Phew!

After over a year of planning and it's come down to this. Tomorrow is the big day. I can't believe all the last minute details that need to be ironed out. You'd think with all this time to prepare, it would be easy. But......all the food has to be prepped, all the dishes cleaned, shelves hung, coffee roasted, grinded, brewed. And on and on. I could never have asked for better mentors then J&C. They have taken me under their wing and taught me so much already with lot's more to learn. I think they like that I'm a rookie so they have someone to mess with. C's latest menu says, "The Cafe at Veya, featuring the caffeinated stylings of Neal Kahn." I feel like a lounge act!!

Put in my 12 hours today and still have about 2 more to go. Excited. Nervous. Anxious. Worried. Happy. Most of all, looking forward to the start of a new adventure and the end of my old life as I know it. What a life it's been, too. All the different jobs, places, people, ups, downs. Can't wait to see what the next 50 or so years brings. And can't thank everyone enough for the support and encouragement they have given me on this latest adventure. Wishin' my Dad were around to be part of this one, but I know he's watching, smiling, and keeping an eye on my so I don't screw up too bad.

Stay tuned for pics and opening day highlights.

Rehearsal Dinner

Last night the restaurant had a rehearsal dinner for about 100 people. We got the downstairs looking great so the guests could have a cocktail there. Tiny lights, candles, the whole works. It turns out the wedding is for someone from Food and Wine magazine. The guests arrive, Jerry is greeting them and lo and behold, Tom Colicchio and Mario Batali are there! Two of the top chefs in the world! He goes and tells Carrie and she's like "shut the fuck up. No way". He tells her he's not kidding and she just about shit's herself. She goes and talks to them and they are just gushing over the food and says they wish she were cooking at the wedding tonight! All in all, everyone is very excited and happy everything came off well. The wedding photographer has promised some pics that we can use for marketing. As soon as I get them, I'll post them here.

The new opening date looks like either Wednesday or Thursday since C&J are heading off island for a couple days and won't be able to prep. Stay tuned. It's really gonna happen.............really.......(I think)

Excitement builds.

It's so close I can almost taste it!! Taste it, get it? Cafe? Taste it? Badaboom. I got a million of 'em.

Spent a day last week with C&J in SXM getting some last minute things for the cafe. Cookware, blackboards, etc. Kind of fun getting on the ferry to go shopping. The deck is in, the shelves are up, the dishes are here, paintings on the walls. I'm guessing Monday or Tuesday.

From the big smile on her face, the birthday girl had a GREAT time. It may have been because everywhere we went, we celebrated her birthday. Day after day after day. This is one 50th that will be remembered for awhile. Although world travelers, they both admitted that the beaches are the best they have ever seen. I can't tell you how much it means to me that they decided to spend such a special occasion here with me. Just hoping when HIS big day comes, they do it again!

N arrived on Thursday night and we did the usual welcoming ritual. For those that have been here, you know what that is, for those that haven't, I guess you'll have to come to find out. Suffice it to say, it involves staying up later than most nights. He stuck around for a few days and took off yesterday. We both decided he's been here enough that he could be considered a local. I think they are even going to start letting him leave an open tab at some of the places. I miss him already.

Power to the People

Got it! Anglec installed the meter today and lights are shining brightly at the cafe. Not long now. The deck is being built, cabinets going in, plumbing done, artwork coming next week. Possibly next Friday at this time, will be the first happy hour from the cafe. Large Margy's will be half price!!

On another note, there is a general feeling of euphoria here with the news of Obama's victory. Gives a little faith in the system. All of a sudden the US is being viewed in a whole new light. Not too bad a time to be an American.

Season Opener

Did someone turn on a light? Weird, yesterday I walked Mead's Bay and there wasn't a soul on it. Today.....umbrellas like mushrooms have sprouted, heads are bobbing in the water like flotsam (or is it jetsam), lily white body's turning tomato red on the beach. It's like the tourists dropped out of the sky. The locals all have their incredibly white smiles on their faces, and all seems normal on the island. It's amazing how much the country relies on tourism.

The cafe, alas, has taken another slight setback. Seems a government official went off island without turning in the required paperwork for the electric company to put in a meter for me. So, I sit patiently as we wait for him to return, inspect, and turn in the paperwork to get us going. May be a blessing in disguise as some great friends from the states are coming down to celebrate her 50th,and I'll have time to spend with them. Obviously I won't mention names in case she is freaking out about it. Also, NC is coming down for a much needed rest. He is always welcome here and makes himself right at home. Always good to have friends.