gonna be a short night

it's been a while. I apologize. I've been really overwhelmed lately. Not sure why, could be age. I can't remember a time, when I felt this far behind. It seems everyday we have a very large order from an array of customers. Wednesday we start our Rosh Hashanah goods. The same day, Didier farms opens their pumpkin patch. Wednesday, we have an order for an Italian festival at a large retirement home, here in Evanston. Worst of all the Andersonville farmer's market starts an hour earlier, at 3pm. This week one of our production staff, Joe Falcinelli, is attending a four day class at the French Pastry School. Pierre Zimmerman is here doing a guest chef class for four days. He is teaching an artisan bread class. I met Pierre at the Coupe du Monde in 2002. He was captain of the French team that won in 1996. He was the coach of the French team that won in 2008. He operates a family bakery in Alsace. Needless to say, he's a player. Hopefully Joe learns a thing or two.

The French Pastry School offers two professional bread classes each year. Up until now, they have had Pierre teach a viennoiserie(breakfast pastry) class, as well. The visiting bread instructors are Jeff Hamelman and Didier Rosada. I send one person to each of two of the three classes. I can't really say anyone has ever come back and said "We have to make this, We made this in class". It's more about maintaining interest and stimulation. I firmly believe educating our staff is the best way to spend our money.

Well, day is done, gonna be a short night. Gonna be lots of short nights this week.