The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Well, the post contains good, bad, and ugly. Just so everyone knows. A small disclaimer.

These past few days have been INTENSE! To be honest, I'm not always entirely sure what day it even is anymore.

I was back at the Quarterdeck Restaurant this week, mainly because there aren't any events for me to work. It has not only been, rather difficult to remember everything I learned a few weeks ago, which I then forgot when I was at the Conference Center, but I realized how much people can LEARN in those two weeks. Its a LOT! Luckily I  have my fellow interns around me so I don't have to look like a complete moron every time I don't know where something is or how to do something. Its a bit frustrating, but I realize if anyone came over to the Conference Center, they'd be in the same boat. That gives me a bit of reassurance.

Today I got to work the 'pantry' and also help with an 100 people luncheon. The Pantry is the area of the kitchen that makes all the salads and puts together all the desserts. Its pretty busy but its pretty fun! I liked that today... but man are my dogs barking.

I have also gotten back to CrossFit Savannah this week! That's been pretty awesome and I head there tomorrow as well. While I haven't gotten any new PRs yet (personal records), I know that they aren't far off! Don, the trainer there, has let me know that he thinks my AWESOME TRAINERS AT THE JCC did a great job and I have a really great basis, but now I'm just intensely working on technique so I can get everything down. I'm pretty excited. I sometimes arrive at the gym EXHAUSTED from work, but I always leave energized. Tonight I'm off to CrossFit Hilton Head to do some squats. My roommate and I were walking to the car and she said "Ugh. I can't wait to take a nap" and I said "Ugh. I can't wait to go do squats"... her response was a quick "Are you kidding?"Nope.

The other thing I was going to name this blog was "I am apparently Clark Kent"... my glasses make me a different person to the Mexicans I work with. Most are anti glasses, which has not stopped me from wearing them. But their responses have been rather comical. We have seen them out at a few bars, and literally I've had to reintroduce myself... Clark Kent. What up.

Second Times a Charm!

So the past two days I have worked at 3 events!! Which was crazy. There is a giant conference for people from Georgia Tech and others who are all very smart and seemingly important. I think they are discovering our future or something like that. Terrifying.

So the event last night, I had to carve the same meat that I carved at the first wedding I did. Now, the first time, the meat was everywhere, I was making a mess out of myself and the cutting board and the meat and myself (yes, I said myself twice). THIS time, however. Not only did I get to CARVE the meat ... I got to cook all of it. Four giant tenderloins. MY responsibility for a huge group of people. Was I terrified? Indeed. By some stroke of luck, or perhaps I"m a culinary genius, you decide, I cooked all four perfectly! Even Jim McGuirk would have been in hog heaven. Then, I got to carve my beautiful meat.. and I didn't make a mess. It was a giant win in my book.

During my beautiful meat carving, a lovely older woman came up to me. She reminded me of Grandma Larson, she just started chatting about how long they had been coming to Sea Pines and how beautiful of a job we were doing. She was wonderful.

Today we catered another event for Georgia Tech... To which all the same ol' faces were there. Including my little lady, who again complimented all of us on the job we were doing. I got to work a more active station, I got to cook chicken and vegetables for a souvlaki LIVE. That was very exciting. Despite it being a 2 1/2 hour event... to which my feet were less than happy.

Tomorrow, up super early for ze gym (Yes Tom, ze gym... shooting for 7AM) and then a nice long day of work!

Me being a TOTAL geek.. but look at the hat I have to wear while working events. So weird.

  Literally LOVE catering. I got to make these X240 :) All the same. 

Between A Rock and a Hard Boiled Egg Place

Well, I am sorry that I don't post everyday- -- but sometimes I feel that the day to day is pretty dull.

But, I do have a few things to say about the past few days. I have been working in the conference center, which is mostly Sea Pines catering, this is something I"m really enjoying here, it takes a lot of Garde Manger work. Garde Manger was a subject in school that I loved, so this is cool.

