Gown Crazy Party

Here's the story of us.










I met Johnathan Kayne (Kayne as he goes by) and his publicist/friend, Teresa at a Austin Fashion Awards party. He was a finalist on Project Runway (and was robbed if you ask me!) and now has his own line of pageant dresses, shoes, handbags and k-9 couture gear. He had a fashion show and I was just there in time for the fabulous after party! Right from when we met, we just hit it off. Life is funny that way sometimes. Teresa mentioned a watch party for his show premiering on TLC, Gown Crazy and thought they would need a caterer. I thought it sounded fabulous, but really was enjoying just hanging out with them because they were such good company. Kayne's life story especially touching. I have such respect for him being such a driven , positive and upbeat person. He's such a joy just to be around. He deserves every bit of success he's had and more!



Fast forward to this past weekend. I catered the premier! The food was fabulous and had to be to hold a candle to his show. It's hilarious and so authentically him! I met his whole team of staff, interns and best of all, family. They are all such great people. I was honored to be able to share in his success and know there's so much more from him to come. Besides being a fashion genius, he really is one of the top 3 sweetest people I've ever met in my entire life!!!



p.s. One of his favorite foods in corn! It cracks me up to think of it every time. But, I created a special corn and coconut pudding for him in his honor. It will forever will be the Corny Kayne Pudding to commemorate his special evening!

p.p.s. he's making me a custom chef coat too and I'm beyond over the moon...keep your eye out for my chef couture line with Kayne! Ha. YOU NEVER KNOW what will happen when fashion meets food ;)

THIS is why I need to get well soon...

This is the mental image that's been keeping me going. It's Santorini. The island I should have been born on, but my Mom chose New Orleans instead. Wah-wah! I won't fault her because my city is pretty amazing too. It's just Greece... Santorini in particular is amazing on a whole different level. I took this picture at around 7pm at sunset. It's so much better in my mind, but this definitely helps me remember. The Black Sand Beach, the Red Sand Beach, Perissa, Kamari and Fiera. It's the best, over-priced place you'll ever go. I get lost here. I couldn't think of anything else but what I was doing *that moment. How many places have that effect on you? The food was ALL local from the island and unlike anything I've tasted. The air smelled like fresh salt water taffy and you felt as if you were living in the best postcard you've ever seen. The island itself is a maze of adventure.

Luckily, I get to go here again VERY SOON. I'm already craving this balsamic fig jam with fresh bread for breakfast with this rose infused orange juice that literally tasted like the Gods made it themselves. Everything in Santorini tastes brighter, richer and you just feel more alive. Why more people don't go here more is beyond me! It's heaven, with clouds and all!!! In fact, they even have a little bakery with smurfs on it just because smurfs are blue and white! If I get more technologically savvy between now and then, I'll have to blog or post pics when I get on the island!

Reality check now: I'm sick. My throat aches. I need to rest and get well for my adventure. First, a snuggle with my pillow and icky meds, ughhh meds!

Under the weather...

To your right is a picture of happier times, from about a month ago. I was just eating, traveling with friends and learning how to relax properly. (You know. Making the best of what I have and not necessarily wanting the best of everything. It's a new concept I've been working on executing in everyday life.) Abbey, my childhood friend took this picture of me at some over priced restaurant we ate at on the San Antonio Riverwalk. I had seared scallops in chipotle/clam broth me thinks...have I told you, I've been on the biggest scallop trip ever!?!?! I can't seem to satisfy this insatiable appetite for them. Why try? I'm not fighting it any longer. I just constantly order them like an 80 year old woman who refuses to try anything else on the menu. EXCEPT, wherever I go, they usually are made different ways. That sort of helps my pallet not look so tragically mundane.

Anyway, cut to today. My throat is sore like I'd been singing all night at a Snoop concert, only that was weeks ago. My body feels heavy like I ate a large plate of red jello. My upbeat tempo has turned a little sloth-like and I'm not liking it at all! I've been trying to mentally erect myself back into better health with a little help from some Vitamin C, Chicken Noodle Soup and Soy Chai Lattes. It hasn't been working though =( In fact last night, I cheated on myself. I had friends over for brie, crackers, orzo and beef filets and red wine. Not good. It's not like I'm on the verge of croaking or anything. My voice isn't terrible sounding, it just really hurts....esp. in the morning. I try to work out, but my energy level is nil. Ah and I'm in dire need of a facial.

Luckily, I'm not a complainer! Nope, not I. I have a lot to look forward. Such as way more traveling. Where? Soon I'll be off to Greece(Santorini, Lagonissi and possibly Mykonos), Paris and hopefully Madrid. I doubt a month will be long enough and I'm praying I don't just decide to up and move there. It's so tempting. I swear I was born in the wrong country. Well, I'm going to get some acai berry yogurt and attempt a run, then definitely rest.

Safe travels and happy eating!

The F word

What's the difference between an eccentric persona and a crazy one? Moreover, who's right is it to make that decision? Genius or mad man? Gordon Ramsay is a chef's chef, or at least this chef's chef. He's unfiltered, passionate, driven, competitive and in my humble opinion, extraordinarily successful. He strives to be the best at what he loves and literally doesn't cater to anyone. He doesn't care what you think. He stands by his food, decisions and isn't afraid to say the "f word." His bold, brazen and crass attitude are a part of who he is, but doesn't define him as a chef. Words can't define any person.

It's funny how if a woman was to behave in the same exact way, she's be considered a fruit loop or not taken seriously. Even if she was at the top of her game and her food was on point, it would damage her. It's sad that sexism is alive and well, especially in the food industry which is still male dominated. Although it's shifting, it seems that women have to be more PC in order to make the transition from small time chef to big time chef.

I'm sure before he had all his restaurants, tv shows and books he wore his attitude like a bold tattoo. While it doesn't define him or depreciate the quality of what he does or who he is, it definitely separates him from an ocean of generic chefs. Some people may not get him, like him or appreciate the journey it took for him to get where he is on his own terms, but I definitely do.

"Purples"

Behold the mighty, mighty and elusive "purple." This picture was taken in Austin, where I failed AGAIN/ What did I fail at you might ask? Finishing an entire purple. What's a purple? Geez. Why so many questions? A purple is actually a purple margarita, only it isn't. In fact, it tastes nothing like a margarita. At least none I've ever tried. First of all, it's thick. Thick like a seriously thick milkshake. It's ice cold and probably stronger than the fuel in your car. It's deceptively tasty with a major kick. I've had some drinks in my life, but this is a DRINK. It should have a warning label. It's well-known in Austin. Almost notorious. Even if the locals haven't had it(a rarity), they know darn well where to get a purple and usually make a face when you ask them about it. You know. The face you make when the dentist is about to give you 3 crowns . I've heard stories and I believe them all.




When I took Sarah here, she couldn't believe they were only legally allowed to sell you 2 in one night. Believe it sister! She actually finished one, but had lots of chips and salsa inbetween attempts. I couldn't hang, as usual. The place is Baby A's. Your mission should you choose to accept it is ONE PURPLE and remembering the conversation you had that night. I've heard it's been done, but never met anyone who has been successful. Maybe that someone is you?

Oh purples...oh purples...***note how my glass is always full!!! AH!