A rock and a hard place

People (including myself) are often unreasonable, irrational, self-centered; forgive them ANYWAY. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind ANYWAY. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create ANYWAY. If you find happiness, others may be jealous. Be happy ANYWAY. The good you do today may often be forgotten, do good ANYWAY. Give the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best ANYWAY. In the end, it was between you and God; it was never between you and them ANYWAY.

While I am used to my erradic, fast-paced lifestyle, there has been few weeks in my lifetime as uncomposed, spontaneous, and poignant as this week. I've been put in all types of positions where I've had to use my judgement, my conscience, and my heart. I've even been asked to play Dr. Phil or cupid by a suprise person. It's been a week of fantastic news, bad news, realizations, and what I like to call U-turns. The funny thing is that in all this sentiment, I've never had more interviews, photoshoots, charity conferences, radio segments, and television shoots all in one week while the restuarant has been off-the-charts busy. Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining because I consider myself priviledged to be doing my work, its just been fabulously chaotic.

I am sure you've all heard of the saying " a rock and a hard place." Well, maybe that would be the theme of this week. I believe we are put through tests in life, and its how we react, and overcome them, that makes us the people we are today. I also believe in fate- and that you can't cheat fate so it's up to us to make the right choices along the way, to make it a good journey. We'll arrive to where we are supposed to the easy way or the hard way so we must make the best of it.

Imagine for a second that you have a strong dislike for chocolate (hypothetically), through the years, you and chocolate have nothing in common, in fact, you don't see eye to eye on alot of things. You don't like all that chocolate stands for and what chocolate consumes its time with. You don't even like the few conversations you've had with chocolate. All of sudden, chocolate comes to you for help. What do you do? Do you turn your back on him? Or do you swallow your pride and lend a helping hand? Do you advise him exactly as you would yourself (from the heart) or do you keep it simple and brush it off?

Imagine for a second that a person who made your life miserable in high school, now crosses paths with you professionally, and their job depends solely on your decision to be part of a business organization or not... do you go with "eye for an eye" or do you turn the other cheek, and take on the business opportunity just to salvage their job?

Imagine for a second, there's a lady selling sunflowers on the corner of a busy intersection in the sweltering hot summer heat every single day. You see her day in and day out covered in sweat, holding her sunflowers trying to make an honest living. You reach for your pocket to buy the flowers...you take out a $20. Do you insist on the change that you'll blow on something stupid or do you opt for giving the small gift that might put a meal on her dinner table?

That was just a little bit of the chaos...lol. So in a time where it's easy to brush off someone, turn the other cheek, or seek and eye for an eye, or just use the excuse that we are too busy to help someone. This is what I found to be utimately true and what I live by everyday, even when you are between a rock and a hard place: " People (including myslef) are often unreasonable, irrational, self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway. If you find happiness, other may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may often be forgotten. Do good anyway. Give the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. In the end, it is between you and God, it is never between you and them anyway.

And if you're curious about the choices I made....I helped out the chocolate as best as I could. I took on the business opportunity, and I didn't ask for the change.

Afterall, to me, it's about making it count....

Shangri- La

Shangri La.... the mystical earthly paradise of the Orient, the Hymalayan utopia, and the fictional permanent happy place in Tibetan scriptures that depicts a beautiful azalea garden. The Garden of Eden, if you will, hidden from and treasured by modern man. But Shangri-La was not oceans nor continents away from me on this exquisite dinner. Shangri-La was situated at Hakkasan at the Fountainbleau for this uber-perfect dinner....or gastronomic journey...whichever.

Few things intrigue me and excite me as much as the fuse between cuisine and culture. It's that spark that allows me to travel to a foreign place via its food and tradition and I don't mean to sound cliche or like all those travel channel guys - But there is truth to this amazing taste trek.

Hakkasan is voted as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, rated AAA four diamond, and I was there to see if it would live up to the hype? Come on, let's face it, most restaurants nowadays are let downs but this one, would prove this theory wrong...........finally.

