Fun Fearless Foodie

So tonight I ventured down to Bryant Park to check out the free HBO movie in the park that has been going on every Monday all summer, one of those New York events that I always talk about going to but never have. The feature film this evening was “The Goodbye Girl“, a Neil Simon picture staring a young Richard Dreyfus (who won an Academy Award for the role) and centered around a struggling actor who is forced by odd circumstance to room with a struggling dancer and her young daughter in a small apartment in New York City.  It was a lovely evening for a romantic comedy and I was lucky to find a tiny piece of real estate on the lawn for my blanket and bag of goodies.  As luck would have it I couldn’t round up anyone with an open schedule to join me but I went anyway, having my heart set all day on enjoying a night out not working or in school for a change.

Sitting there alone on the lawn for the hour and a half that I waited for the movie to start gave me all kinds of time to think about big things and small things, something i’ve been too busy to do until now, but spending time alone with your mind can be a dangerous thing.  As I gazed around and observed groups of friends, cute couples on dates, and families it all sort of hit me that I don’t really have any of those things here in the city.  It was almost three months ago that I packed my bags and moved to this crazy place on a wing and prayer, leaving my friends and family behind. In a city as big as New York it’s very easy to feel like a very small, miniscule blip on a giant radar.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not regretting my decision one bit, but I did start to question where this journey is going to take me and if ultimately it will turn out to be the best decision I ever made.

School is going really well, I just wrapped an incredible internship at the Food Network, and I’m currently working on a column for a soon to be identified website, all amazing accomplishments in such a short time, but in the back of my mind I’m always asking myself how am I going to turn this into a career, you know one that pays enough for you to live?  I’ve been stretching every last penny I have since I moved and will continue to do so for sometime I’m sure, and I’m ok with that, it teaches you to appreciate the little things, but it’s stressfull none the less.  All these mixed up thoughts were circling my head as I packed my bag and headed home, so I thought taking a nice (long) stroll home would be the perfect thing to clear my head.

It’s not too often I get to walk up midtown at 11:00 p.m. on a weeknight so I took the opportunity to explore 6th avenue and stare up at all the huge buildings, playing guess that skyscraper and imagining what goes on inside each one.  Midtown also happens to be chock full of high end restaurants displaying names I’ve always heard of but have never seen before.  Whenever I come across these places, like Aureole, Aquavit, Daniel, etc. I stop to look at the menu and see what these top chef’s are cooking and peek into the dining rooms wondering what it must be like to be able to eat there.

On this particular evening I found myself passing the St. Regis hotel on the very quiet street of 55th and 5th and spotted a brightly lit awning boasting the name Adour Alain Ducasse.  Recognizing both the restaurant and the chef, I was anxious as I walked up to gaze upon the carefully typed list of courses.  I was immediately taken by the prices, with the top item being Caviar at a going rate of $800-$1000.  Wow, was this place something else. As I worked my way down to the main courses I noticed a man approach on my right hand side to peer at the menu as well.  I glanced at him, looked back at the menu, then glanced again when I saw a woman approach.  I must have been staring for what felt like minutes when I realized that the woman standing next to me was Chef Michelle Bernstein, owner of Michy’s in Miami and all around female culinary powerhouse. Often featured as a guest judge on Top Chef, Michelle Bernstein is one of the top female chef’s paving the way in American cuisine today and someone I really admire.

Recognizing that this one one of those once in a lifetime moments, I acted fast and uttered out the words “i’m a huge fan” to her and introduced myself.  She appeared stunned that I knew who she was and was such an admirer and graciously reached out to shake my hand in return.  She introduced the man to my right as her husband and we began to talk about the impressive menu staring back at us.  Digging for conversation I mentioned that I’m a culinary student at FCI and was thrilled when she replied back that FCI was her favorite school in the city.  She wished me the best of luck with my studies as I thanked her for the meet and greet and went about my way,  as she and her husband went inside the hotel that I assume they were staying at.

As I walked across lonely 55th street I flashed a smile so huge that I could have lit up the block.  I just met Michelle Bernstein, she was lovely, and she wished me luck on my journey.  It was as if someone from above sent me a sign to remind me that everything I’m doing is worth it and not to get discouraged.  Seeing her reminded me that all of the culinary greats I admire had to start somewhere, and at one point were likely taking long walks questioning the sacrifices they were making.  Doing what you love is a luxury in life many don’t have and the fact that I am working harder than I ever have in my whole life for something I love is something to be grateful for.  I know this journey isn’t going to be easy, but the satisfaction that comes from pursuing your passion in life is enough to make it all worth it.