The Day I Lived My Dream Day

Tre Latti cake ~ just one of the sweet spots of the day

OK, so let me preface this by saying I know right now what I'm about to describe is not everyone's dream day.  I could sashay off to Paris and kiss under the Eiffel Tower and I have a feeling I'd have a lot more of your votes for what you might consider a dream day to be.  But this recent day was so close to perfect in my eyes, I had to share.

You see, it started with a 10AM meat butchery class.  That's right ~ my dream day includes close to 5 hours of learning how to hack meat.  What, yours doesn't?  I've always wanted to know how to break down a chicken with finesse, or how to fillet a fish with confidence, and when a class popped up on the Chopping Block calendar that had just these very objectives, I was sold.

Chef Ed demonstrates how to break down a chicken

Trying my hand at the skill

The finished product of the chicken I broke down

So yes, for the next five hours I listened to Chef Ed instruct the class on how to properly do these tasks, and then we each practiced on our own poultry, fish and meat.  It was strangely exhausting, and ultimately exhilarating.  We then sat down to enjoy the meal we'd just made, and I found a new appreciation (and pride) for finding no bones in my fish.

But oh no, the fun wasn't over yet.  With just 20 minutes to spare, we hopped in a cab and bustled over to Terzo Piano  at the Modern Wing for the second cooking class of the day.  The environment and experience couldn't be more opposite from the first, which is exactly what made the day perfection.  After 5 hours of meat hacking, it's nice to have a break.  And that's what a demonstration class at Terzo Piano is, a leisurely meal with excellent drink and fare, royal treatment and fun foodie wisdom dispelled.

Chef Tony Mantuano adds color commentary to the class at Terzo Piano

This mushroom risotto was heavenly

And one of the best parts of this day?  I came home with a baker's dozen of new recipes in my arsenal.  Of which, the mushroom risotto will be the first to make its debut in my kitchen ~ to. die. for.

I then came home and watched Midnight in Paris.  Just for all you romantics out there, to get in a dose of Paris. :)

So I ask, what does your dream day entail?