Saturday, April 26, 2008

When it Rains it Pours

Busy day today. Along with our usual Saturday business we have four private parties. Three during regular service hours and a 120 person funeral luncheon.

Good thing, it's been kinda slow in these parts. That does not go for the funeral luncheon. I wish it wasn't necessary. Our prayers are with the family.

Unfortunately I've been dealing with spring cleaning at the abode and haven't had much inspiration to write. I hope to get back in the swing of things soon. It's a great time of year to be cooking!

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Upcoming Favorites

Some new product I have coming in:

Soft shell crabs. The season has just started.

I currently have wild ramps. (Green onion looking thing with a spicy-garlicky flavor.

14oz bone-in filet and New York strip loin. I'm trying a new line of beef that is top of the line "choice".

I just got Monchong (lemon snapper) overnighted from Hawaii.

Continue with Halibut including cheeks.

Saturday, April 19, 2008

So, two weeks ago some guy from an exclusive food purveyor calls me and asks if I could take some fresh hedge hog mushrooms of his hands. It seems the private club down the road ordered them but they showed up late. (Ouch, I hope his asshole hurts.) So the chef rightfully refused them. He was nice enough to give the guy my number.
They were really nice, I gained a new connection for exotics and I think my customers appreciated it.

Now, yesterday, a guy calls me out of the blue an says he's so and so and knows me. He has some wild ramps he just picked and wanted to know if I could use them. Beautiful fresh, early spring ramps. Hours out of the Wisconsin soil. Absolutely world class stuff.

"Can I trade for gift certificates?" He asks.

Thanks Joe, call me me any time.

I've been pre-occupied with putting out fires lately. I haven't had time to hunt product. Then these two great connections fall in my lap.

I am constantly reminded how lucky or blessed I am.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

On the Horizon

These next few months are great for seafood.

Halibut season is in full swing.
Soft shell crabs are starting to come in but still pricey.
Lobster prices are on the decline as well.

I'll be using all of the above and more.

Menu tweak coming at #1. Hopefully Wednesday.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Ack!

You know when you're having a bad week when all you can write about is bitching about shit. Believe me I'd rather be writing about the beautiful hedgehog mushrooms that almost magically appeared on my door step or the beautiful halibut that's coming in, or the bone-in strips and filets I've been experimenting with, or the first time watching Top Chef . (That's a chapter's worth) Nah, right now I just feel like bitching!

Sorry.