Commitment and Experiences

Although I try not think that this blog is homework, I feel that i don't dedicate as much time as i should. 

With that being said, I have promised myself to post at least twice a week.  It does not matter to me if the post be two sentences or two pages, all I ask of myself is to post. This post will kick it off! 

But for more content.

There isn't anything greater than enjoying a meal at a restaurant.  The combination of good service, delicious food and fabulous company is like no other experience; however, to have this experience at the creme de la creme of a New York City restaurant is truly unforgettable. 

The night started off at my arrival to Eleven Madison Park with my friend.  We were greeted by two hostesses and promptly seat at a corner table that over looked the dining room.  The first thing I noticed was the ratio of waitstaff to patrons, it was about 1 to 3.  The attentiveness started right away with presenting the drink and food menu.  We chose the Gormand, an eleven course tasting menu and I also opted for the wine pairing. 

Then the dance began,  every course, every wine, every movement seemed calculated and rehearsed.  I could find very little fault in the presentation of each course and wine as they were set in front of me and explained each and every time.  The food was delicious and the wine went fabulously with each course.  To explain each dish would not it justice.  At the end of the night I was presented with the dessert plate that had "Happy Birthday Shannon" written on it expertly.

After everything was cleared away, the bill was presented to us as well as the menu.  Mine was the standard while my friend received an alternative one that had the shellfish and mollusk substitutions.  We also walked away with a small jar of chef's pick olive oil and gelee.

All in all, my dinner at Eleven Madison Park took a total of four hours from beginning to end.  With a price tag of over half a grand, I wonder when I will go back for another try. 

Cruising along

Over a week and a half has passed by since graduation.  Almost all of my great friends have moved back home and the few still in NY have started or are preparing to start working.  Which leaves me to think about where my life is heading.


I had my first interview today in Manhattan.  I was so nervous I barely slept the night before.  I can't help but think I was over dressed.  The CIA dress code has been such a big part of my educational career that I went there in a button down, dress skirt and heels while my interviewer was in t-shit and jeans.  Overall I felt quite confidant.  Now to rock the trailing tomorrow!  I'm sure today and tomorrow is just the beginning of what I will be facing more often.


In other news, living at home is like a a throwback in time.  For the past 3 years I have been quite independant: no one to tell me when to go to bed or when to take my meals or report where I am and with whom I am out with.  I can say quite positivly, those days are OVER.  My parents, much love to them, are super protective.  Since thier bird that left the nest has finally flown home, they hover.. endlessly.  Strangely, I can't say I mind it all that much.  


One positive and negative aspect of living at home has to be the FOOD.  There is nothing better than a home cooked meal, not even what they serve at school compares.  

Dad made some crispy wings.

Juicy steak with sauteed spinach (not pictured)

My mother learned how to make Cha Sui from scratch. It's better than what the stores offer.

I also made, what i considered, a vat of chilli.  Somehow it got demolished in a day.

With all this food, I'm lucky if I can keep my weight the same. :)

Something I have been working on is photography.  My father has a great Canon Rebel and I have been playing around with it.  It's quite a change for someone who has been use to point and shoot cameras to learning how to manually set almost everything.  It's quite fun but I need to go out to take more pictures!

Here is a few that I like best.  Questions, comments and critiques are welcomed!

*It's all flower because there was nothing else that created the same effect.