So, this photo was taken on my Guatemala trip last summer (wow I cant believe its been almost a year?! I am convinced time goes faster in NY than anywhere else !) This was in Antigua, where we started the trip- this woman was literally too extraordinary for me to pass by... she struck something deep inside of me. She moved so gracefully, too and actually when I asked her in my terrible broken Spanish if I could take her photo- she agreed, posed, and quickly moved her basket that she used to collect money and put it underneath her. Interestingly, she seemed too proud to show it- look into her soul with me.

I was filling in for someone this glorious Seafood Celebration evening. The theme was East End Seafood Celebration with my first NY Chef, Joe Isidori, an exceptionally accomplished man who can claim several restaurants, as well as being Donald Trump's personal chef.

Each time I go to the Beard House I am greeted by the staff who have now become my friends, and I genuinely look forward to being there in the small, crowded, bustling kitchen with a new chef and new delights to tantalize my tastebuds. As a photographer and an observer, I love to see the process of how events unfold, most especially since I grew up watching my mom cook every single day. Each chef has their own style of running the kitchen, a different number of staff members, and a surprising approach to their distinct flavo(u)rs and cuisine. I learn more than I could anticipate, and meet an unlimited number of fabulous foodies to add to my collection.

This was my fav appetizer, and since it was served on spoons I tried to have as many as I could without getting in trouble :) I literally couldn't believe how much flavo(u)r existed on this spoon and within the goodness of the Duryea Lobster with Organic Buttermilk and Garden Dill. I'd love to be there right now so I could taste its glory all over again. Thank you Chef Joe!