tools of the trade

for the majority of my week, i hold:
this

and stand in front of:
that

but it ain't bad, actually it is the most exciting time of the week for me. putting out dishes and demolishing check times; its just like a game man. being in the weeds sometimes suck a la moment, however, afterwards is the most satisfying time. to know that i put out the food people are paying $20 to $40 for, and know they were satisfied also, well, that's is an accomplishing thought.
5 years ago, when i moved to pittsburgh, i never would have imagined that i'd be where i'm at. if thought i'd be mastering film making and writing plays, but i would not trade in my position for the world. one day i hope to be a chef, but i have plenty of time to master my new art, and work my way to that success.
in 5 months i have worked under two AMAZING chefs, kevin sousa (currently of red room fame) and anthony zallo (formerly of abrio fame) at the bigelow grille, and i have learn an immense amount from them. because of their training and guidance, i have projected my knowledge, become a better cook, and understand cookery better than i ever thought; and i still have a ton to learn.
i'm going to take off the summer from school so i can catch my breath and recuperate from some current stress. i've been in school most of my life, and working full time with school since 2003, and i just need some time to collect my thoughts, reorganize. i felt like i was breaking down; cascading toward a breakdown, and lord knows i don't need that again. so now i am happier and relieved, and looking forward to what the rest of the summer might bring.

meet the fam

my mom complains that she never has seen the dog, but here he is, 8 months old, super cuddly, and current in the phase where he likes to chew stuff... my vinyl is still on the floor.






i also have an iguana named elvis. he chill most of the day, every day and is about 4 feet long. spray him with a water bottle and he'll be your best friend.

first things first

sooo i have a few friends now with blogs... i figured, just as it is time for me to swallow my pride and by a god damn ipod, it is time fore me to start a journal. itll keep me out of trouble and make something productive out of my life.
i figure i'd get people acquainted with myself first: im a line cook, i live in a pittsburgh neighborhood called polish hill, i ride bicycles as transportation, i listen to punk rock, metal, and occasionally pop music.
i work at the bigelow grille in downtown pittsburgh, and im trying to make a lucrative career in the food/restaurant industry.
im 23 , full of piss and vinegar, and ready to start trouble. i cook my ass off. i have a dog (the bronx) and an iguana (elvis) that adorn my life when im not in a 130 degree plus kitchen.
not to be that cliche mother fucker, i wont post like 18 entries my first day... i have plenty of stories and pictures to share but would rather not simply explode them into your eye vaginas.