I got laid off from my job as they were relocating everyone to the West Coast. I decided I didn’t want to be a web designer and to continue my love for food. I enrolled at the French Culinary Institute. You know, where Bobby Flay went. Also now known as the International Culinary Center. I quickly learned I needed money still. Two weeks after being laid off, I got a freelance gig, thanks to my friend Russ, at Condé Nast Bridal Group. A lesbian who couldn’t get married legally at the time as their web designer. Yeah. That makes sense. I was the web designer who would walk into the elevator in flip flops, holes in my jeans and a t-shirt. Everyone else looked amazing. I quit culinary school after three months. Condé hired me full-time and I also realized I don’t like school or taking tests.
I staged at a restaurant where my good friend Lee Farrington was the chef. I was so excited and nervous as all hell to be on the line. It was a tiny maybe 100 sq ft space where plate after plate would be turned out. The adrenaline rush you get after working was exhilarating. If you are in Maine, you should check out her restaurant she opened with her wife called LB Kitchen.