The Royal Chef

Here is a man who has not only had experience cooking for royalty and Heads of State, but devotes a large amount of his time and efforts to charity. Chef Darren McGrady, The Royal Chef, was one of numerous chefs to the royal family in Britain for many years. After "the divorce", he served as personal chef to Princess Di at Kensington Palace. Following Diana's accident, he turned down an offer from Prince Charles to remain in their service and decided to head for the states, Dallas, Tx to be exact. I've been truly impressed by the time and effort this man commits to simply helping people. Tonight he hosted "The Royal Feast", a charity banquet with all procedes going to support Dayspring Villa Women's Shelter. By some miraculous turn of events and only a few hours notice, me and mom were able to attend. It was so exciting to be a part of not only a culinary event, but one that supports the shelter mom has worked for the last 2 years. Chef McGrady planned the menu and personally prepared the dessert course. I managed to meet the Chef and talk to him about school and how ministry plays a big part in my future plans. It was very encouraging for me to reinforce what I already knew but sometimes doubt, "you are starting out the right way: by going to school. So many people think they can just be a good cook and make it big, but an education plays a huge role." He wished me luck, and that was that. But to say I've met him, is an exciting event I will never forget. I learned something tonight perhaps maybe even more interesting than the fact that the past few years haven't been a waste: did you know that in Buckingham Palace the kitchen is 1.5 miles aways from the Royal Dining Room? Isn't that crazy? Here is the menu and a link to his website. If you really look you will find a newsclipping of a previous visit to the shelter and also a link to the shelter itself.

Poached Merlot Pear Salad

with mesclum greens, Chili Pecans, Bleu Cheese and Radicchio

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Steak Diane

Fresh Market Vegetables

Carrot, Asparagus, Zucchini and Yellow Pepper

Garnished with a grilled Tomato

Creme Brulee Cheesecake

with a Strawberry and Rhubarb Compote

in a Jasmine Syrup

www.theroyalchef.com

Confessions of a PI-lovin Mind

So in addition to working, catching up with old friends, and getting to spend some much needed time with family, I've learned something about myself. I still have the ability and desire to sit and watch Magnum PI without feeling ashamed of one of my first girlhood crushes. Honestly, he lives in Hawaii, drives a ferrari ( I think) , has a friend who owns a helicopter, whats not to love. Even Higgins, the crotchety old english-man who is always trying to bring some culture and refinement to it all but is still lovable in his own way, adds another element to the show. T.C. was my favorite when I was little because we had similar names, thus creating a special bond between us, in my mind anyway. Rick, nothing personal, but he was probably me least favorite. Sorry man. What is it about this silly 80's tv show that is so endearing? A few mornings ago me and mom were both home and having a coffee, our morning ritual, and watching a bit. As soon as it started we realized that Carol Burnett was guest starring, and both remembered basically the entire episode. They get locked in a bank vault and end up setting off sprinklers.....anyway. It was interesting that we still remembered it from when we would watch it faithfully growing up in Amarillo, so many years ago. And I think that is why I like it, because it reminds me of simpler times. Mom and I would watch that and Woody Woodpecker every day when I got home from school before K and L got out of school. Funny that the simple act of renewing a ritual that I held as a kid, still makes me feel like I'm home. Maybe even though we all grow up eventually, some things really do never change. Its a comforting thought.

Jonas

Me and my favorite nephew! growing up linds would always call me her favorite little sister, too bad i'm her ONLY little sister.

Intros are never easy

I've never been very big on introductions, so this will be short and sweet. My life is crazy, work+school+family=not much free time for anything else. Even though chaos can be frustrating and leave you feeling like you just got kicked on your butt, in a way it is invigorating and self-satisfying. That is the point I am at in my life. As long as I have a creative outlet to appease that side of my personality, then I'm alright. So....I go to culinary school, learning what Vicchysoise is truly made of, or what action is expected when you hear monter au beurre from chef somehow helps me keep that feeling like I am improving myself as a person. Sounds kind of silly, but when you are asking yourself questions like "what is the meaning of life?" or "what makes my mom's roast so much better than anyone else's?" it helps to start with the small stuff and try to sift through the issues that confront us everyday, usually when you are least expecting it. So the answer to start with is soy sauce, it makes her roast my all-time favorite.