This unforgettable meal started with these bold, slightly daring, exotic martinis called the Hakka and Lost Heaven laced with flavors of lychee, passion fruit, nashi pear, guava, coconut milk, tequila, and Russian standard Vodka. They made Cosmos look like babies in their diapers. A few sips of these bad boys and you knew you were in some kind of Shangri La for sure. All I could do was sit there in awe of the decor and ambience trying not to be swept away by its aura.

"Here's the dim sum platter, " the server softly voiced over the contemporary Asian music. On the menu it simply reads "Dim Sum Platter" therefore you do not know what's in store. Is it pork? Is it crab? Or is it vegetables? What it should read is " Ridiculously, Insanely, Amazing Dim Sum" I can say this because I have been priviledged enough to eat at the dim sum capitals in the country, New York City, San Franscisco, and Los Angeles, not to mention my little stint at the Mandarin Oriental where I was surrounded by dim sum on the daily. However, this Dim Sum was in a catergory all its own. The pungeant flavors, the precision in the density of the steamed wrapper, the freshness of the ingredients, were all factors in making this the best dim sum I've ever had.

Corn-fed Chicken and Jellyfish....WTF??? Yes, Jellyfish and guess what? It was delicious! I'll admit, I was bit apprehensive at first, being a jellyfish virgin and all, but with a little open mindness and strong curiosity, this attested the notion of "don't knock it, till you try it." The texture and flavor is similar to seaweed so imagine having a seaweed salad or something similar. Next, I enjoyed a fried softshell crab with Chili and Curry leaf which turned out to be perfectly fried crispy, not greasy, and full of flavor. Now remember, inbetween bites and dishes were the sips of the Hakka and Lost Heaven elevating the experience more and more. I felt like I was about to ....???? Kidding, but I do confess that I had to brace myself for the star of the evening - Ostrich! Yes, I'm talking about the huge bird with the long neck that's super awkward and kinda funny even just to look at. Boy, is ostrich delicious. It tasted just like beef tenderloin. Following the orgasmic overload of deliciousness, was a crispy duck roll. Truthfully, I am not a fan of Chinese five-spice because I don't "usually" enjoy cinnamon and other strong spices in my food, but I use the term "usually" because this time, Hakkasan made me enjoy Chinese five spice. The duck was moist and crispy; and oxymoron by nature and the wrapper was delicate and crunchy.

Now that brings us to the grande finale, and my head feels like it's about to explode from epicurean euphoria (something I am proudly addicted to), a white chocolate mousse with a passion fruit sorbet. If you read that sentence over again, atleast the part of white chocolate mousse with passion fruit sorbet, it sounds so modest and noble. NOT! This dessert deserved a standing ovation. The rich velvetty white chocolate mousse, with a delectable brown sugar crust complemented the sweet and sour passion fruit sorbet. The passion fruit sorbet was so vibrant and fresh, it felt like a firework in my mouth. Actually, it was like 4th of July in there. I was very close to getting out of my chair and giving it a round of applause before I realized that would have been categorized as wierd by other diners. Honestly, at that point, I didn't care what was wierd or not. I had just experienced what few ever get to even dream of experiencing. The food, the ambience, or the smile across from me...I don't know which one it was that had me high but the fact remains, I was high. As my quest through Asia came to an end, I realized few meals are as wonderful as this...I had experienced my very own version of the paradise of the Orient, the Hymalayan utopia, the permanent happy place in Tibetan scriptures. With every bite, every sip, and every look, Shangri La was at Hakkasan on this day, and now as I look back on it, it was a Lost Heaven....or just heaven...whichever.

