2009 in Prospective

Well it's been a while for a post, but not for rough drafts I have started.  I just cant seem to finish them. I will be posting more often while I finish my thoughts. First of all I would like to reflect on 2009 though I am 39 days slow.

Wow What a year! First of all I want to thank all of our fans and supporters who join us for food and drinks each day, thank you all so much. With out you it would not have been the year it was.

Menus I have written this year: 10 lunch & breakfast, 11 dinner, 12 first Friday menus with guest chefs, 18 other special event dinners including wine makers dinners and charity events as well as the first Big Table dinner. I am starting to see where all my time is going. 

Some of the Good people I have met this year: 

Paul Haeder, one of the most passionate people I have ever met. He has brought inspiration from all directions and has opened my mind to the realities of life in many different layers  

John Allen from Vino

Chef Peter Tobin

Chef David Blaine

Author/Greenpeace activist David Suzuki

   Urban Farmer Novella Carpinter

Author David Sedaris 

Winona La Duke

Antonio Banderas came every day he was in town

Cast and crew of  The Lion King

Gary From Rocky Ridge Ranch.

Jennifer Hall

Jim Sheehan & progressive dinners at his house, with guest Woodie Tasch

Senator Lisa Brown 

Mike Jones Owner Mazuna

Mike Wiley 

   Dominic C. Brogna, future chef

Miscellaneous endeavors:

Cooking Classes

New York CIA extended learning certificate for charcuterie.

Guest chefs: Peter Tobin, Al Kowitz, Nancy Locke, Tukcha Kim, Tofu Phil, Austin Rockeman(feat. Shilo & Dave)

Guest Artist for each month as well, a new show each month.

EatSpokane.org 

 

Cool events: Take a Bite out of Hunger, Sustainable September kick-off, Futurewise Feast With Friends, Movie & discussion of Food, Inc., Grown-Up Grilled Cheese Grill Off, Black Box Kitchen Challenge, Green Drinks, Class of 2009 INCA Graduates Dinner

 

Some of the most remembered events for the year:

Wine dinners: Lone Canary, Whitestone, Barrister, Marryhill, Townsend. Special thanks to Vino, John Allen, and all of the winemakers for all of their help and knowledge. 

Things I have learned: too many to list but the most important was teaching myself how to balance work life and real life. Instead of separating them I have realized this is a life as one and not work at all. It all flows with its self and makes sense by making it a way of life all together. I don't go to work, I just live my life and do my best to follow the path of balance and love.

Things that Have challenged me: Long hours, employee personality management, keeping the balance of life, not forgetting the true-ness of food, and keeping the standards high without compromise. 

2010 is already looking to be as busy and fun as the last. 

Thank you all again and have a great 2010!