having nothing but time on my hands has given me a great sense of gratitude and appreciation for what i do and who i do it with. The out pouring of lunch and dinner invites has astounded me. My co-workers and people i call dear friends have kept my spirits high and allowed this blog to flow from me. They have warmed my heart and my stomach. Ef̱charistó̱ (thank you) to you all and latest  adventure was the greatest so far.

room with THE view

I ventured to the river front of Brooklyn yesterday on an invite from my darling friend and Maitre'd who said there was a meal i couldn't miss out on. She said her boyfriend, lets call him the Greek, was going to be cooking. No simple things either. Courses and courses she promised. This Astoria boy was still weary about the locale. I hardly ever venture to Brooklyn (no disrespect, i used to live there I'm just a bit more lazy than i was in my twenties) and I wouldn't know but the two of them and there seemed to be quite an invite list. Then i got the postcard picture that sealed the deal. A view like no other view I've ever dined with before...my city in all its glory. time to make some new friends.

Mr.&Mrs. Billyam Goatington III

I walked in to the Greek, standing over the sink hammer in one hand and lamb head in the other. Most Americans would (and will be) be taken aback by this. I on the other hand started to salivate thinking of the great meal to come. This was also something i had seen a few times before over the years with the Greeks, Turks, and Italians in various kitchens and back yards. The greatest lesson i learned is to pay homage to the animal in its life and its death by using every part of the animal and not being disrespectfully wasteful .We'd be enjoying a offal tasting menu this evening.  Brains and eggs, cheeks and kidneys, livers and bacon, and my favorite sweetbreads would all grace our plates and palates.

cheek and kidney purses

The thanks of this blog is not just for the food, which shone on its own. Its for what the coming together around a huge table does to people. Forging lasting bonds between strangers. The conversations flowed from beyonce; the next pepsi and the new commercials we'd be pitching them; if a rose can grow in black and spanish harlem why couldn't you find a decent bagel there; and if god had a day off why couldnt the seventh day adventists. What an enchanting mix of people and venue. There were restaurant industry, government officials, wall streeters, models, lawyers and the Greek feeding us all against the back drop of the best city on earth. Sublime.

burbon chicken liver with quail egg

For two months i haven't lifted more than a fork or served anyone anything, but when i saw those plates lying there my eyes lit up and i felt a surge of mojo. it was on. I grabbed 3 plates and then 3 more and finally the last 3 and then i described the dish to the table. From the outside looking in it didn't seem like much I'm sure. The feeling i got on the inside however contradicted outward appearances. The only thing in my mind was that i have to start clearing and wash these plates for the next course and so on and so on and so on. A deep rich smile was planted on my face from that moment on and now comes anew with just the thought of getting back to where i thrive.
To all my new friends merci from me for letting me be the one who got to serve the Greek's food to thee.

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