Believe it or Not?

Well another weekend has past, I cant believe I am here on Fire Island 13 weeks already. They told me it would fly by. They were right. Yesterday was my day off, and my brother Marc trekked over to visit me and spend the day. It was raining on the mainland and he was already not in a good mood coming over by ferry. It had rained briefly here and the sky was clearing up. I gave him a tour of Ocean Beach (quite a small town although the largest community on FI ). We started the day having lunch at the Island Mermaid. The same place I took my mom to. Food was fabulous as always and we enjoyed sitting by the bay. Since Marc is continuing to lose weight, we decided to take a walk over a couple of towns. Not much to see or do there but the homes are lovely to look at and the bay breeze is a pleasure. We came back and changed, I into my bathing suit and Marc into a new pair of shorts and flipflops. Believe it or not!! We headed for the beach. The water was beautiful and a tad cold, but again we took a long walk along the water and enjoyed the peacefulness and beauty. Funny though, I havent seen my brother on a beach in yrs, and he admits he hasnt done this in many. I told him about all the deer on the island and fortunately we got to see a few. First time for me seeing an antlered buck!! ON the beach!! very cool. We headed back to my restaurant, and decided to have some food. Chef Bobby was in the kitchen and Marc was in heaven. He started with the Tuna Tataki. #1 Ahi tuna, seared and sliced served with a ponzu soy sauce. It melted in his mouth he said. Then he opted for the Mahi Mahi sandwich served with Mango salsa, I had my favorite Maple rum glazed Salmon on spinach greens. He was thoroughly impressed and full. We took a walk around town, did some shopping and stopped at the little candy store for some treats. Key Lime pie fudge was the special of the day. YUMMY!! Packed up and headed for the ferry, the day was great and I cant wait for more of you to come see me and my little summer home!!

And the RocketFuels red glare......

I survived 4th of July weekend here on Fire Island. Everyone was warning me how busy we would be, I believe to encourage me both mentally and physically. The weather was great, people were arriving by the boat load, and we were prepped to the max. The town has a parade every year and the floats are made up by the community from their wagons. The kids had a ball, the adults drank alot of Rocket fuels ( the island drink of choice ) and I cooked my butt off. I am now officially an ala carte Chef. One of the reasons I took this job was to gain that experience in my culinary career. Not to sure if I want to pursue it further than this summer but I am loving the experience. By sunday nite I was completely and utterly exhausted. I couldnt wait for my day off on tuesday. My mom came out to FI with her husband and spent monday after the holiday weekend here. She spent a few hours on the beach and then came to my restaurant for lunch. I dont let my mom look at the menu and she allows me to order and cook for her. She started off with my Stuffed Fried artichokes with Roasted garlic tomato aioli. Then I prepared her a Mahi Mahi sandwich, with mango salsa on a rustica roll. I also sent out a Rum Maple glazed Salmon on spinach salad. She was impressed !! LOL She stayed at a cute little B & B so we could spend my day off together. I have vowed my days off will NOT be spent here at my restaurant at all. We spent the day at the beach, came back n changed, walked around town shopping in the little family run stores ( Angie would love it here ) and then went to an early supper at The Island Mermaid restaurant on the bay. Overlooking the water, we ordered Pomegranite Margaritas and ate the best Fried Calamari I have ever had. Lobster rolls as the entree oh sooo yummy. Now understand being a Chef here in town in one of the 9 restaurants we have, we pretty much all know each other. I seem to be treated especially well when I go out. Service and Food were both amazing, and for some reason people ( in this case my mom ) seem to be impressed with the special treatment I do get. Needless to say, my mom is proud of me. In all honesty, I am too!! I cant wait for the rest of you hop on the ferry and come see my little summer home.