We "Get It" at "Moon Bay"

Some of the finest seafood cuisine on the East Coast!!! We use only the freshest product and even have a lot of our fish flown in, overnight, from Honolulu, Hawaii. The team of culinary professionals, working in this kitchen, is dynamic, work very well together and have a lot of fun. Our creations not only look fabulous, but taste incredible. Chef Keller is a man with creative vision and created a spectacular menu, that will make waves in the Seafood world. It just gets more exciting every day!!!! We open to the public in one week and we are charged, and ready to rock and roll. Come visit and taste the delights of the sea at "Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine"!!!!

I Have A Question...

What on earth has happened to our children's manners these days? I am just stunned at the lack of drive and determination that seems to be plaguing young adults these days. What are we doing, as a society, to create such an air of acceptance of disrespect?

As a parent, I have been very diligent in assuring that MY children treat others, especially other adults, with nothing but respect. When we go out to eat, my children say thank you at the end of the evening. I can't always afford to take them out, but sometimes I am just too tired to cook so we go out and splurge. I don't mind doing it because I know that my children are grateful and do not take that little "treat" for granted, and it is never held as an expectation by them.

I have been repeatedly appalled at the lack of gratitude I have seen coming from other's children. It seems, to me, that they have this notion that it is DUE to them, that we owe them for something. It is truly mind-boggling for me to see this.

It has also become very apparent that they do not feel that they need to EARN the things they want. I know of many young ladies, and gentlemen, who are still living at home, getting all of their needs met, doing whatever they want, all day long and never say or do a thing to show appreciation. I do not understand this. My daughter is 17 years old, has consistently held a job and was required to purchase her own vehicle. I co-signed for her, but she is the one making the payments and paying her insurance. If a payment is missed, the vehicle is gone, and she knows this. My 12 year old son knows that the PS-2 is off limits until certain chores and homework is done. There is no argument, no negotiation. I have had to work and pay my own way for as long as I can remember, and although it would be nice to be able to just give my children everything they want, on demand, it will never happen.

I have a very strong work ethic and have learned, the hard way, to not take anything in my life for granted. I have earned everything that I have and I want my kids to do the same. Now I am not saying that I don't help them with things, or that I am a slave driver....what I am saying is that for me, it is important that my children have a strong work ethic and learn appreciation. I believe that it is essential for their future, because regardless of how I feel about it, someday I will not be around and they will be forced to do it themselves.

Also, my 12 year old son, Matthew, knows that if he is seated and an older woman comes into the room and there are no more chairs...he knows he needs to get up and offer her his seat. It is not just for "grandma" types, but any adult woman. It is polite, it is respectful and it's the right thing to do. My daughter does the same thing. I do it, too. I lead by example, and again, I believe in that. I do not ask things of my children that I, myself, am not willing to do.

Our children are our future. Yes they need to be educated, they need to learn to question, they need to be able follow, and they need to learn to lead. It is all accomplished with respect...for themselves as well as others. "Treat others as you wish to be treated" is always being said in my home. We all have bad days, we all raise our voices and say things that never should have been said. How many of us apologize??? I do, all the time. I constantly make mistakes, but I own them and if things that I do, or say, hurts anyone, I apologize. I apologize because I love and respect them. How can we ask our children to respect us, if we don't show them respect? I don't care how old a child is, I will apologize if I have wronged them. I do that for all 4 of my kids, and anyone else who is a part of my life, from other family members to co-workers. It's just the way it is.

My child hood was not perfect and neither were my parents. They did the best they could and things that I did not like about their parenting, I have changed for my own parenting. I am far from a perfect parent, but I believe that my parents, who are almost 40 years my senior, instilled some wonderful values into my childhood. My father has always been a true believer in respecting everyone and that has become a huge part of me. Asking a father's permission to ask for his daughter's hand in marriage, opening doors (cars or buildings), saying "Thank you" with sincerity, appreciating the tiniest gesture of kindness, the ability to say "I'm sorry", courage to ask for help, "your word is all you have", repaying your debts, helping out "just because you can", all of these things, and more, that seem to come from a whole different era. They are good things. They seem to have gotten lost somewhere and it would be so nice to see them return.

Exhausted Hysteria

OH MY GOODNESS!!!!!!

This is part of the group of us working at Moon Bay. This picture was taken at the end of the day, by Chef Keller. We managed to unload 29 pallets, loaded with small wares (cups, plates, silverware, whisks, saute pans, etc) in 3 hours. It was totally and completely exhausting, but we had a ton of fun.

The restaurant will be opening on March 29 and the next couple of weeks will be spent getting food prepped and ready to go. We will be doing "mock" service later this week and I believe we will be able to invite our families to the restaurant on one of those days. That would really be fun.

