July 20, 2010
Denise Simmons, Corporate Chef

I love New York!  I know it’s cliché, but there really is something about the city that’s like no other in the world.  I recently had an opportunity to spend several days soaking up all the city has to offer.  The folks I went with are fellow foodies, so we had a great time restaurant hopping for three days. 

The first restaurant we found ourselves at on Saturday night was Thomas Keller’s Bouchon Bakery (Thomas Keller of French Laundry fame.  He has an incredible restaurant in Manhattan-Per Se, but we didn’t stand a snow balls’ chance in a deep fryer of getting in!  The place is booked months in advance).  Anyway, the bakery is located one floor down, in the same building as Per Se.  It’s much more casual, which is ok with me….I tend to enjoy simpler foods. 

May 24, 2010
Denise Simmons, Corporate Chef

I admit it…..I’m a true, died in the wool, tree hugging hippy.  I believe in global warming. I believe factory farming hurts the environment and the animals (including us).  I believe that if I choose to not eat meat one day a week, I’m decreasing my carbon footprint and I’m doing my heart a favor.  I believe that reducing, reusing and recycling are the only responsible waste management systems.  I believe that chefs have a responsibility to respect food and to educate and feed the soul as well as the belly.

Today, I want to believe that all people are finally coming to grips with this --- that we agree we need to be better stewards of our natural resources and we’re committed to taking steps right now.  Everywhere I go, I see articles relating to sustainability.  Entire communities composting and reducing their daily landfill deposits from the size of a fully loaded locomotive to zero.  Local produce, meats & dairy readily available to everyone.  High profile chefs going meatless in their own restaurants one day a week.   Despite all of this, it doesn’t seem we are there yet. I fear a few “fringe” hippies are making a lot of noise and their volume is being mistaken for unison of everyman.