I hope that's me

There's a few times where special things happen that most of would like to say at some point, " I hope that's me." At 6 years old, we see a superhero or princess on tv or in a storybook, and we say " I hope that's me" with an innocent aspiration that one day, we will fly above the earth or wave a wond and wear a crown. At 13, we see our first crush with someone else during lunchtime, and we think, " I hope that's me." From 15-17 years old, we watch movies like Fast and the Furious or Can't Hardly Wait, and say " I hope that's me" in anticipation of that car, or that guy; the new mustang, being popular, and wearing the right clothes has your head spining. As highschool comes to a close, you begin to think about your future, what you'll be, what will make your parents proud, and what will give you the life you've always dreamed about. Even though you'll think about those things, its not until voting for your prom king and queen that'll have you wishing, " I hope that's me." Before you know it, you're like Asher Roth and you love college, and road trips to Daytona and endless games of beer pong have you saying, " I hope that's me."

Then one day, all of a sudden you're stuck in an early morning class getting over last night's festivities, and the beaming sunlight through the classroom window reminds you of the days when you were little, and you splashed around having fun in an inflatable pool full of dad's hot air, and it made you think how much he loved you to fill up that pool with his breath, and that made you think " I hope that's me" one day.

At 23, you're graduated and it's the first day of your first job as what you studied to be, and you look at your boss and you plan in a few years, " I hope that's me." Now you're 25 and head over heals with enough sense about life, and they get a cold, someone's got to run and get them nyquil and soup, you say to yourself, " I hope that's me. " Now, every Valentine's Day comes around, and someone's got to get all dressed up for an unforgettable night and your heart says, " I hope that's me." Now, you go to your first wedding as an adult, and you look at the happy couple starring into eachother's eyes as they say I do, and all the moments flash in your mind, how you met, the magic that lays between the both of you, and as he lifts her vail the world stops for a second, your soul says, " I hope that's me."

A few years ago, when I went to my first Chef's Congress in New York City, I was merely 21 years old, I remember seeing all the star chefs representing their restaurants. They were proud, shining of their craft, it was something that made them stand out from the masses. I remember walking and tasting all of their dishes, and wondering, how much work and effort did they undergo to get there? I remember standing there as an outsider, as a fan, as a student, and thinking that my admiration at that point was a testament to their passion, and I stood inspired for the rest of my life. They were successful at the riskiest business in the country, and I thought that day at 21 years old, " I hope that's me."

I am so grateful for all I have seen and done in my life up to now, and excited for what's to come, but that only leaves one thing to hope for. When I am old and gray, sitting on a front porch on a swinging bench, remeniscing of all the crazy wonderful stories my life allowed me to experience, laughing to tears at some of them, holding a Pellegrino water bottle in one hand, and looking at the person who allowed me to share the most beautiful lifetime possible, the person who gave me a reason to be better, the person who gave a definition to the things we hope for. As we swing, as we'll remember everything, I'm thinking now, " I hope that's you."

Sublime Wavelength

I'll never forget the first time I didn't eat with you. Yes, I said I "didn't" eat. I think it was nachos....

Have you ever stopped to think about the sublime moments in life, the ones that seem too good to be true, 10 feet off the ground, or you have to pinch yourself to make sure you're not dreaming? Being a chef, of course some of these moments revolve around food in some form. Nonetheless, to me, food cannot be completely spectacular without someone great to share it with. Something I like to call a sublime wavelength. There is something remarkable about the euphoric suspense of experiencing a new restaurant, a new dish, something foreign or strange, an exalted wine, or something noble and close to home that everyone is raving about. You know that feeling...you know what I am talking about.

I love all kinds of foods; I'm into all types of Asian cuisine, I consider myself a hotdog conisseur, and well, if it's Mexican, it's got me all over it. Like a little kid at Christmas, I anticipate a great meal, like a child anticipates Santa Clause. While this might spell out nerd for many people, for me, its quite brilliant to spend a couple of hours with someone and get one-on-one time. It's usually around a table, sharing something good, that great conversations rise. Some famous philosopher once said that you'll get to know a person's best qualities sitting around a dinner table - and well, I agree. Around a dinner table, you'll see if someone is daring, you'll see if they are conscientious, if they are well mannered, if they have a sense of humor, if they're cultured, and if you're sharing a bottle of wine, you'll see their views on anything from politics to love and everything in between.

