Losing your driving license is not too bad....if you can use your time to learn something.

So I lost my driving license. In the United states, you cannot drive without it in your possession while driving so I left work early and lined up at the Department of Motor Vehicles (called MVA on the East Coast.)in San Francisco. Well I did not exactly waste my time. When I got there, there were 120 numbers (= people) before me. How to kill time? I began to read the news on my blackberry but I realized news were around me: I began to study how the organization works. I asked to speak to the person in charge. I met Fred. And he explained to me that everything is now completely computerized. So if the computer system does not work, they might as well close their office. I always said everywhere and everybody needs a plan B. Because one day, we will have an earthquake or no electricity for some reason and ....???? So do you know how lucky our immigrants are? (who dared say that Americans don't treat well his immigrants?) How many countries in the whole world offer driving booklets in Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Farsi, Arabic, Luong, Chinese, Thai, Russian, Samoan,Punjabie, Lao, Hmong, Hindi, Korean, Cambodian, Eastern Armenian (is there a Western Armenian language???) and of course English. So I did ask why no French, eh are you ready for the answer? "the French people are too smart, they come to the USA with a good level of English!" BRAVO LES FRANCAIS!!

USF welcomes the President of Ireland: Mary Mcaleese

Secret services, lines of cars, professors in full regalia and BON APPETIT was there! What can I add? How many of you have seen or approached one president in their lifetime, one to go. I promised myself a few more, and Barak is on my list. So I just let you enjoy the pictures, remember click on them for details and better view.

The President of Ireland Visit – Party for thousands – Books I have read…

I am trying to attract more people. So here are some fun facts: we have the President of Ireland at USF this week and “we” are feeding her and her people. That is fun, fun but the Secret service will not allow us to go to close. Anyway, getting a contract for the Presidency (I know this is Ireland I wish it could be the President of the USA I mean President Elect Obama…) is unusual knowing there are hundreds of caterers in San Francisco. Then on Wednesday USF is throwing a holiday party for thousands of people: the logistics is unbelievable: we are working 12 hours probably on Wednesday so details to come. And I wanted to let you know that I have been reading fascinating books: "White House Chef: Eleven Years, Two Presidents, One Kitchen" by Walter Scheib. This is not only about cooking but logistics and organization at the White house. It is such an interesting book especially during the Clintons’ time. I loved it. Then “Women: A Female Doctor's Journey in the Saudi Kingdom” by Qanta A. Ahmed. You live an extraordinary 400 pages in a strange atmosphere especially knowing that you are a woman, you have been studied in the USA and you are there on 9/11. You will not close that book. Then this other book which title I cannot remember: the story of the man who created the computer system for all 9/11 victims with their belongings, DNA information and how he did it with the help of an English Technical engineer working from Apple. It was pure fascination and not morbid at all. I love organization. So whatever circumstances, I love to read how to handle major situations. Whatever they are. And finally look at Joseph, one of our cooks showed up with the BanTransFats.com t-shirt. Joseph, not only you bear my name but I love you because you are a delegate for Denver for the Democratic party, you are a wonderful cook and you are so interesting to talk to! This page is for you my new friend!!! And my new friend Barak, I have promised myself to meet him. I have 4 years to make it happen....

You are going on my site…but what are you looking for?

I am puzzled: yesterday 25 people went on my site even though I have not been posting anything new. (The bakery is being re-done and these are the photos I love the most…) So one question, please answer the survey on the right: with your answers, I will do better. Or just hit reply below and leave your comments. Now since you asked me: I ADORE MY JOB. Yep! I am planning tons of events and juggling with menus and tasting and arguing (I am actually arguing about some Middle East recipes because…well…I know better than this Chinese Chef!) and all this in only 8 hours a day. I could work longer, I don’t do it because I want to be home and cook. I am looking at the lunches, the ideas, the combinations are endless.. I posted this fun picture from San Francisco's streets. In honor of Eddy, my son who loves Tintin. And he knows how much I miss him since he left home to College.