• About the Author
  • Author Opinions
  • Harvest Chefs Job Board

Harvest America Ventures

~ harvestamericacues

Harvest America Ventures

Tag Archives: France

A CHEF LAMENTS FOR FRANCE

18 Wednesday Nov 2015

Posted by culinarycuesblog in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

chefs, cooks, France, Freedom, restaurants

 

Painted in Waterlogue

We are all well aware of what is taking place in Paris and have deep concern for the people of France and for all free people who are directly or indirectly impacted by terrorist activity worldwide. Some have brought to light that the acts of terror in Paris have received extensive attention, while other pockets of inhumane activity throughout the world seem to be covered with less zeal. Every infringement on people’s right to live in peace is abhorred by those who understand the importance of this freedom, but when these acts of horror are imposed on our friends and family it is human nature to pay extra attention. Such is the case with the French people, who through much of history have been friends of the U.S. and the rest of the free world.

“Sitting in a park in Paris, France

Reading the news and it sure looks bad

They won’t give peace a chance

That was just a dream that some of us had”

Joni Mitchell

As I watch the non-stop coverage of the unfolding story in Paris, I find myself reflecting on that friend relationship that I share with France and on a larger scale that all professional cooks and chefs share at some level.

Cooks sometimes give only passing thought to the influence that France has on what we do for a career. French is, to a larger degree than any other, the language of the kitchen. The processes that we use to prepare food, the technique that we strive to develop, the names affiliated with equipment and many ingredients, are in French. The organization that we emulate in most professional kitchens had its origin in the kitchens of Escoffier, Careme, and Pointe; and the titles of cooks and chefs in various positions are part of that brigade that Escoffier confirmed in his operations from France to Monte Carlo, London and eventually the United States. How we dine in formal restaurants was clearly defined in French operations on the Champs-Elysees or the special hotels with chefs from Crème to Ducasse at the helm, and the style of service by course (service a ‘la russe) designed by Escoffier and Cesar Ritz. This style is prevalent in white tablecloth restaurants and the most comfortable family style bistro in every neighborhood from New York to California. The restaurant industry may have substantial influences from other European and Asian countries, but it would be difficult to argue about the deep seeded French mentorship that is evident.

Reflecting on my own experiences with France, I always begin with the mystique of the country itself and the wonder of Paris. It is a magnificent place with incredible architecture, a history that is evident on every corner of every street, and striking landmarks, museums, works of art, landscapes, and style that are intoxicating.

“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” 
― Ernest Hemingway, A Moveable Feast

But once you get past the physical beauty of this place, it is the people, the food, and the cultural influence of France that are such shining stars. France is a perfect example of what freedom means to those who relish the concept. The freedom to live as you choose, the freedom to express oneself in numerous ways, the freedom to enjoy life and all people with whom you come in contact with, the freedom to determine your own course of work, the freedom to learn, and the freedom to express opinions without fear of recourse. It is this freedom that aligns France with the people of the United States, and it is likely this expression of freedom that draws anger from others who see this environment as contrary to their way of life. It was France, our friend, who presented the U.S. with the most striking symbol of freedom – the Statue of Liberty, which welcomes everyone to our nation and stands tall as a symbol of what makes both our countries so special. This is the common core of the French people and the people of the United States.

There are symbols of freedom that have historically defined France as central to democratic life: World War I came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles, one of the most vivid symbols of the end of WWII was the parade of troops through the Arc de Triomphe, and the rising point of Tour Eiffel splits the sky with a symbol of possibility just as poignant as the Statue of Liberty. All this being said, it still comes down to the people of France and how they carry out their lives that makes them such a strong symbol of everything that we hold close as important.

My times in France are marked with incredible people and food experiences (the two are inseparable). Yes, Paris is exceptional in this regard, but if you peel back the layers of perception regarding pretentious dining, you find that food, wine, and neighborhoods in France are defined by simple, consistent, fun and unpretentious restaurants. The neighborhood restaurant in Paris remains a model for others to admire and follow. Since Paris is such a populated city, the apartments where people live tend to be small and efficient. Kitchens are closet size with very little space for storage and cooking. As a result, the French depend on neighborhood farmers markets for food that is purchased daily and brasseries or bistros on nearly every corner that serve the residents of a city block or two. It is the markets and the restaurants where the people of Paris interact and build the warmth of community.

