I am working…

Yes, I am working. Not just having fun and meeting people. For my first time in a commercial kitchen (not catering) I think I am doing pretty well. I am not cooking on the line yet for guests, but I have been helping with staff meals. I have made so far: grilled alici, pasta Sicilian (with eggplant,tomatoes, penne pasta, true carbonara (with heavy-heavy cream, Parmesan, basil and pancetta). They have asked me to make chicken wings, but I have not seen franks red hot sauce around here at all. Plus I would have to make blue cheese. We will see what happens. I will keep you posted. I am going to make my family’s cream cheese pound cake. I was worried at first about the measurement conversions but Fortunata said she has cups!!! So the Givens pound cake will be international :-).
During the lunch and dinner shifts, I work the pantry line. Making salads, antipasti, prepping some of the hot line items, and generally helping where and when I can. It is tough with the language but once I know what a dish is, or what the expectations are, I can rock and roll! And I enjoy it. The picture is of me and the famous insalata di mare! It is really good. I knew I loved cured salmon, I just never imagined I would be enjoying OCTOPUS!!!!!!!
Oh the stories I will have to share with the boys! I am also taking lots of pictures for them. Things I pray they will get to see and do soon. I wish my family could be here with me experiencing things along with me, for now I will be their eyes and share lots of things with them! Love you all and miss you.

Ciao for now.
Lex