Tapas & Vino

Days 57 and 58

My initials should be M.I.A. and not M.A.K.

I'm so consumed with everything food lately it seems as though I haven't had time to breathe. But that was the point of all this, right?

Tuesday I spent a good 12 hours at the school. It's not like I haven't worked shifts that long (or longer) before, but when you're on your feet all day, it can suck the life out of you. I know—I sound old.

After class, in which I spent the day making striped bass in parchment paper (papillotes), I helped one of my former instructors with his recreational tapas class. The four-hour session involved small plates from Spain, where the chef was born. We made gazpacho, tortilla espanola (a Spanish potato omelet), gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), and more. It was a good class, but I was exhausted by the time it came to an end.

Today, my partner and I were in charge of the farmer's-style soup and pot au feu; both came out well. Immediately after class ended, I headed to the school's theater to attend a French wine tasting. The selections—all from Chateauneuf-du-Pape—were excellent. It was a nice overview of a region about which I have little knowledge.

I made a long day even longer by meeting up with some friends for drinks, followed by a trip to The Meatball Shop.

Hope I don't drop the ball tomorrow—only one more day to go before the midterm.