Sitting at an outside table in a French brasserie, enjoying a perfectly made cup of coffee with a croissant or crusty baguette and watching the people of Paris go about their lives should be on everyone’s bucket list. Paris is a destination experience for people from all over the world, an experience that defines a life of freedom.

To a cook or a chef, a visit to Paris brings to mind a visit to Poilane Bakery – home to probably the finest bread in the world; the chance to visit and maybe dine at restaurants like Arpege, or L’Atelier, or a chance to meet Robuchon or Ducasse and walk through some of the meccas of cuisine that define quality dining throughout the world. It is just as important to visit those community bistros and brasseries for steak frites, or mussels, frog legs Provençale, or a country pate. Stopping into a local vendor and picking up a baguette, regional cheese, some incredible charcuterie, and a bottle of Cote du Rhone and bringing your cache to a park bench overlooking the Eiffel Tower represents one of those special, memorable moments in a cook’s life.

That is Paris, but beyond this magnificent city are the people of the country. The farmers, vintners, potters, bakers, restaurateurs, and shop owners who are just as knowledgeable, just as passionate, and just as committed to great food and wine as the most sophisticated patron in the heart of Paris. Appreciation of food is universal in France, it goes beyond socio-economic differences, and it is an integral part of the culture of France. Ah….the importance of breaking bread should never be overlooked.

I have enjoyed the privilege of walking the vineyards of France and touching grapes that were destined to become exceptional wine. I have worked alongside many dedicated and passionate French cooks and chefs who found their calling in the kitchen. I have broken bread with philosophical French farmers and wine makers while discussing politics, art, music, religion and food, and laughing so hard that I could barely catch my breath. I have fond memories of bicycling through the French countryside and stopping for a picnic of local bread, cheese and wine with the rolling hills and valleys of central Burgundy as a backdrop. I visited the museum of Escoffier and touched the desk where he wrote memorable menus for the hotel kitchens that he orchestrated. There were incredible moments when I sat on a bench in Musee D’Orsay while studying paintings by Monet, Cezanne, and Van Gogh – these works of art just a few feet away. I have dined in some incredible restaurants that are worldwide destinations and even more quaint little bistros in villages with no more than a few hundred residents – the food was just as memorable. Most importantly, I have had the pleasure to have fantastic meals prepared by friends in their homes as we relished the freedoms that we share.

France is a special place; a place of friends, a place where all lives are treasured, a place where people understand that eventually good will win over evil.

Vive la France! Solidarity.

PLAN BETTER – TRAIN HARDER
Harvest America Ventures, LLC

http://www.harvestamericaventures.com

 

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Image

Escargots – So Much for Eating with your Eyes

19 Wednesday Jun 2013

Tags

Burgundy, cooking, cuisine, culinary, escargot, France, snails

I oftentimes find myself asking “who was the first brave person to eat………(fill in the blank)”. A long-time advocate for insuring that food looks good, I am somewhat perplexed at the exceptions to the rule. Food does have to get past the eyes before it gets to the mouth, yet adventurous individuals continue to push that envelope.

Let’s talk escargots for a moment: I happen to love the classic French version from the heart of Burgundy wine country and relish any opportunity to eat a dozen or so, but I would not have been one of the first to go that route. There is very little about the snail that is enticing (as the picture demonstrates) and alive they would hardly make a typical lover of food salivate. Yet, here we are still listing snails as one of the delicacies of the gourmet world.

If we love them in formal restaurants, the French countryside residents can eat them like we might enjoy a bushel of crayfish in New Orleans (the French consume about 10,000 tons of snails each year).

Apparently, according to Larousse Gastronomique, snails have been fodder for the table since the days of the Roman Empire. In France, one would find most of the snails that were bound for the table, clinging to the leaves of grape vines, thus very plentiful throughout this world wine capital.

