Fruits of My Labor...

Finally!!!!! I feel like I've been grinding for a minute in attempts to land the perfect undertaking in the perfect setting. This weekend I have the opportunity to work at one of Atlanta's best restaurants, Craft. It is owned by Bravo's Top Chef judge, Tom Colicchio and resides in Buckhead at the Mansion Hotel on Peachtree. Words cannot express how thrilled I am although I am filled entirely with butterflies. I know that I have what it takes to advance in this industry, however I have not worked in a professional kitchen in over a year. Regardless of the fact that the restaurants I have worked in were distinguished and reputable, Craft is not your average kitchen. The expectations are a lot higher when it comes to not only the food, but your level of professionalism, your cleanliness, your organization and your attention to detail. For any aspiring Chef, this is the position that many try to land because of the level of status attached to it. For me, it is a stepping stone that will bring me much closer to obtaining the knowledge and experience needed to branch out on my own. This Saturday, I am going to be a complete sponge and aim to soak up everything around me. I'm trying to keep in mind a word of advice from the very first chef that I've ever worked for, "Every kitchen is exactly the same except some have much more expensive ingredients and equipment". Thankx Chef Paul;)

Cafe Nineteen...

In spite of all the flooding and terrible weather that surrounded us in Atlanta yesterday, I managed to get out and enjoy the company of a good friend. We decided to go out and have some drinks at a fairly new spot in Atlantic Station called Cafe Nineteen. I loved everything about this place. It was extremely intimate, dark and casual yet cosmopolitan and urbane. It was the perfect atmosphere needed to unwind after a long day in the city. We indulged in glasses of Pinot Grigio($7), Bacon Egg and Cheese croissants($4), Lemon Pepper Wings($5), Hot as Fish grease Wings($5) and Veggie Panini's ($8) at 11:30 at night. Where else in Atlanta can you do that on a Monday night? Better yet, where else in Atlanta would you want to do that on a Monday night? Not to mention they're open until 2am!! This is definitely my new hotspot when I need to chill and relax and count my coins. They are terribly affordable so there is definitely no reason for me to stray.... See you soon!

Bevy Smith

Okay so one of the many reasons why I love working in a luxury boutique hotel is the fact that we get to cross paths with some extremely interesting and influential people. The other day I had the privilege to meet Ms. Bevy Smith and Mr. Brian Michael Cox... although this is my second time meeting Mr. Cox (very nice and polite dude), I was completely in awe with Bevy Smith! She is almost (I say almost because there is always the potential to be more) everything that I aspire to be. I've been paying attention to her work for a minute now and having finally met her, I feel very humbled. Not only is she an extreme event planner, she has a background in fashion, music, and travel. She is also a freelance writer (one of my next goals)and television personality. Although she is fabulous, she gets paid to showcase other fabulous people and their accomplishments. Her welcoming, friendly, and sophisticated personality made me immediately feel adequate. I have yet to meet a woman of her caliber with such poise and coolness. She reminded me of a nonchalant auntie that had experienced so much in her life, all you want to do is soak up everything she had to share. Below I've posted a video from last year when Bevy hosted a dinner party with my biggest crush(lol)Kenny Burns at my job for The Gilt Groupe.com. To name a few, Bevy has hosted events for top music artists and producers including, Chris Brown, T.I., Mya, Vanessa Carlton, Trey Songz, Ashanti, Ja Rule, Solange and Musiq Soulchild. She has also thrown parties for brands, Tanqueray, Hugo Boss, Housing Works, Veuve Clicquot, Latina Magazine and Ten Cane rum.
I love this woman!!!!

DINNER WITH BEVY & THE GILT GROUPE.COM HOSTED BY KENNY BURNS - Watch more Videos at Vodpod.

City in Motion

Although I still reside in Atlanta, GA, one of the best up and coming cities for the young, black and gifted, my heart still beats for that uptop way of life. The artistic and classy yet I don't give a fuck attitude is all that I am. The feeling of freedom and independence yet being connected with others in this almost strange unity is what I yearn for on a daily basis. It's sooo true that those streets make you feel brand new. Don't get me wrong, F.I.L.A! But my time here is slowly dwindling down. They say home is where the heart is and even though I have NO plans to move back to CT, the closer to my loved ones, the BETTER! New York City is full of motion and activity. I feel like the south almost has a chopped and screwed demeanor and doesn't plan to change in the time I need it to. I'm trying to make moves and the options are just NOT available here! I have been slowly planning to vacate out of this town, and two (2) years is the deadline.... NYC here I come baby!!!

Empire State Of Mind (Feat. Alicia Keys) - Jay-Z