The catering kitchen at Sea Pines does a TON of events all over the resort. The other morning Kaitlyn and I were left to make up the continental breakfast that was scheduled for one of the mornings. The thing about catering is that you have to make giant batches, normally one might make about 6 hard boiled eggs at a time. Oh no, we had to make 4 DOZEN eggs. So our chef told us to steam them in the combination oven. Steam for 5 minutes, allow to sit for 10 minutes in the oven. Okay. Did that. THen, we tried to peel them... nope, not done. So back into the steamer. Tried to peel, nope. We kew that we had 4 dozen eggs and that's a LOT of eggs. We were stuck between a rock and a hard boiled egg place. We didn't want to waste the eggs but we didn't want to serve weird eggs. So we got them boiled ENOUGH. Well, not boiled enough for the South folks. They do not want a soft boiled egg, trust me.

Coming in the next day, we were terrified that the chefs were going to yell at us about But luckily, they saw that we had tried and tried and tried. While they were not pleased, they realized that we spent over an hour on these eggs, which should have only taken a half hour TOPS.

Beyond the eggs, we did a fun event last night. Its so interesting to see the way to pull off all these giant events. I made 420 rolls yesterday. 420!!!!!! That's SO many, can I get an 'Amen' ? Its so fun to see and be involved in this production. Its unreal to watch this food go out. Each canapé looking exactly the same, every tray looking beautiful and put together. There is a way to do everything, there is a place for each individual bite.

Today, another day, a different drama.

Oh- and I joined a gym in Hilton Head so I can go there a few days a week, and continue Savannah a few days a week.

Let's do this people.

A note to Jim McGuirk

Today, I was the fry master! That was... fine. Leaves you feeling pretty nasty on your departure of the kitchen. But my new friend Franklin helped me out which was awesome! For about an hour, I needed his help, but by the end of the day -- I was banging out fried food with the best of those McDonald's employees.

Anyway -- back to the note to my dear father. Today while I was cooking, I heard chef say to my friend Ryan on the line "Just cook it mediumish... when people think they want medium rare, they don't know what they're talking about"...

Immediately I thought, "Well, I hope my dad never comes to eat here"... hah I"m pretty sure when Jim McGuirk orders medium rare, he knows EXACTLY what he is talking about. So, Dad, if you ever happen upon The Quarterdeck ... and if I am in the back cooking... just mention to your server who you are... and that you do in fact, want your burger cooked medium rare.

Happy Birthday Brian!!

I realize I haven't posted anything for a few days, things have been very busy!

First of all. Today is Brian J. McGuirk's 30th birthday. I do wish I was at home celebrating with everyone (mostly going to Al Forno... so jealous) but I am celebrating with him and everyone at Wick Pub in spirit!! Have a Jameson for me! :) 

This past week I have been working in the Conference Center kitchen which does all the catering for the resort and very big parties. So far, its been pretty awesome. Its a different vibe than the other kitchen.

Today Katilyn and I got to work at a wedding!! That was pretty fun. Half way through the day of prepping, we got to go over to the venue and started setting up. I got to work at the carving station and carve up some delicious looking steak. It was a very pretty wedding, on the beach, a little breezy, but all in all really beautiful! The bride was adorable and the flower girl was super cute! I have a feeling Brian and Kristin's wedding will be a little big bigger... seeing as how this wedding was a solid 40 people. 

<3 now to order some delicious food with my roommies <3

The 24th Year.

To say that a lot has changed in the past year would be the understatement of the century! My life has taken an incredibly different and exciting path which I did not exactly expect a year ago from today. I am now pursuing a totally different career and living on an island in South Carolina. What!?


Yesterday, I celebrated my 24th year of living! At first I was a little sad to be away from home, not with familier friends or family, but by the end of the day ... I had a lovely birthday celebration.

Waking up to a slightly sad feeling, I went into work where I didn't think I would have much celebrating to do (of course). My new friend Franklin asked me how my day off was, to which I responded "Great! And today is my birthday!"... He got a huge smile on his face and gave me a hug "Ah! The birthday girl! God bless you!" Later I found out Franklin is from India and I made him promise to teach me some hindi as well as how to make delicious food. He works part time at an Indian restaurant on the island, as well as Sea Pines. Quite the cool dude.