Going to an exotic or interesting place can mean traveling without leaving your seat. I know I am not the only one that imagines themselves in Japan, while they're in a great Japanese place or in Italy when they're eating a rustic Italian dish. All jokes aside, sharing a great dining experience with someone special can be phenomenal and unforgettable. I remember one time we sat outdoors in this small but highly reccommended posh-posh restaurant, the sun was beaming off the blue sky making it warm on a winter day, we ordered Japanese oysters and a lobster po'boy. No oysters have ever been that good, but I still don't know if it was the setting, the company, or the oysters? But I sure feel lucky to ask myself that question. Another time, we were oceanfront in a cantina, eating the best chicken wings on earth, I'm at a loss for words here. And I can't forget the time, we picked up stone crabs and champange to eat at the very edge of Key Biscayne. See what I mean about a sublime wavelength? Grab someone who's on the same wavelength as you, go out there and enjoy the great restaurants your city has to offer, taste things you've never tasted before, don't be afraid to get to know your server just a little (you might learn something - atleast about the menu - if not, they'll entertain you somewhat.)

But most importantly, next time you're out somewhere, it could be at a burger joint or a 5-star place, don't forget to pay attention to who's sitting right across from you. Pay attention to their stories, their reactions to the foods, what they pick off the menu, if they smile at the server, because there is something magical about sharing a meal, trust me. In a fast paced world where our minds are on everything but what actually matters, there's one thing we can keep slow and special, Baucchus and Robert Mondavi both couldn't be wrong about the finest things in life.

A million bites later, a thousand stories ago, and hundreds of restaurants under our belts, I still remember the first time I "didn't" eat with you. I think it was nachos....and it was the beggining of foodie oddessy....a sublime wavelength.

"Whatever you're on, I would like some too?...please share!"

Fortunate, lucky, priviledged...all of the above. It was a day out of a movie, a novel, a song, whichever. It seemed like a good choice to start the day by basking around in a zero-edge rooftop pool in between sunbeams and clouds with a cold beer; something that should be somewhat illegal for a Monday.....followed by an enchanting nap in the sand- oceanside with the sounds of the waves, birds, far away conversations, and the salty air embrassing your skin. And here come the cinematic effects: we were only awakened by flawless, unspoiled ocean rain moving in.

Mondays don't mean the typical "back in the grind" begining of the work week, I hate life, shoot me I'm going to work, Monday. While most of the country's population dreads mondays, to me they mean rendezvous, tryst, bliss therefore, this dinner would not fall short of any of these. Let me tell you about this dinner...

It could have been the zen mood from the perfect beachside siesta, the anticipation of a four star meal, or the decor of the gothic cathedral meets modern luxury. I don't know what it was, but we were on such a natural high that the server came up to our table and closely whispered, " whatever you're on, I would like some too. Please share. " . As we made our way around a bottle of Champagne, three appetizers, one soup, two special entrees, dessert, and 20 year old Port, I couldn't help myself, the smiles and giggles were abundant and superflous. It was obvious to our server that we were having a wonderful time, so much that it was contagious to him as well. Steak Tartare, Lamb Spare Ribs, White bean Dim Sum, Lobster Bisque, Soft shell Crab, Indonesian Prawns, Basil Mashed Potatoes, Ginger-candied Carrots, pickled Green Onions, Marbled Chocolate and Grand Marnier Soufle, all of this entwined with conversations of flavors, greek philosophers, and one of my all time favorite activities ---- people watching. As we looked around, no one in the dining room seemed as happy as we were to be there. You could easily say the party was definetely at our table. Some of the customers even looked dreary and upset to be dining at a beautiful four star restuarant. Some, I guess need a makeover- a life makeover that is. As for me, I was sipping that last bit of Port extremely slow because I didn't want the magnificent dinner to end.

