Just back from work experience in the kitchen at Ballymaloe. I had considered not going because there have been mixed reviews from people who have done it. I am so glad I decided to go, it was the Sunday night buffet, so there were lots of bits I was able to help plate before they went out. When I arrived Mrs. Allen was sitting on a stool having a cup of tea, watching everything that was going on, a little later Darina wandered through, followed by Tim, there were twelve Allen’s there for dinner tonight, and as always on the Sunday a few members of the family help with service behind the buffet table. It’s a classy buffet, and I am glad I was able to see it all happen.
Today I woke up early, Erin and I headed off to the Antique & Vintage Show, we walked on the main road, the sun was shining, it was nice to have some time to chat with Erin outside of the hustle and bustle of Ballymaloe. We sat in the sun and had lunch and a pint – I had a delicious steak sandwich, so yummy! We walked back at around 2, stopped at the gas station and picked up an ice cream, I felt like a kid! Alexis and Theresa were with us on our walk back, and Theresa quizzed us on different spices, herbs, and fish recipes, only at Ballymaloe. It was lovely to enjoy the sunshine, countryside, and walk, as Erin said we were ambling, it took us about an hour each way. Perfect Sunday!
Looking forward to being in the kitchen tomorrow morning, and cannot believe it is our last proper morning in the kitchen. I haven’t been on stock duty, so it’s the one technique that hasn’t been signed off on my list, so I will head in early to do that. Tomorrow evening JR, the pastry chef from Ballymaloe is coming over to do an evening demonstration, so it will be a full day.
Another short blog tonight, but don’t want to be tired for the final week, heading to bed now. Week twelve, here we go…
“It’s a bit retro, but that’s how we like it here.” – Trina, who I was working with this evening in the kitchen at Ballymaloe