Keep in mind that the habitat for snails is not very sterile and they are not discriminating eaters themselves, so I would not recommend that you pick those creeping through your garden and cook them without some methodical work. Snails have been know to eat plants that might be toxic to humans so they must be purged before cooking. Those that are raised for consumption are placed in isolation for quite a few days and fed a fiber diet that will clean their systems before being placed on the stove. If you are willing to move past the appearance, the best bet is to probably order a few cans of pre-purged and par cooked snails (French Helix preferred) from a reputable purveyor. I would avoid those from China.

With a small amount of work, you can be the gourmet hero of your community by preparing a delicious, fun and conversation provoking “Escargot tapas event”. You can add some authentic eye appeal by ordering beautiful escargot shells and snail clamps on line.

The recipe could not be easier:

SNAIL BUTTER (for 3 dozen):

Softened salted butter 1 pound
Minced garlic 8 cloves
Chopped parsley 1/2 cup
Pernod 1 oz.

Blend all ingredients.
Place a cooked snail in each shell and fill the rest of the cavity with snail butter. Place in a pan of raw rice to keep the snails upright and butter intact.
In a 375 degree oven, bake for 15 minutes.
Serve piping hot with generous amounts of your favorite wine. I prefer Pinot Noir, but if white wines float your boat, then a Sauvignon Blanc like Sancerre or Pouilly Fume would be terrific.

Close your eyes and savor.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Posted by culinarycuesblog | Filed under Recipes

≈ Leave a comment

Image

WINE QUALITY IS A REFLECTION OF THE WINEMAKER’S PASSION FOR LIFE

03 Monday Jun 2013

Tags

France, French, passion, quality, Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc, tasting, vintner, wine

WINE QUALITY IS A REFLECTION OF THE WINEMAKER’S PASSION FOR LIFE

I am far from a wine expert, however, as is the case with many things in life – I become more knowledgeable and appreciative as the years go by. I know what I like to drink, I know which foods I enjoy with certain wines, I am very open to trying anything new, and I have become very enthralled with the people who dedicate their lives to the grape.

Case in point, although I am not that fond of white wines, I am very enthused with Sauvignon Blanc, and in particular, those grapes that wind up as a Sancerre. Having visited the town of Sancerre many times and having built some familiarity with the Loire Valley, I consider myself to be a bit of a Sancerre advocate.

I have enjoyed the privilege of tasting wines in the private cellars of noteworthy wine makers in Sancerre and in particular that of Daniel Chotard. After many years I now consider Daniel to be my friend (even though his English is almost as shaky as my French – almost). I have hosted Daniel and his wife in Saranac Lake, have worked diligently with my other French friends: the Weissberg’s – to get Chotard’s wine on regional lists, and have had the pleasure of breaking bread in various bistros throughout the Loire with Daniel and a cadre of enthusiastic chefs and wine afficandos.

I read the following review of Chotard’s Sancerre; in this case a 2009, by the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker:
“90 points Wine Spectator: “Super fresh, with lots of chive, fleur de sel, lime and chalk notes backed by a strong flinty note on the bracing finish, which really stretches out. Drink now.” (12/10) 89 points Parker’s Wine Advocate: “Daniel Chotard’s 2009 Sancerre is diversely scented and flavored with papaya, grapefruit, cassis, and passion fruit. A distinctly saline overlay – along with bright acids – helps convey a sense of invigoration and refreshment and offsets the relatively bitter cast to a persistently zesty finish. I suspect this will be best enjoyed over the next 12-18 months.” (08/10)
Not a bad review; one that certainly would help Daniel move his wine into certain American restaurant circles, however it really doesn’t tell the whole story. There is something else about wine that is more social that taste, flavor and aroma. Certainly anyone who enjoys Sauvignon Blanc would find Chotard’s to be quite exceptional, but to me it is impossible to separate the wine from the person.
Daniel Chotard, and now his son to follow, is 100% dedicated to the grape and his wine. Whether it is Chotard, Mondavi, or Helen Turley, that passion is what really makes a wine sing. Whatever the situation, it is the grape that comes first. To a wine maker caring for the grape is comparable to caring for a child. It requires so much time, knowledge, passion and luck, that it becomes quite apparent that the wine maker must pass on some of his/her own characteristics to the end product. Just as a parent influences how the child evolves and the type of person they become, so too does the grape reflect this caring relationship.
Daniel Chotard is a wonderful, hard-working, dedicated, caring person who in turn produces a wine of unique character. As is the case with those who are as dedicated to wine making, as a chef is dedicated to cuisine, Chotard represents all that is right in the world of wine.
I would certainly encourage anyone who can find a bottle or two of Chotard Sancerre to saver it, but more importantly I would encourage you to plan a trip to the Loire and pay my friend a visit. I guarantee the wine will become more than a great beverage, it will become a reflection of the man and a memory for life.
Harvest America Ventures will be planning a Educational Adventure Wine Vacation to France in September of 2013. Daniel Chotard is one of the program contributors. Visit our website for more details as they unfold:
http://www.harvestamericaventures.com
click on Wine Vacations

