DWG Start-up Hustle- PART III

DWG Start-up Hustle Part III

Anticipate Growth

Dining With Grace started from a vision. Nothing complicated, just a thought. A thought that perhaps “impossible” was really just a figment of my imagination. And from Day One with this thought in mind, I have continued on this journey to put myself out there to prove relentlessly that this can be done simply by not quitting when the going gets hard. I’ll be honest, quite early on I was met with disappointments, betrayals and hopelessness but fortunately for me I have that tough African skin!! Haha! No, but perhaps I am a little stubborn. I ask a lot of Why’s. Why can’t I be successful from doing what I love? Why not me when others have done it successfully? Why do people quit so easily? Why shouldn’t I think outside of the box? So on and on I go, my vision still bright. I’ve recently learned something along the way though: when planning for the future, think big. Don’t worry about all the minutiae right away, you can build up your building blocks later. But keep that vision big and bright and do something, anything, towards it. It’s your life and thank God for giving us the creative freedom to live vicariously through ourselves.

DINING WITH GRACE QUOTE OF THE MONTH-
Doubt, of whatever kind, can be ended by action alone.
-Thomas Carlyle

DWG Celebrates the Cuisines of Africa

Introducing our new mission to elegantly introduce the flavors of the African Diaspora.

Dining With Grace is now offering a menu showcasing the delicacies of African-inspired cuisine. From the spices of the East such as cardamom & curries to the provisions of the West such as maize and yams; from the Mediterranean cuisine of the North to the international flairs of the South, Dining With Grace is introducing these flavors in a new way- the New African way. Extending our reach beyond the continent into its far flung influences in the Caribbean, India, Brazil, Cuba and the American South, we will offer our clients a menu of delicacies bursting with purposeful flavor.

Feature Presentations Include:
Potato & Leek Soup w/ Merguez Sausage &Chives
Mixed Green Salad with Goat Cheese, Roasted Beets, and Candied Walnuts
Herbs De Provence Grilled Chicken Breast w/ Spinach Puree
Haricot Vert with Spicy Sautéed Onions
Saffron Rice Pilaf


Stay Tuned for our New & Improved Website Featuring new Menus, Newsletter page, Testimonials, and Order Online Features still at www.diningwithgrace.com!

The Gourmet's Bare Necessities

It’s a New Year and nothing starts it better than freeing up your space. Whether it’s in the closet or under the bed; in the refrigerator or the kitchen cupboards, it’s time to take inventory of what’s important and what’s not. Here are some of my tried and true kitchen equipment necessities.



 Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet -Perfect for pan-roasting and grilling proteins

 Calphalon Non-Stick Skillet – Made for omelets, eggs, pancakes, French toast, grilled sandwiches, yum!)

 Kitchen-Aid Stand Mixer- For the bakers, trust that it’s just much better off this way. If you miss your arm workouts spend extra time at the gym!

 CuisinArt Food Processor- Making Burgers, Pesto, Salsa, Bread, Sauces, etc. You kind of need this for…everything

 Microplane Grater- Perfectly Grated Citrus Zest, Fresh Nutmeg or Fresh Cinnamon. It kinda just looks cool too!

 Scale- For precision (especially in baking) measure by weight.

 Stovetop Smoker- Smoked Salmon, Hickory Smoked Ribs, Rotisserie Chicken…this is an amazing product! Get some woodchips and make some authentic smoked treats.

 Mortar & Pestle- Take it old school, make your sauces and ground seasonings in a way the releases maximum flavor.

 Silicone Spatula- Never made a cake without it. Heatproof and flexible. Get’s every drop from the Bowl .

 High Quality Knife Set with Sharpening Stone- Cutting onions with a blunt knife sucks!! And it makes me cry! :-(

 Pepper Grinder- Freshly Ground Pepper all the time please! Thanks.

 Stainless Steel Pot Set- Non Stick Chips (Sounds yummy right? No)

Now go on! Cook up a storm!

Chef Gracie

As Serious as Drunken Man Noodles!

Yup, its getting serious. Real serious. I mean doesn't the year 2010 sound like a serious year?? I think any number with TWO ZEROES is a pretty darn serious number. Therefore, I need some pretty serious things to happen. No games, no playing around, no toying with the idea...I gotta move!

I am excited though because I've already begun some great programs

I begin my Hospitality Management program in January and I'm excited to make new connections there.

I am working with the Food Bank of New York City to teach cooking techniques and nutrition to inner city kids and their parents!

I am participating in a NYC Small Biz program called FastTrac NewVenture that helps launch new businesses *Coined an MBA on Speed*

These are the main things that are only beginning in January!! Wait till you see what February has in store!! The life of an entrepreneur is never idle...

Ahh, now back to the food. I found a winner!

I've recently stumbled upon a pretty darn awesome restaurant in Park Slope. It's a cute little Thai spot with such original and elegant decor called Born. I had a chance to speak with the Owner and she along with the entire staff is so sweet and funny. The whole place was created and decorated by a group of young artists and you can probably tell- the space just seems very original and artsy- probably more similar to something found in Williamsburg.

And the food...I really couldn't believe how great it was. The first time I was there I had the Basil Stirfy which was delicious. Then on the next occasion I had the Drunken Man Noodles and I nearly lost it. What did they put in it?!!! It was perfectly Spicy, Savory, Chewy with the Udon noodles (yes they used udon noodles!) Crunchy with the String Beans and Peppers...Honestly guys, I can't remember the last time I LOVED a restaurant entree to shreds. I think I cried after I ate it. I was happy.

