Chef Jim

Thanksgiving Cooking Class

Holiday Cooking with the Townsend On Friday I was asked to teach a cooking class at the village club. The theme was thanksgiving dinner. I have included the recipes so if you want to wow your friends this year you need only to buy the ingredients and follow along. Honey Brined Turkey with Bacon-Herb and Cider Gravy Ingredients Bacon, dijon, and herb butter: • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room...

Chef Jim

Too Soon

On September 22nd 2010 an employee from our family was taken from us. At age 42, Chris Yankee was in a fatal car crash. A driver woozy after donating blood ran through an intersection and killed our dear friend. Those who knew him best had this to say: He was known as Yankee. He was looking for work and heard The Townsend Hotel was hiring. His friend worked there and encouraged him to apply. He did so...

Chef Jim

Why Chefs Make Great Dads

Why Chefs Make Great Dads The obvious answer is that most of my employees act like children. But the real answer is that we can split our focus. Multitasking is the only way we get anything done; if I don’t have at least 3 things going at any one time then I will spend 18 hours a day in the kitchen. My wife is an absolutely brilliant mother and professional but she has a rather hard time with this...

Chef Jim

Tea At the Townsend

Afternoon Tea at The Townsend Hotel As you approach the front doors, the custom laid granite is eye catching. A bellman in a pressed uniform along with gloves and hat begin the experience you are about to have. The door is held open and your eyes are instantly drawn to the fresh flowers and beautiful Waterford chandelier. The rich Mahogany wood and marble floors along with the Italian marble fireplace...

Chef Jim

Managing Excellence

Managing Excellence I am often asked “How do you do it? How has the Townsend been recognized for world class service for so long?” The short answer is that we have always placed the right people, in the right position at the right time to take the hotel and everything we do to the next level. It is the people of The Townsend who create the “Wow” experience for the guest and it...

Chef Jim

The Best Field Trip Ever

The Best Field Trip Ever Last monday I had the honor of eating at the James Beard House. For those of you who don’t know James Andrew Beard (May 5, 1903 – January 21, 1985) was an American chef and food writer. The central figure in the story of the establishment of a gourmet American food identity, Beard was an eccentric personality who brought French cooking to the American middle and upper classes...

Chef Jim

RUGBY WINS FIRST PLACE

RUGBY WINS FIRST PLACE Last Thursday evening Hour magazine hosted and event with DIFFA (Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS), a night of cocktails and appetizers all set to raise money for a noteworthy cause. They asked 25 top area restaurants to provide appetizers or dessert for the 600 guest that were attending. They promised to have judging of best table and best app. I can tell you from past...