Well, this was quite the year. Between the insane coursework, travels and extra-curricular activities, this year certainly shaped up to be the best yet! And really, what more could one ask for as they graduate?! The HTMSA taught me many things, of which the most important is that a hands on manager is the most appreciated manager. Being VP of the association was stellar and an experience I will never forget. Getting to know so many people outside of the classroom, some more than others, has been fantastic and it is my goal to ensure these relationships are lasting ones. Working with some of the best profs in the industry was also very educating and enlightening.
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| On Honolulu Beach at sunset |
Hawai'i
Reading week was spent with two of my best friends on Honolulu beach. Pretty rocken, eh?! Sun, sand and some killer surf made for a week that I will look back on with the best of memories. Oh and the pineapple... holy crap that stuff is to die for. Nothing better than a fresh picked pineapple under the hot Hawaiian sun!
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| Jordan indulges in an authentic Swiss Fondue |
YHS
This was definitely an experience I shall never forget. Ever. I mean, how often does one get chosen to represent their country on the international scale at a competition amongst the most elite of their peers?! I could go on and on about this trip, but I already did over here on my other site...
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| Team UoGuelph (and Canada) after YHS in Barcelona |
After rocking out in Switzerland the four of us from Guelph spent some time in Barcelona touring the many tourist/historic sites and eating the most unique and amazing food. Tapas is a concept I could get used to and the fresh seafood and cheap wine?! Simply devine. Although we spent three full days there, I would easily spend another 33...
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| Prof. McAdams during HTM Grad Formal 2011 |
We haven't officially graduated yet, but that didn't stop us from holding a terrific grad formal last month. Good friends, a beautiful venue and a smoking hot date added up to one of the best times I've spent in a suit in a long time!
Oliver & Bonacini Mentorship
I am writing this post after having just returned from a week with O&B. I spent a day with the front of house teams at Jump, Biff's, Auberge du Pommier and Canoe, as well as a day with the kitchen staff of Auberge. It was a crazy week, running all over the place and learning so much, but I feel incredibly grateful to those who gave me this opportunity. Working with Will Predhomme, Sommelier of Canoe and learning from all the restaurant managers will be an asset that I will utilize on a daily basis in my chosen industry. A company whose culture seems to breed people who care is a terrific enterprise to work with. Oh, and the food? Boudin Noir, Venison stew, BC Sablefish, fresh made pasta... I could go on and on about how good it was, but then I would forget to describe the wines I drank... oh yeah, it was awesome!
So, as you can tell, the last while has been pretty incredible. I have grown SO much as a person that I can't even fathom how I made it through a day before this year. And the connections I have made through this past bit are ones I hope will last a lifetime. As I continue onwards I hope to update this more frequently, so stay tuned!
Below are more pictures of some of the crazy adventures...
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| I'm graduating!!! It's the end of an era! |
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| Post-service at Amy and I's fine dining dinner. A huge success! |
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| Driving to school... I guess my hands were cold. |
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| Sexy couple? I think so! Grad Formal 2011! |
