The Culinary Works

I have to admit, this holiday season totally got away from me! It came and went so fast!! Although, when I stop to think about it, we did accomplish a lot.

In early December Mark and I contributed our time to provide a Christmas dinner for a group of 350 homeless women and children at a local shelter. It’s a great cause and a great program that not only provides a safe place for their clients but also provides the resources they need to get back on their feet, find employment and all of those things we are so fortunate to have. It’s a hectic few days leading up to the event, with all the planning and coordinating but it always feels good to share with others. Even Sam got in on the act and spent the day with us in the kitchen and serving. He’s such a trooper. Not everyone may remember, but cooking for this event is how Mark and I met, way back in 2008. We were recruited by two great friends, who of course never let us forget it. Funny how things work out.

And, we survived the Disnleyland trip, which was AWESOME by the way and all the other various holiday activities that come with families who have spread out over time.

But, all in all, I didn’t do the baking and such that I had planned to, nor did I get the writing done I wanted to do. So, with renewed energy and lots of ideas, I look forward to 2010 here at The Culinary Works. We are going to sit down with our team at our annual New Years celebration, Chef’s never get to celebrate the holidays with their staff’s until after the customers have celebrated theirs, and come up with a 2010 ‘Road Map’ for our team. If there are any areas you would like us to cover, do more of, leave out etc., we truly would love your feedback! Please shoot me a note: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Lastly, I want to thank everyone, inlcluding the TCW team for the support in 2009. What a year. We watched our site visits grow from 50 to 100’s to 1000’s!! AND, we have found a great deal of support from other chefs, winemakers and the artisan food community. In my eyes, it’s a great opportunity to connect the ‘Foodies’ to the people making it all happen.

Please have a SAFE and HAPPY New Year, CHEERS!