We could hardly wait to get started! Our cooking classes are our lifeblood and a favorite part of our lives. Because of this, it was with some reluctance that we gave up classes for two weeks.
At the same time, the excitment had built to a near frenzy! Saturday morning two weeks ago now, I began the demolition. The plan was in place with any changes only to be dictated by unforeseen surprises I might uncover. It didn't take long! A "smile" that had developed over the years in a soffit, turned out to be my worst fear. A little bitty wall that had been removed years ago, turned out to be a bearing wall. The entire ceiling and roof was sagging! Damn, what to do about that? After some thought and consternation and consultation, the decision was made to shore up the roof/ceiling with some recycled and ancient beams that had been salvaged from a job downtown. What a perfect solution! We were able to reuse some great historic lumber, free, and support the construction while creating a beautiful appearance. I love it when a "plan" comes together. Day after day, there would be setbacks, changes and interruptions. To add to the stress, my real job would rear its ugly head and get in the way too. Such audacity! It seemed every day we would delete or defer some portion of the job, It became just like a real construction job. Finally we agreed to break the entire project into seperate pieces. This would allow us to complete the most important elements while holding back on some others. Saturday, June 14, we are ready to paint. It is just about one week late but I think we will be ready for Kid's Camp Monday morning. A couple of planned things are still on the back burner but all in all, it will be beautiful and a huge improvement. Our space is now almost doubled. The floor is tiled to replace that despicable carpet. (who put that stuff there anyway?!!) Next week's "spare" time will be devoted to building a new work island. Of course, that work will be sandwiched between five days of Cooking Camp and five evening classes. We can do it!! The next project will be to re-do the existing countertop and install our new gas cooktop, and then, the wall oven.
We are very excited to begin teaching in the new facility and show it off during our
Grand Re-Opening Party, Sunday June 22. We hope you are able to join us in the celebration. We will have refreshments, prizes and sample food from upcoming classes. Come and take advantage of discounts on future classes and register for our newsletter; BiteMe!
There is plenty of information on our website; http://www.cuisineclassique.com/
Monday the 16th will be a day for rejoicing! Our classes will start again and to add to the fun,
the first ones up will be the kids! Hope we see you in class!
Chow
