Jan 24, 2007

Los Angeles - A year in retrospect

So, it's been a year now. 365 days since I decided to make the pilgrimage from the peaceful beach town (bubble) of Newport Beach to move to Santa Monica with the woman I love and leave the safety net of one of our nations largest companies (MetLife) to join a little known start up in hopes of making it big. I had such visions of grandeur.





















I am an optimist but not a fool, I knew it would be hard work having three major changes occur in my life all at once. Moving to LA, joining a start-up, and moving in with my serious girlfriend Kristina. If you know me, you would know that this has been a radical year... to say that at times I move at a snails pace would be an understatement. It has actually been a great year, I love living with K, and couldn't imagine life without it. The start-up is still... well... starting up, but things are looking positive and I have had three pay raises, higher blood pressure, about 5 extra pounds, and more excitement for a career than I have ever experienced. We aren't out of the woods yet, but I have gained a lot of experience and am past the point of any type of regret. While we still go to Newport a lot to see family and friends, we have experienced a lot of great things in LA and I am far from ready to leave. We are slowly coming out of our docile shelles. It also helps that BLee moved up here (and Grubb I guess). The restaurants are great, the culture is amazing, the people are rude as hell, I guess I am in paradise per se.

Let's revisit in another year. Who knows where we will be.

This Years Culinary Goal

I have always wanted to go to French Laundry in Yountville, and this year I am making it a point to go there for my birthday in August. I have heard great things about Thomas Keller, and I can say with resolution that I will have him feed me into my 29th year of life. If you would like to join me let me know and we will coordinate the reservation.



Top Ten Rated Restaurants in the World (Restaurant Magazine)

1. El Bulli, Montjoi, Spain - World's Best Restaurant, Best in Europe
2. The Fat Duck, Bray, Berkshire, UK
3. Pierre Gagnaire, Paris, France - Chef's Choice (voted for by last year's 50 Best)
4. French Laundry, Yountville, California, USA - Best Restaurant in the Americas
5. Tetsuya's, Sydney, Australia - Best Restaurant in Australasia
6. Bras, Laguiole, France
7. Restaurant Le Louis XV, Monaco
8. Per Se, New York, New York, USA
9. Restaurante Arzak, San Sebastian, Spain
10. Mugaritz, San Sebastian, Spain - Highest New Entrant