How Cool is Cool

G’day Mates!! Welcome back from a wonderful time in the Windy City. On April 9, I learned some fascinating skills in my Food Styling class. One of my friends Jenny from class invited her twin sister to come into our class and demonstrate how to blow glass. From our previous class when we learned how to pull sugar, learning how to blow glass was even more amusing. Jenny’s sister has been doing this hobby for years, and she usually blows glass in her basement. It is amazing the artwork you can do with glass, and create numerous things using fire. During this process we had to wear high tech glasses to protect our eyes from the flames that could eventually blind you if you stared at it too long. This is why we took precautions before starting. After Jenny’s sister finished demonstrating how to make a flower and mushroom necklace, each person in class had the opportunity to make their own art piece. Everyone in class did an excellent job creating their own color and design. As a warning “never touch the glass piece after it had been touch by fire because the burn is not pleasant.” This is why once the piece is completed you must may sure you let the glass cool down and cover it. Besides this I had a blast watching and learning about blow glass art. This class was the highlight of my day. I have some cool pictures below showing all the cool stuff that we did! On that note we must dock for the evening, I’ll catch you soon!

Practice Day for Wisconsin Restaurant Expo Competition

Ahoy Mates! March 11 was one of my longest days because we were practicing for our hot plate competition in Milwaukee. Although we were told by our instructor it would be a long day, going through the emotions can take a toll on the body. Since we were determined to win, our team did whatever it took to place in the competition. The hardest part about this day was it was so warm and lovely outside that unfortunately we had to stay inside and cook in a warm kitchen. I learned dedication is a key factor in doing anything in life because motivation will guide you through obstacles that may occur. Throughout the day we changed our menu to fit our likeness until we felt which foods would be the winner. After going though several recipes we finally picked which food we were going to compete with. That was the easy part compared to the rest of the task we had to do for the rest of the day. We had to make a checklist to make sure we had everything to bring down to Milwaukee with us, then once that process was finished we had to cost out our menu. As the day ended we were beyond tired, and we were at Moraine Park for 12 hours. Once we finished it was time for us to head home, but I decided to go bowling to release some stress and have some fun. I headed over to Ledgeview Lanes to bowl three games. I did pretty decent for not bowling for a month. My averages were around 155 for all three games, but I was just glad to get some fresh air before competing the next day. Afterwards I headed home and got some sleep for the big event day. On my next blog I’ll tell you about my experience at the Wisconsin Restaurant Expo event in Milwaukee. I will even have some mini clips of my journey. Stay tuned, ciao!
Cheers,
Lee IV

Another Happy Friday

G’day Mates! Welcome to another Friday! On February 17, I started my day off with celebrating my other brother’s birthday by wishing him Happy Birthday, the day after my younger brother’s birthday. I can’t believe my brother Chris turned eighteen. Like always, I can’t believe how time is flying. In the fall he will be attending college as freshmen. I already remember the day when I was a freshman, but I know he will do fine. After I called him for his birthday wishes I got ready for another productive day. I went to school to register for my food styling class competition in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I can’t believe we are two weeks away from competition. I am little nervous, but I know our team will do whatever it takes to win. Plus the experience is priceless, something I will add to my resume. Once I finished registering I decided it would be a good time to start on my homework for the weekend. Since I work a lot I figure it is better to finish my home work early rather than waiting till the last minute. A famous quote I learned in high school was “to be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late.” This is such a relevant quote in life because if we do things early less stress is added on our daily lives. I hope this quote helps you with anything you’re going through. Well mates it is time for me to hit the haystack, the working weekend is approaching, check you later!

Cheers,
Lee IV

Week 2 of school

G’day Mates, after a busy weekend of working and playing soccer it was time to get ready for week two of school. In my Food Principles class we went over culinary terms, and talked about how we can use these terms in our career. There were a lot of terms I was unaware of because I haven’t had much experience in the food industry, and some of the terms originated from French or Italian cuisine. Nevertheless I gained knowledge of using these terms to communicate with people, and utilize culinary terms into my writing. After class I had a two hour break before my next class, so I decided to get a haircut at Techniques salon on campus. The cosmetology department offers a hair salon that is open to the public for a reasonable cost. This allows the students to gain more experience cutting and styling hair. I figured since the students don’t get much experience on men’s hair I would assist by letting them cut my hair. The one student was a bit nervous, but I told her no worries it’s the only way you have to get practice so no pressure. During the haircut the instructor kept checking to make sure everything was going well, and to say the least, I was satisfied with my haircut. After my haircut they shampooed and conditioned my hair all for seven dollars which is a great bargain. I told them I would come back and recommend others to come here for haircuts. Click here to see a list of their services: http://www.morainepark.edu/services/techniques-salon/#student-labs

Afterwards I got some lunch in the cafeteria then headed into my Food Styling class. We went over our recipes and ideas of how we wanted to design our plating for the food competition next month on March 12 in Milwaukee. With the students in class we have a lot of fun making jokes and coming up with new ideas to have the opportunity to win and place in the competition. I am super excited and nervous but this will give me more experience and make me a better person by challenging myself. After class I got ready for our first culinary club meeting. In this meeting we introduced new members to the club, and talked about our plans for fundraisers this semester. We have to do with a busy schedule ahead, but that is what we best working under pressure and getting things accomplish. Our main goal is to raise money for our Germany trip which is open for everyone including nonstudents, and our food show in Chicago. Both of these trips will be held in May, if you want more information check out the culinary corner board or contact me for more information. Our meetings for the culinary club will held every Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. in room A111, so don’t hesitate, come join the fun! Well mates after a long day, it is time for me to do some homework. I’ll catch you on the next voyage!

Cheers,
Lee IV