Fortunate, lucky, priviledged? Yes. Blessed, thankful, grateful? Even more. I felt so blessed because for that moment, for that span of time, during that dinner, we were feeling so happy/so good that it poured right out of us and became infectious to others. Almost envied. That's why we were asked, "whatever you're on, I would like some too." The way I see it, life is to be lived that way, enjoyed that way, and shared with someone that way...so that others might ask you what it is that you're on?

Greenstreet, Serendipity, and Airplanes

I do not know if it was the steamy sunshine of the morning, the red velvet antique couches, the sparkling mimosas, or the idea of it being a holiday and everyone's carefree attitude that attributed to all the serendipity in the air. Maybe its one of these or its all of these that made breakfast, brilliant at Greenstreet Cafe this morning. Incredible, starving, insatiable, magical adorned the place and reflected how I felt upon entering.

A twenty minute wait meant going to the whimsical bar decorated with tiny white clay men doing some type of ballet or gymnastic excerise (pretty interesting if you ask me) to order mimosas. They were simple and perfect consisting of the "just rite" juice to champagne ratio. As I looked around, while the drinks were being made, I couldn't help but think that this is an ideal place for those who have lost touch with their sense of wonder. Was I in a scene from Alice in Wonderland? except this scene had omlettes and pancakes in it?.....

Now, fifteen minutes to kill meant sitting on the antique red velvet couches with mimosas in hand, an experience all its own, but this one would be different because instead of people watching, it seemed as if we were yorkie watching. Yes, you read correctly...yorkie watching. Almost everyone had a miniature yorkie by their side. Someone even had three. When the fifteen minutes were up, we were escorted to our petite, wrought iron table, outdoors, reminiscent of those somewhere crossed between central park and Paris. There, we sat surrounded by bustling servers, vacant conversations, and great food.

Hmmmmm, what to order? Honestly, I couldn't even pay attention to the menu because all my other senses were so occupied. The final verdict - a goat cheese and tomato omlette accompanied with a bagel and the best cream cheese I've ever had. The food took quite a bit but that didn't matter, it could have taken all day if it were up to me, that moment spelled out "happy to be here" in every form, and in every language. There are many moments in life that go unnoticed, ignored, or taken for granted but this one was just one of those that couldn't go in that direction. Breakfast was taken to completely new level, unexpectedly. After devouring the delicious omlette and bagel, we were off to whatever the rest of the day would bring us.

All of a sudden, B.O.B's new song "Airplanes" comes on the radio during the ride home..." Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars, I could really use a wish right now, a wish right now, a wish right now. " As the song went on and on, I asked myself, " Could I use a wish right now?" the answer that rushed to my head as I looked to my right, "no."

I do not know if it was the steamy sunshine of the morning, the red velvet antique couches, the sparkling mimosas, or the idea of it being a holiday and everyone's carefree attitude that attributed to all the serendipity in the air. Maybe it was one of these or maybe it was all of these that made breakfast, Brilliant.

Wafel, not Waffle!

These days, I find myself craving a Belgium Wafel. The real kind if you know what I mean, fairly odd-shaped, crispy top, and perfectly decadent. The American waffle can be sort of limp, dense, and too sweet; the Beligium wafel prances around between airy, crisp, and it finds the precise balance between sweet and salty, making the maple syrup (its partner in crime, it's Bonnie) stand out impeccably.

There's something nostalgically pleasing about a warm, buttery Belgium wafel drizzled with pure maple syrup, and homemade whipped cream, and maybe, just maybe some fresh ripened strawberries.

For the sake of novelty, Belgium wafels translate into sitting in a picturesque outdoor cafe in Brussels, in wrought-iron chairs, a glass of good Champagne, the somewhat cool/somwhat caressingly, warm Belgium breeze, and those fabulous wafels. But for those not on that side of the globe and Brussels might seem like a far shot, tomorrow is Sunday.... some celebrate daylight on Sundays with a big breakfast --- Belgium Wafels sound like a great idea to me! Ok, if I could only find my waffle iron.....I might just be Crate and Barrels first customer tomorrow morning. LOL.