internship @ villa tronco : day 1

I was the first one at Villa Tronco this morning at 8:30 am. I thought my Chef had stood me up like he did for our interview (in fact he had to unexpectedly leave town so I interviewed with the 3rd generation owner) but at 8:37 he walked up and we went inside. I do not know what to say except that it was amazing! I guess I could say that I love how old and hot their kitchen is because it makes me feel like I am really in Italy. It is tiny, and though the equipment and building is old (the restaurant itself has been there for 70 years! and before that it was a fire station. and before that, well, who knows), Chef Tom keeps it extremely clean. DHEC came today. I know, I know, what a way to start my first day on the job.

after a thorough tour I spent the day working on my knife skills, helping Chef Tom on the line, learning sauces and recipes. it is a 95% scratch kitchen - almost everything is made by hand, even mayonnaise, and we roll our own ravioli. i learned how to use the pasta cooker - an outstanding machine which cooks pasta FOR YOU! anything that does not take the fun out of cooking but makes life easier is my friend. at the end of the day I was working on a stock from lobster shells for a bisque. I found out that the internship is paid! I found free parking but I plan on riding my bike mostly. today he told me that once I get the hang of things I will be heading up lunch sandwiches and the pizza station!

cheers (to the summer, all of our plans, jobs, internships and graduations!)