I had a productive day at work. Many wonderful birthday wishes. I ended the day relaxing at home with some of the other interns, eating delicious ice cream cake, and having a few beers. A nice way to spend a birthday.

I am so thankful for everything that happened during my 23rd year. Let's make the 24th just as good!

<3

Thank you for all the birthday wishes. I love each and every one of you (... especially all 3 of you who actually read my blog)

Lemons.

A note about lemons. 

Look down at your hands... no cuts, no visible scrapes. 

Cut a lemon.

THERE ARE A MILLION TINY CUTS ON YOUR HANDS.

Be warned.

A Day of Firsts!

FIRST OF ALL! To all your READERS-- My mother mentioned to me I should probably make a point to tell everyone that the title of my blog is purely something fun. I am not trying to imply at ALL that Rhode Island was hell, I am implying that Hilton Head could be heaven.


Today was the first day on ze job at Sea Pines! I was scheduled from 10 AM - 4 PM

I arrived at 9:45 on the premise of "Being early is on time, being on time is late!" Well, I was almost late.. as I walked around in my chef whites ... desperately looking for an open door! Finally, my friend (new friend) Ryan shows up and helped me find the RIGHT, OPEN door -- which was awesome. And we were BOTH on time!

We got a tour of the kitchen and were immediately sent into the dish pit. Fun way to start eh ? But it was actually a really good thing because we got to know our way around the kitchen better by being able to put all the dishes away, sounds insane, I know, but it was actually awesome. Then we were given a pretty hefty prep list. A fun fact about the kitchen is that the fridge is down a few flights of stairs, so definitely getting in my steps today! We did get to make some beurre blanc sauce, which was fun? But generally it was a very fun day. We learned a lot and it was nice working with someone else and getting to know them.

Once I got out of work (an hour late, mind you) I journeyed to meet DON -- the man who has caused me to have anxiety dreams about forgetting how to lift. Walking into an unfamiliar gym, not being greeted by Robyn or Luke at the door, Andrew not yelling at me, and Tom not standing by my side telling me 'chest up', was a very intimidating process! Where was my lovely JCC!? Walking in, I was greeted by Don and a huge smile, a handshake, and even some other members asking me "Are you Amy!?" That was a nice feeling. The gym was in a hockey rink arena, which was hilarious. Beginning to lift with Don, he assured me that " Tommy did good" and that he was very excited to work with me .... All the anxiety lifted immediately.

Came home. Made Food. Took Shower. Going to bed. Tomorrow is a new day, can't wait for it to begin!

Hilton Head is becoming more and more heavenly by the moment AND its getting warmer!

Just the street that leads me to work. No big deal.

Heaven.

The Journey Begins

Well! I'm here. After 17 1/2 hours in a car with the wonderful Jane McGuirk, a stop to see some friends, we arrived at Hilton Head Island. "I'm so excited!" played as we crossed the bridge; A McGuirk/Hittner tradition according to Mom.. had to uphold that tradition! Very important.

 Since the arrival: Met all the interns, got roommates, set up my room, Mom left, had a mixer, ate lots of delicious food, met a few gingers, journeyed around the island, saw Sea Pines, found out where I'll be working, got lost in Sea Pines, fell into bed.

 Okay, that didn't all happen in one day. Obviously. But it has felt like one very long day since I got down here!

 Today I found out where I will be spending the beginning of my time here. I will be working in "The Quarterdeck" (http://www.seapines.com/dining/the-quarterdeck.aspx) restaurant, which is right where the famous lighthouse lives! Tonight, we dined at Topside, the "casual fine dining" restaurant which is (quite literally) a level above The Quarterdeck. Both restaurants use the same kitchen and as of right now I will be working the AM shift at the Quarterdeck (10-3) and also helping out at another location.

 I'm sorry blog world, I haven't gotten my sea legs (blog legs) back yet.

 I'm sure these posts will be getting better as the time goes on! I do miss my Rhode Islanders, but I am super excited to begin this chapter!