Experience The Tart Sweetness Of Life

The words within reflect the tart sweetness of life, expressed as opinion, photography, artistry, quotes, spirituality, interesting blogs, current events, the obscure and offbeat, profiles and more. And, the information imparted herein will be concise and to the point. I plan on giving your mind and heart something positive and unique to chew on, and I'll be keeping it real. Here we go... ©2004 – 2006

SCREAM SCENE
To begin, I just read a fascinating account of an 'unknown' chef who nurtures a blog entitled 'THE ANGRY CHEF'. He runs his own restaurant and as Executive Chef is caught up in the day to day drama, back breaking work and emotion that happens on a daily basis. All this is reflected in his passionate writings, and the one post that stands out for me is 'THE SOUND OF SILENCE' in which he examines the value of silence over emotional screaming on the job.

How many of us have been victimized by so-called superiors who used YOU as an emotional punching bag because they didn't get laid the night before or...whatEVER?

At any rate, in his blog, Angry Chef writes:

"Let me preface this with I used to be a screamer. I was one of the bad ones. I would scream at cooks, dishwashers, general managers (my favorites) and waitpeople like they were totally worthless. I rarely scream anymore. I lose my shit sometimes, but all in all I generally go about shit in a concentrating state of controlled frustration. Part of the growing process as a chef is realizing screaming does nothing to make people learn. All it does is make you look like an out of control asshole."

Tell it brother! Thanks for growing the hell up. Dearest reader, I recommend you pop on over to Angry Chef at http://theflamingtoque.blogspot.com/ and read the rest! Then print out a copy and post it at the water cooler at work.

ROCCO, BOBBY AND EMERIL, EAT YOUR HEART OUT! GOVIND'S ALL THE RAGE!
Speaking of Chefs, one of the hottest chefs in America is Govind Armstrong, a major contender at the helm of the celeb-popular Table 8 in West Hollywood, California. And he doesn't even have a television show (yet), which is hard to believe due to his tall, dark good looks (love those dreads) and his unique and creative flair with fresh and natural ingredients. Perhaps this will change as Chef Armstrong's been named one of People Magazine's 50 Most Beautiful People.

After a haute-haute-haute-cuisine training stint in Europe at luminaries such as Hotel de l’Europe's Excelsior and The American Hotel in Amsterdam, and Restaurant Akeláre in Sam Sebastian, this Los Angeles native returned homeward to hone his talent at Jackson's, Spago, Pinot Hollywood and Campanile; finally becoming a Chef and Co-Owner of Chadwick's with Ben Ford before opening Table 8 in trendy West Hollywood, CA.

Today, with his golden toque firmly in place at Mediterranean-flavored Table 8, Chef Armstrong's signature dish is the American Kurobuta pork chop with delicata squash, chestnuts and sour cherries. Foodies, take note: Table 8's located at 7661 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90046 Call (323) 782-8258 for reservations.

For those of us not lucky enough to live in Table 8's 'hood, below I've included a healthy recipe incorporating the lovely delicata squash. Sour cherries and chestnuts, anyone??? Enjoy!

BAKED DELICATA SQUASH

Ingredients:
3 delicata squashes
1-2 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar or mirin
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions:
Cut the squashes in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place in a vegetable steamer over boiling water and steam until tender, about 15 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 350° F. Remove the squash from the steamer and pour off the extra liquid, then place in an ovenproof dish. Sprinkle with seasoned rice vinegar or mirin and freshly ground black pepper. Bake for 10 mins.