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Posted by culinarycuesblog | Filed under Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Image

A Tribute to My Father on Memorial Day

27 Monday May 2013

Tags

Army, father, France, remembering, tribute, WWII

A Tribute to My Father on Memorial Day

I posted this once before as a series on Facebook, but it seems appropriate to offer it again in its entirety on Memorial Day.
A TRIBUTE TO MY FATHER

So, this is something that I promised myself after clearing out both my father and mother’s estates over the past ten years – when my mom passed away this past August I found a letter that my father had written to his parents in 1945 from his various positions as a US Army private immersed in WWII. It was so telling that I felt it was worth sharing with others. Even if you don’t agree, I felt it was important for me to pass it on. It is lengthy, so I will offer it in a couple of segments. If you like it, then share it. If not, that’s OK too. So here it is…..

From Earl Sorgule – September 7, 1945.

“Dear Mom,

Not more than two hours ago we heard an announcement saying that censorship has been discontinued, so now that I have the opportunity and the urge to write, I shall give you a complete analysis of events from the time I left the states, over one year ago, until now.

Now it was way back in July of 1944 that we were alerted for shipment from Camp Reynolds. We had been completely outfitted with new clothes and equipment. We boarded the train at Reynolds and headed in a northerly direction toward New York State. That afternoon we passed through Erie, PA and that night before I realized it, we pulled into Buffalo.

The troop train stopped at a signal tower along Harlem Road someplace. I can remember seeing that cream-colored schoolhouse and little red fire station we passed so often when we visited the Larsen’s. It seemed to me that we passed over that railroad bridge on Stephenson Street where the Larsen’s live. We stayed here about 2 hours not being allowed to leave the train. It was mighty heart breaking being so near, yet so far.

Then we pulled out of there and took that old familiar route through upper New York State: Rochester, Albany, the Hudson River and New York and from there to Camp Shanks. We remained at Camp Shanks for about 4 days; long enough to be processed and issued new rifles and bayonets. It was the 22nd of July that we departed for the docks to board our transport for overseas. To our surprise we found the gigantic Queen Mary sitting there so proud – waiting for us.

We naturally thought that we were in luck having such a swell ship to take us overseas, but to our regret, we were stuck down in D-deck, just about water level. The Queen was plenty crowded-18,000 troops “like sardines, we were”. We pulled out of New York harbor and the last vanishing thing we saw was the Statue of Liberty.

Now after 4 1/2 days at sea, we pulled into Greenock, Scotland. We boarded a train there and headed straight for England. The Scottish countryside was very beautiful with all its rolling hills and thatch roof homes.

We weren’t on the train more than half a day when we pulled into Chester, England. Our reception committee consisted of a couple of stuffed shirt officers, who got us green horns on the ball, but quick. Out in the street we came upon a line of GI trucks. We climbed aboard and like a flash we were tearing through English streets. After an hours rough ride we came upon our home in England. It was a ground forces “Replacement Depot” – Repo-Depo, we call it. Here we stayed for 6 weeks taking more training. It was rough while we were there, but we all came out of it OK.

At the end of our sixth week of training we volunteered to ship out to an outfit. Three of us from our barracks were on the shipment; Shives, Sherrel and myself.