The restaurant is really starting to come together and is looking magnificent. It will probably become known as one of the best seafood restaurants on the East Coast, and I really don't think it will take too long. We have a phenomenal team of chefs who are fantastic to work with, and seem to enjoy teaching the rest of us the "secrets of their success".

I can honestly tell you that in all of my years in the food business, I have NEVER been as blessed as I am with this job. I can't remember ever working for someone who makes it a point to shake your hand at the end of the day and say "Good job, today" before you leave. It makes such a huge difference to know that you are appreciated. It is a whole new experience for me and I am just loving every minute of it.

I am telling you, if you want to find a place to work, that is FUN and really feels like you are with family, you need to go to work for Gaylord Entertainment. They don't just talk about how important their employees are...they live it, and every one of us can feel it. This company will have to roll me out of there in a wheel chair because I don't plan on leaving any time soon.

Anyway, if you get a chance, go see one of these properties. I promise you will not be disappointed. All of their properties are fabulous and full of energy. The fun just never stops!!!!!

Take care and I will fill you in later on the latest happenings at Moon Bay...

This Is A "Must See"

This is my friend, Darrel Day. He is an author, a song writer, and one of the most sensitive people I know. His blog, "Things I know About..." is an incredible look into the life of a man who has lived through, and survived, a devastating disease that ravaged the love of his life.

He talks about the struggles, the lessons he's learned, the love that he was blessed with, and so much more. He is living proof that trials can be survived, and not just by waking up every morning, but by continuing to live, and learn.

His story, and the wonderful way he shares his experiences, is an inspiration to many. The depth with which he loved, and was loved in return, should serve as an example to any one who takes the time to read what he has gone through.

I highly recommend, and suggest that you visit, this site. It is a true miracle for everyone.

Please, Bear With Me!!!

I just wanted to give everyone a quick update:

The new job is FANTASTIC!!!! This group has a ton of ENERGY and they truly believe in having FUN and they make EVERYTHING they do, amazingly entertaining!!! It has been a real "trip" the last two days.

I came home after my first day with them, completely exhausted. They greeted all of the new hires, or STARS, as we are called, like celebrities. I kid you not. All of the department heads, current STARS, VP's, etc...everybody lined up and when we were all walking in you would have thought they were welcoming members of the NFL at Superbowl. It was CRAZY and I loved every minute of it.

We learned a new dance for the Gaylord National here in DC, we learned a new song as well, and the dance and the song are done to the tune of Tina Turner's "Proud Mary". It is fantastic!!!

They believe in putting their employees, EXCUSE me, I mean STARS, and their needs first. Our lunches for orientation were catered, we had snacks and beverages provided through-out the day and we all felt like we are really wanted and appreciated. I have never seen anything like it.

If you want a fun place to work, where you are treated with respect and dignity, find the Gaylord property nearest you and GO GET A JOB!!!! You, too, could become a STAR!!!!

The next few weeks are going to be VERY busy and I am not sure how often I will be able to get on here to post something new. I promise, though, that I will, as often as I can, keep you "posted" (excuse the pun).

Take care and visit again, soon and thank you for your patience!!!

My New Job!!!!!

Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center...

This is my new place of employment and I am so incredibly excited!!! I will be working under one of the finest Chefs on the East Coast, Chef Duane Keller.

My new job starts this Wednesday, March 5, and I will be cooking in one of the four restaurants that are contained in this facility. Moon Bay Coastal Cuisine mostly serves a wide array of fresh seafood, but has included some non-fish items for those who may not like seafood too well.

In the picture, you can see the 18-story glass atrium. Contained in the atrium are small retail shops, water fountains and other things to excite the senses. My restaurant is also in the atrium.

The facility has a 20,000 square foot luxurious spa, with 12 different treatment rooms, a fitness center and a beautiful pool.

"With 470,000 square feet of flexible convention, meeting, exhibition and pre-function space, Gaylord National is the largest combined hotel and convention center on the Eastern Seaboard." They provide catering, and you can even book your wedding here.

"Spectacular and inviting, Gaylord National's 2,000 guest rooms, which include 110 suites, offer the ultimate in luxurious accommodations." "You'll feel right at home with modern conveniences like in-room high-speed wireless Internet access, an in-room hair dryer, iron and ironing board, electronic lock-and-key system, in-room safe, and easy-to-use voicemail."

This place is amazing and huge and, from what I hear, it is already booked for the first year.

Wish me luck and I will be back to keep you posted on how the new job is going!

Quotes courtesy of the Gaylord Website.