I told the Owner I was coming by again this week to talk about their dessert menu (I think its lacking and perhaps I can do something about it!). I'm all of a sudden dreaming of this one Drunken Man...

293 Flatbush Ave. between Prospect & St. Marks.
Check it out when you're in the nabe!

Wow, December Already??

Hello Friends!!

I know it's been a while but never fear, Dining With Grace is still here!

What have I been up to? Quite a few things, and I guess I don't mind sharing...

Well, I know I ought to be embarrassed to say but... I finally got my license! Yes, Brooklyn girl is all grown up! I knew that I needed to drive ASAP to get my catering business on the level that it needs to be and with the visions of my custom Dining With Grace decal on the side of my ride, I knew that time was of the essence! ;-)

Secondly, I've been researching grants, many people don't realize how many opportunities are out there for small businesses and even for education. My point is this, yes you have to work hard to get the reward but the reward is still out there to be taken. I decided to go to school part-time to study Hospitality Management while I continue working on my business. Very excited.

Then of course, there's my marketing campaign. Folks, listen....you have the idea, you have the product or service, the next important thing is MARKETING it. Creativity, persistence, and a visionary eye is key here. I'm back to the drawing board, utilizing professionals to get it done right.

Oh and let's not forget to mention Thanksgiving! I had a few orders to handle then went to work on my contribution to the family meal. What was on the menu this year you ask?? This is how eclectic my family is! I love it! We had Egusi soup and pounded yam, a Jerked Leg of lamb, Beef Vindaloo, Creamed Spinach, Cajun Fettuccine Alfredo with Garlic Shrimp, Spring Salad with Beets, Red Grapes, Goat Cheese & Candied Walnuts w/a Honey Vinaigrette and lastly a Pumpkin Ginger Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting & Dried Cranberries! Don't pigeonhole my family (or DWG!!), we are connoisseurs of Fine International Cuisine! :-)

Other than that, I've been scoping out new potential sites for a commercial kitchen, fine-tuning business plan, getting some legal advice and continuing to take this adventure one day at a time.

2010 lays ahead as 2009 winds to an end, on the 12th of this month I will be 1 year older but much more the wiser. Thank you God for the opportunity to experience this journey. Thank you friends for being there, I look forward to sharing much more Dining With Grace moments with you!

Best,

Grace O.

P.S. Dining With Grace is now on Twitter! Follow me! http://twitter.com/DiningWithGrace

Stay tuned for our Revamped Website and our December 2009 Newsletter!

Signs from Above

I've had quite possibly the craziest time of my life within the past month , especially the last 10 days.

You wouldn't believe me if I told you how completely random its been.

But believe this, I wouldn't replace the experience for anything. I'm a WHOLE lot wiser than I was a few months ago and that's where I've won.

Ladies & Gents- the Dining With Grace Cafe opening is postponed until further notice.

So much work had been done-construction, market research, business plan, design implementation, neighborhood introductions, personal financing...and the list goes on. But sometimes God literally has to pull you away by your ear...and so He did. You see, things were going fast and I wasn't looking back. Things that may have been placed as signs, I looked at them as challenges and fought my way over and around them. God had to do something drastic, something I couldn't jump over or scurry around. ( I had prayed for this to happen if my ways were not aligned with His.) He made it plain that I needed to HALT! And so here I am halted, contemplative, and honestly a little relaxed (I feel cared for). I see how something so randomly placed to stop a situation from going from bad to worse could only have been orchestrated by the heavenlies. He totally threw a wrench in it.

So I am regrouping, back to my drawing board, knowing that when He closes a door he opens a window. I've learned so much about people, business, law, entrepreneurship, restaurants, designing and planning, marketing...the list goes on! How much wealthier will I be when I approach my next venture?? Very excited!! But for now...I will gladly...halt. This needs not be rushed. I was given a second chance and I will not be hasty or ignorant with it. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

Dining With Grace still offers Fine Catering and Cakes! Look out for our Holiday Specials, coming soon! Dining With Grace Cafe will continue to be a work in progress...stay tuned!


Love,

Grace O.

Bridal Luncheon Catering Photos & More

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of catering for a beautiful bridal luncheon in New Jersey for 30 guests.




This is what was on the 3-course menu:

Appetizers

General Tso Chicken Sticks
Shrimp w/Oregano & Garlic

Entree

Grilled Greek-Style Chicken Breast w/Chimchurri Sauce
Smoked Gouda Mac & Cheese w/Roasted Tomato
Cheddar Scallion Biscuit
Greek Salad

Dessert

Vineyard Decor- Lemon Raspberry Layer Cake

Dining With Grace was a hit once again! Thank you to Ms. Michelle Smith for letting a girl do her thing! For more information on Dining With Grace Catering services and our unique menu please visit our web page at http://www.diningwithgrace.com/. If you stand for nothing less than fabulous, we are your team!

Enjoy some photos below of my other crowd favorites from past events! More photos soon to come...




Smoked Salmon Bites w/ Creme Fraiche, Dill and Red Onion

Taste of Tuscany Bruschetta on Crostini

Kickin' Chicken Littles

Bon Appetit!

Grace O.