Well, at last we were to join an outfit. There were thirty of us in the group that left. We rode the train all that night and through the next day. By mistake, we got off in a small town called Brekan, in Wales. It was a nice, quiet little town where American troops hadn’t been seen very often.

We got off here and had over a half day to wait for our next train. So we roamed the streets of the town buying apples, pears and pastry. We had nice chats with the Welshmen. Then we finally hopped on a train and headed for 1308.

Almost continually we were troubled with rain. We had one spell of it for 53 days without any let up. When I tell you the mud was 3 feet deep in places, I am not kidding. We weren’t equipped for this weather; we had no boots, leaky raincoats and poor chow.

The Company had one bad accident while at Cherburg. That was when our big tarmac distributor, 10,000 gallon tank blew up and burned for 3 hours. We lost some time and equipment in that mishap.

My impression is that Cherbourg is a German loving wet hole where nothing but the poorest Frenchmen would live. They had a collaborationist camp with over 2,000 Frenchmen within it.

One night in December we were alerted and by the next day we had our camp completely dismantled and we were ready to pull out for someplace up front.

The weather at this time turned colder and instead of rain, things began to freeze and we had snow. We were on our way out of Normandy by that night, and it got colder by the hour. When we drew near to Paris we were just about froze. The temperature dropped to 7 above zero and believe me we felt every degree of it. All wrapped up in our blankets, too cold to talk, too tired to and hungry to even move. Everything was silent.”

“The convoy stopped just about 12 o’clock that evening in a suburb of Paris. We had time to get out and stretch and get our circulation back. We were so cold we would do anything to get warm.

One of the men in our platoon managed to buy a bottle of wine from a Frenchman, which sure helped to keep us warm for a while.

About the time we reached Reims, the cold became unbearable. When we stopped we quickly went about ripping a wooden fence down and with the aid of 5 gallons of gasoline and a match we got ourselves warm again. While in Reims, we refueled all of our trucks and drew ammunition.

As the convoy crept up the long cold road ahead we noticed the Frenchmen, old men and women, middle aged and children waving us farewell. There was something very warming in this that one felt way down deep inside of them.

Now, we were supposed to reach our destination that night after two full days and nights of riding in the back of a GI truck. Night drew near and still no sign of a stop. It was well into the morning when we found out we were lost. The roads were icy and rough; the snow lay deep in the fields and woods. We could see ourselves getting out and [itching pup tents in those woods, but luckily we never did stop. Off in the distance we could see and hear the artillery. The convoy crossed one river and then another. The second found to be the Meuse, so we knew we were pulling into the Battle of the Bulge. It seemed we were completely lost either in Belgium, France or Luxemburg. We suddenly stopped and our C.O. was seen walking up to a building. He went in and two other officers followed. We knew now that something was up. The company remained in the trucks. In the cold, clear air we kept hearing the roar of guns and the rolling of tanks.

Like a flash out of the sky came a whine and a roar and the heavy rat-tat of a Gerry machine gun. Before we even knew what had happened we had all jumped clear of the trucks and took cover. Our eyes saw the silhouette of a Gerry plane fading into the pitch-black sky. He circled and came back again. We were safe this time, but plenty scared. When things got under control again the captain said we had places to bunk for the night.

We had nothing but straw and the hard floor to sleep on but it was worth a million. After sleeping like logs that night we arose the next morning feeling fresh in the crisp winter air. What an appetite we had built up. C-rations sure tasted good.

It was two days before Christmas and we never realized it. The morale of the outfit was good, but everyone was sincere in what they were doing.

Now, Willie Lanz and I were chosen as Company runners. This was a day and night job that brought us plenty of exc

Our regiment was stretched out along the Meuse and we had quite a job patrolling and guarding the all important bridges. Every night from one-three, Gerry planes would harass us with bombing and strafing.

Christmas came upon us like a flash and we weren’t prepared for it. Christmas Eve Willie and I slept in a barn in a town outside of an American cemetery from the last war. Christmas Day we ate C-rations and liked it. After delivering a message to our Company we were hailed by a Frenchman who called us into his home. They offered us wine and roasted chicken. We were very thankful for the way they treated us. That man and woman were an example of the kind of people living in this region.”

“We had friends all along our routes – one could tell that these people were appreciative and understanding. The German loving people of Normandy had no such feelings.

Willie and I had several scrapes during our adventures in the Ardens. One night a Gerry plane almost had our number. We were putting along the road in the Jeep on that crisp moonlit night. The hills and surroundings had a weird glow and everything was quiet and still. You could hear for miles around. Down from the sky in back of us came this Gerry, spitting away with his machine guns. Luckily he missed the first time. We had pulled into a grove of trees, but we were leery of this spot and we decided to move to another place of safety. We pulled the Jeep around behind a barn and waited there in the darkness to see what would happen. Sure enough, back he came blazing away with all four guns, peppering that same grove of trees we had just left. We had butterflies in our stomachs after that incident. We raced back to our headquarters but fast, giving that old Jeep everything she had.

Another time, Willie and I had to take a message to Stenay, France and just as we pulled into the town it seemed to light up like the light of day. The Gerry’s were dropping firebombs and you could see and hear the explosions in the outskirts of this innocent French town. The Nazis must have known that part of the 17th Airborne Division was there and that the 28th Division was withdrawing through that sector to regroup. They wanted to smash the bridges, I suppose, but no soap.

They did manage to get a few hits on a P.O.W. stockade however and drop guns and explosives for the prisoners to use. Immediately, the P.O.W.s started swarming through the gaps in the barbed wire. They were mowed down by machine gun fire just as fast.

Now, we were attached to the Third and Fourth Armies while there. We did our job and when the Bulge was knocked out, we were on our way again. Now we headed west.

This time the Company went by rail. Dad knows what that means; we were packed into boxcars with no heat or light. The old 40-8’s, what a mess. Well, while the Company was speeding west in the bitter cold our equipment was in a convoy heading in the same direction. Willie and I rode in the open Jeep all the way. I nipped both feet pretty bad then. It was way below zero at that time.

Now we pulled into La-Harve and it was too cold to live, it seemed. Our job there was to operate a staging area for incoming troops. When the Company arrived they bore some important booty. It seems they stole overshoes, gloves, sleeping bags, socks, etc. That’s the only way we could get anything in France. There were over 1,300 sleeping bags stolen from that quartermaster depot in Reuon, France.

The camp we operated outside of Le-Harve was named Lucky-Strike. We sent the 65th Division through there together with many other small units. We remained there until around February. This time I rode in a 40 & 8 together with the Company. This trip took us 4 days and nights. We arrived in Marseilles and found it much warmer. We camped there for 2 days and finally moved out to a town called St. Chemois; we remained there for one month doing roadwork. Now we had to move again.

This time it was the French Riviera. The city was “Nice” and it was great. We were 6 miles from the front but safe as all get out. Here we worked on hotels and apartment houses to be used for the GI rest center. This is where I bought all my film and had them done up.

We stayed 7 weeks in Nice and then departed for Marseilles again. Here we got a job working construction on a staging area. Shortly after, the war came to an end. It meant nothing to us because we kept on working.

Then came the point system and they added up our scores. Mine was 33, so we kept on working. Later we received one more star, which gave me a 38. When we had completed our job we were the first ones to be placed in the camp. It wasn’t until later that we found out we were headed for the Pacific.”

It wasn’t until later that we found out we were headed for the Pacific. Now, one more Battle Star came through for us giving us a total of 3 and making my score-43.

At the end of six weeks doing nothing we were alerted so that meant but one thing, we were headed for a boat. Indeed we were, for shortly afterward we found ourselves climbing the gangplank of the General Mann. This was the 14th of July that we boarded the ship. Just a little less than a year from the time I left the States for Europe. The General Mann had some 6,000 troops aboard and she sure was crowded. The first week we ate better than we had since we left the States. Then it started to drop off and it got so warm we couldn’t sleep at night. Nothing to do but sit on deck and talk and dream.

All this time the officers were being taken care of, getting three meals a day, sleeping in air-conditioned compartments, loafing around in their lounge where ice cream and sodas could be bought.

Fifteen days on the Atlantic and all we saw was the Rock of Gibraltar and water and more water. Finally, we pulled into the Caribbean Sea and prepared to take the cut through the Panama Canal. We were allowed to go ashore at Christopa and here we were given free hot dogs, coffee, cokes and candy. Here is where I wrote that one letter!

Oh yes, we also received some mail. I received quite a batch of letters, two packages, and the two envelopes with T-shirts and briefs.

Shortly after we had pulled out of Panama we were put on K.P. There we remained for 3 weeks. We swung past the Marshal Islands and continued on our way. We pulled into the Carolina’s several days later and anchored. Then came the news of the Atomic Bomb and the Japanese surrender.

Now after 54 days at sea we sat anchored off of Mog-Mog Island waiting for God knows what.

To give you a little dope on what’s going on and how we were being treated, I’ll start like this: We’re being treated like cattle! The chow is miserable, the heat is unbearable. I have never sweat so much in my life. There isn’t an enlisted man aboard who hasn’t lost 10 pounds. The officers and crew get three meals of the cream of the chow, and we get two that even a starving dog would balk at. The cereal is wormy and moldy, the potatoes are rotten and nothing is ever attempted to be fixed right.

The war is over, they have no need for us, yet we sit here waiting while the officers get fat and the big shots argue about what they’re going to wear to Emperor Hirohito’s tea party. Day after day we get news about the poor boys in the States who shouldn’t go overseas and why continue the draft. There are enough troops there now to take care of the occupation. That’s all we hear: what McArthur wears to dinner, how he feels and how some general bought chickens from a Japanese farmer and one of them laid an egg.

I’m letting you know this Army organization stinks from the words “I Do”. If we don’t leave here soon I’m telling you something bad will happen, the men have been uneasy for weeks. It’s rotten the way things are run aboard this ship. If we ever do get off we shall never be the same hard working individuals we were before. We’re fed up with the Army and all this nonsense.

We hope and pray that we can return to the States again soon. We shall never leave again as long as we may live, that’s one country where you can fence me in.

Excuse me if you think I got a little harsh there but it’s the truth and I don’t see how anybody can hold it back.

Well mom, that was a long one. Maybe I’ll read it over when I get home.

Your loving son,

Earl”

This is the tenth or so time that I have read this letter and it always chokes me up. The irony is that my dad NEVER talked about the war, and unfortunately, I never asked him about it while he was alive. I re-read this to stay in touch with him and to try and understand more of what made him the great man that he was.

If there is a lesson(s) it would be this: Make sure that you take the time to sit down with your parents and ask them about their life experiences, do it often. Secondly, think about those young boys and girls overseas who are representing our country on foreign soil. The job is never easy.

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Posted by culinarycuesblog | Filed under Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Image

Plan Your French “Wine Memories” Vacation

24 Friday May 2013

Tags

adventure, Beaune, bicycle, Burgundy, castles, Chablis, chateaus, cheese, education, Entrains, fall, France, grapes, Harvest America, Sancerre, Santenay, Sorgule, vacation, Vezelay, vintner, wine, wine maker

In the fall of 2013, Harvest America Ventures, in partnership with The Weissberg Family of Paris and Chef Sarah Steffan of the Lake Placid Lodge, will present a vacation opportunity of a lifetime.

Unlike most wine tours that focus primarily on tasting, this educational wine immersion program is designed for wine lovers, restaurant professionals, cooks and chefs, those who appreciate the connection between wine and culture, and adventure tourists who are drawn to the beauty of Burgundy, France.

Participants will tour regional vineyards and wineries, walk the vineyards and touch the vines, chat with wine makers and renown chefs, taste various wines from the rich regions of Loire and Burgundy, visit Middle Age and Renaissance castles, enjoy the aromas and flavors of traditional French food, become a part of French village life, enjoy the musical talents of a renown French pianist, and bike through the most picturesque and peaceful French countryside.

Your home base for the wine experience will be a 16th century stone building: “The Maison des Adirondacks” in Entrains sur Nohain, France. This beautiful property is in close proximity to Beaune, Vezelay, Sancerre, Pouilly sur Loire, Chablis and Auxerre.

All of your meals, in-country transportation, wine tastings, classes, immersion activities, and lodging are included in the price of the week long, life-experience.

Watch for additional details as they unfold by checking our website at: http://www.harvestamericaventures.com. The anticipated dates at this point are September 23-29, 2013. Mark your calendars! The program is limited to four couples (8 persons) this year.

Paul Sorgule
Harvest America Ventures, LLC

Share this:

  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Print

Like this:

Like Loading...

Posted by culinarycuesblog | Filed under Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 4,601 other followers

Follow Harvest America Ventures on WordPress.com

Recent Posts

  • THE FREEDOM TO CREATE July 4, 2022
  • WHY THE SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS IS IMPORTANT June 29, 2022
  • “SOMETIMES THE PASTA LIKES TO BE BY ITSELF” June 27, 2022
  • THE IMPORTANCE OF WORK June 20, 2022
  • RE-THINKING THE NEIGHBORHOOD RESTAURANT June 14, 2022
  • THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SECOND OLDEST PROFESSION June 8, 2022
  • SUPPLY CHAIN – LESSONS LEARNED June 2, 2022
  • BUILDING A RESTAURANT FAMILY May 28, 2022
  • THE THRILL OF OPENING YOUR OWN RESTAURANT May 24, 2022
  • THE MOMENT WHEN YOU ARE IN THE ZONE – PART II May 19, 2022
  • THE MOMENT WHEN YOU ARE IN THE ZONE – PART I May 16, 2022
  • THE LINE IN THE SAND WITH RESTAURANT PRICING May 12, 2022
  • FROM THE CHEF’S DESK – YOU NEVER KNOW – PART TWO May 9, 2022
  • FROM THE CHEF’S DESK – YOU NEVER KNOW – PART ONE May 8, 2022
  • A CHEF’S ADVICE TO 2022 CULINARY GRADUATES May 4, 2022
  • A CHANCE TO BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE April 29, 2022
  • FOOD COST IS NOT THE CHEF’S RESPONSIBILITY April 23, 2022
  • THE TWO TYPES OF RESTAURANT OWNERSHIP April 18, 2022
  • CHEFS- REMEMBER THE EXCITEMENT AND SURPRISE April 16, 2022
  • WE EAT WHAT WE ARE AND WE ARE WHAT WE EAT April 13, 2022
  • AS A CHEF – A FEW THINGS I KNOW April 7, 2022
  • THE DICHOTOMY OF THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS April 2, 2022
  • FINDING YOUR PLACE April 1, 2022
  • TWENTY COMMON MISTAKES INDEPENDENT RESTAURATEURS MAKE March 26, 2022
  • IN THE KITCHEN – ORGANIZATION IS EVERYTHING March 21, 2022
  • COOKS – HOLD YOUR HEAD HIGH March 18, 2022
  • COOKS FEASTING ON OVERLOAD March 15, 2022
  • ALL HAIL DISHWASHERS March 10, 2022
  • FIRE and HEAT March 7, 2022
  • THE REALITY FOR AN AGING CHEF March 4, 2022
  • COOKING DURING TROUBLING TIMES February 28, 2022
  • RESPECTING A COOKS INGREDIENTS February 25, 2022
  • COOKS BREAKING THE STEREOTYPE February 22, 2022
  • WHY DO YOU COOK? February 16, 2022
  • ADJUSTING A COOK’S SKILLS TO MEET A CHANGING INDUSTRY February 13, 2022
  • THE IRREFUTABLE LAWS OF BEING A CHEF February 9, 2022
  • TO BE A COOK – DON’T LET OTHERS DEMEAN THE JOB February 6, 2022
  • THE POWER OF MUSIC TO INSPIRE January 31, 2022
  • TO THOSE COOKS DEPRIVED OF A GREAT KITCHEN January 29, 2022
  • PERFORMING TO YOUR POTENTIAL January 25, 2022

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Harvest America Ventures
    • Join 4,601 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Harvest America Ventures
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...
 

    %d bloggers like this: