tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36483744984068546112024-03-08T16:17:37.191-05:00Desperate Chefs' WivesThis blog is a place for wives, girlfriends, significant others, and anyone else stuck to a chef to come together and chirp to each other about how to deal with the nonsense that goes along with being the wife of a chef. I was struggling to live with a ghost of a husband who I never saw until I met two other chefs' wives that saved me. It was then that I realized there must be more who need love and support too, right?
Hilary, First Lady Desperate Chefs'Wives
instagram @hilarya25
Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.comBlogger494125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-47819493129922258642015-09-03T20:27:00.001-05:002015-09-03T20:30:15.444-05:00The Santa Claus EffectHis visits are rare, but the kids love him. No, I'm not talking about Santa Claus, I'm talking about chefs. This Santa Claus Effect is running rampant in my house. Erik has been traveling all year, with this summer being the most of it. He's been in Japan for 5 days and he has another 5 to go. He'll come home with presents for kids and their hearts will melt for their daddy. Meanwhile in the real world I'm buried in laundry, punching my time card teaching first grade, and running this circus all on my own. My son actually told me today that Daddy does more work. Ouch. Maverik, my five year old, said "Well, sometimes you watch tv". Ah! Of course Erik watches TV too, but it's at 2 am so the kids don't see.<br />
I shouldn't be surprised. After all, no one thanks the elves on Christmas morning.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-42264829569219000172015-02-27T20:00:00.002-05:002015-02-27T20:00:53.620-05:00"Good Cop, Bad Cop" or "Good Cop, Mom"Ever since Adam and Eve first disciplined little Cain and Able, parenting roles have been split into two groups: good cops and bad cops. In my house however, the roles are most aligned to good cop and mom. I'm always the bad cop. <div>
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All week long I'm saying, "No, you can't watch TV tonight...hang up your coat... I'm sorry if you don't like the potatoes, but that's whats for dinner...NO biting! (insert hot sauce into toddlers mouth)...Did you wash your hair yet?...Blow your nose...harder...harder. </div>
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Then there is the chefhusand who only sees the kids on Sundays and gets to say fun things like, "Let's go to lunch...Of course we can wrestle...Who wants dessert?...Sure, I'll build Legos...You want to watch another show?</div>
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I know I will always be more of the heavy with the kids, and I'm fine with that. After all, I'm a teacher- I basically study children all day long. I have an understanding of what I expect from my boys and I know how to get it. But we have to be able to draw the line somewhere. I know that Erik feels guilty for not spending time with the boys more. I get that. But he can't undo all my hard work in one short day. I actually think the best fix for this would be for us to switch roles-if only one day a week. The kids need to see Erik has an authority and they also need to see me as a fun mom. I take care of the kids all week and then have to be the disciplinarian on top of that. Erik needs a slice of that. I can't have all the fun. ;-)</div>
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I'd love any ideas that work for your families. </div>
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Food is love, </div>
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Hilary </div>
Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-86685060878205524212015-02-07T17:48:00.001-05:002015-02-07T18:08:25.847-05:00Here We Go AgainIt's been just about one year since I've last entered my thoughts, fears, and struggles here; but alas, it's time I come back. I started the blog in order to come together with other women who felt as if their husbands and boyfriends were like passing ships in the night. Then I stopped writing because, honestly, I ran out of things to write about. I worked my tail off adjusting, revising, and throwing the drawing board out the window when it comes to my husband and me. We were in a good place. Over the past month or so though I've struggled with Erik's new 6-day a week schedule, complete with longer hours and a very tired chefhusband. Oh, whatever shall I do? Well, duh, I came back here! You all have been so supportive of me as well as each other over the years and this writing serves as an outlet to my frustrations.<br />
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So, where are we?<br />
In the past year, Erik has gotten a lot of great press for his "Levitating Uni" and since moved from the chef de cuisine at Morimoto NYC to the executive corporate chef of <a href="http://starr-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Starr Restaurants</a>. And although that move is a great step in his career, it really changed things around here. He's worked corporate before and for me, it was great- weekends off, decent hours, and of course a Blackberry (hey, it was like 5 years ago). But Starr Restaurants is on a roll and it's taking my husband with him. He's working more hours, six-day weeks, and he sends work emails up until 3:30 in the morning. Erik is certainly stressed, but he loves his new position. He just wrapped up his stint at Upland with an incredible <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/01/14/dining/restaurant-review-upland-on-park-avenue-south.html?_r=0" target="_blank">review by the NYT</a>.<br />
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Blah blah blah though. I'm running myself ragged here <strike>raising</strike> wrangling two boys, working full time, and keeping my house managed. I feel like I did in the sophomore years of being a desperate chef's wife. Erik calls to tell me the latest who's who that ate at Upland- I roll my eyes. during the last Blizzard we spend the day at a friend's house and Erik had to go upstairs for an hour to take a conference call- ugh. He's going to London for a week- yipee.<br />
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Overall, things are going well. We are healthy and happy, but sometimes the day to day just drives me nuts.<br />
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Food is love,<br />
Hilary<br />
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<br />Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-85459416185420698102014-02-14T20:26:00.000-05:002014-02-14T20:26:20.798-05:00Marriage + Work =LOVE?The city is buried in roughly two feet of snow, ice, slush, and sadness. And tonight while I was out shoveling the last slush layer up before the big freeze, I get a questionable glare from an uppity passer-by. What the heck? I'm just shoveling snow. A quick glance at my attire confirms that although my shirt is revealing a fresh Monsters Inc. tattoo on my midriff, I look relatively normal. So why the glare? Oh yeah, it's Valentine's Day! This lady must have thought I was 100% nutso for not only staying in, but choosing to shovel nonetheless.<br />
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Well who cares about her. I'm married to a chef. Chefs work all the time. And I love shoveling snow. <br />
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But no matter how much I miss seeing my husband, I still don't think I could work with him. But there are loads of restaurant couples out there that make it work successfully. One of which is includes Julie Vernick, my very first chef wife friend. Sadly, I lost touch with Julie and she moved to Philadelphia with her husband. Together they work at <a href="http://www.vernickphilly.com/" target="_blank">Vernick Food and Drink. </a><br />
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Zagat put together 14 lovely restaurant couples that are making it work in Philly. Check them out <a href="http://www.zagat.com/b/philadelphia/love-is-in-the-house-14-philly-restaurant-couples#8" target="_blank">here</a>. Do you think you could work with your chef? I know many of you do. Tell me about it. How do you get a break from each other? How do you handle workplace conflicts?<br />
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Well, whether you're noshing on a box of chocolates, gazing into the eyes of your loved one, or shoveling snow, I wish you a very special Valentine's Day.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-88357645485587913112013-11-23T16:53:00.001-05:002013-11-23T16:53:46.182-05:00Weight Watchers for [Chefs'] Wives? <br />
Hi Ladies,<br />
I got an interesting email from a reader a few weeks back. She has a dilemma regarding dieting and dating a chef....<br />
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<span style="color: red;">"I am desperately trying to stick to a <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">diet</span> or weight loss plan. But dating a chef that is happy to make me meals, create amazing dinners, snacks, etc. is not helping at all. You see, before we started dating, I wasn't much of a cook. I'd typically skip dinners, or just have a small snack. Oh...and did I mention I also got 8 hours of sleep because I went to bed at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_641288157" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">9:30</span></span>! Now, not only do I find myself on his schedule which means late nights, early mornings, but I have put on 20 pounds and can't say no to his cooking.</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;">I am hoping I am not alone with this challenge. If I don't stay up till <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_641288158" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">12:00</span></span> most nights, I would never see him. But this jeopardizes my sleep and health. This also means late night dinners. Dinners I never used to have. Calories I never used to eat. How on earth do I say no to his cooking and watch him eat dinner without me? Or go to bed without him every night?"</span></div>
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Now, don't hate me, but I don't think I've ever gained any weight because I'm married to a chef. I've have gained weight for other reasons: babies, mindless eating because I'm bored, holiday weight, etc. I definitely eat more when I'm with Erik because he always wants to try everything on the menu. I leave so many meals thinking, " I should have stopped eating a while ago". And I certainly do some late night snacking when he comes home around one in the morning. And although I don't really eat enough to gain weight from that, i probably should stop doing it. </div>
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Any advice to help my pal Sunny here? Leave a comment below!</div>
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Sunny, I think you should stop eating late night dinners. If being with your chef late at night works well for you, great! But maybe skip the entrée and only eat an appetizer or the tiniest portion of the entrée. You could also ask your boyfriend to make healthier options if you really want to eat late night with him. </div>
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Food is Love, </div>
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Hilary </div>
Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-69774155073041972852013-10-04T20:16:00.002-05:002013-10-04T20:16:13.384-05:00NYC Meet-Up! I can't believe I'm going to finally meet some of you soon! Connecting through <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/201582828746/" target="_blank">Married to a Chef</a>, some of us NYC wives are getting together to meet, greet, and eat.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Monday, October 21st, 6:30 PM </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.blindtigeralehouse.com/" target="_blank">Tiger Ale House</a> on Bleecker between 6th and 7th. </span><br />
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I'm extending an invitation to any other NYC area wives/girlfriends who would like to meet up. Just send me an email, or leave a comment below. Looking forward to getting to know some of you beyond the confines of a computer screen!<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-26459273578148877602013-09-06T18:53:00.002-05:002013-09-06T18:57:32.330-05:00Baby Number TwoMy world has changed once again, for the better of course!<br />
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<b>Wyatt Cartwright Battes</b> was born on July 14th. Erik and I are thrilled to have started this new chapter of our lives. I'm so proud to be a mother of two boys. But it ends there, ladies. Four people is a full house and I'm perfectly content.<br />
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Thinking of having children of your own?I don't want to scare anyone, but you really should: <a href="http://www.desperatechefswives.com/2012/06/truth-about-babies.html" target="_blank">Read this first. </a><br />
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Food is Love,<br />
Hilary<br />
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And don't forget to enter my book giveaway <a href="http://www.desperatechefswives.com/2013/08/book-giveaway-mastering-art-of-french.html" target="_blank">here. </a>Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-58574285802326321402013-09-03T09:35:00.000-05:002013-09-03T09:35:00.210-05:00Snooze FestLet's talk about naps. I get it, I do. These guys work a lot. Anywhere from 5-7 days a week 10-16 hours a day, weekends, holidays, late nights, on their feet-yadda yadda yadda. But as soon as I see Erik hit the couch on Sunday afternoon my eyes roll dramatically- and I know it's in part-jealousy.<br />
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In my house I have three boys against one girl, and three nappers against the non-napper, me. The odds are <i>not </i>ever in my favor. The 3 year old, Maverik naps once a day for two hours, the newborn, Wyatt naps about 2 hours each day adding up all those cat naps, but the chef-he chef falls hard. He certainly doesn't nap as much as the babes, but he crashes much quicker. Erik will often lay down with Maverik after lunch on his days off and I hear snoring long before my 3 year old stops wiggling. Where am I in this picture you ask? I'm all over the place doing laundry, paying bills, organizing the junk drawer or grading papers. I just can't sit. I absolutely hate it because I wish I could relax. I wonder if they have an online class for that. Don't get me wrong, when Wyatt was less than a month old, I napped when baby napped- just like the experts said to do, and I had to in order to take care of the two little ones- in order to survive. Erik certainly isn't to blame for napping, he needs it. He also suffers from sleep apnea so even when he is asleep it's not that deep sleep we all so desperately need.<br />
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But there is something else that gets me agitated when he take his siesta: time. That precious thing none of us have enough of. As twenty first century <i>people</i> living on Earth we don't have time to exercise, call our parents, or visit with old friends. And as women dating and married to chefs we don't have time to see them. It just doesn't exist. So even though these guys need to make up for lost sleep, I can't help but see it as time lost. I can't help but think, "We could be going on a walk right now, or drinking tea in the backyard."<br />
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According to <a href="http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-secret-and-surprising-power-of-naps" target="_blank">WebMd</a>, napping can boost your memory, cognitive thinking, creativity, and energy. Maybe that's why Erik is always coming up with new dishes. It's the naps! Then again, this is a medical website with an article entitled "9 Secrets to a Good Kiss". Hmm...<br />
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Do any of you have chefnappers at home? Does it bother you? Are you a mover and shaker like me finding it difficult to even sit down? I'd love to know how the chef populace is sleeping during the day.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-30322751297611567032013-08-31T08:06:00.001-05:002013-08-31T09:37:48.076-05:00Let's Get Connected Many of you have been inquiring about ways to connect with other chefswives in your area. This is a fabulous idea. In fact, that is how this blog was started. My two good friends who were also dating chefs helped me so much that I knew others could use the support as well. Validation seems to be the key sentiment around here. The trouble is, I don't keep a log of readers. BUT I am going to do my best to help you get in touch with one another. If you have any ideas, please feel free to share them with me.<br />
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There are two ways we can get connected.<br />
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1. Leave a comment here on this post with your name, city and state (country if applicable), and your email. I suggest writing it out in this format to avoid Internet scams and nonsense:<br />
desperatechefswives [at] gmail [dot] com<br />
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<a href="http://www.marriedtoachef.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/marriedtoachef.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.marriedtoachef.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/marriedtoachef.gif" /></a>2. You can also head on over to my friend Kerilyn Russo's website <a href="http://www.marriedtoachef.com/" target="_blank">Married to a Chef</a> and become a <a href="http://www.marriedtoachef.com/your-village/" target="_blank">member of her village</a>. This membership includes several goodies including membership to her private Facebook group. This group is a great way to post concerns, dilemmas, and accomplishments while getting feedback from other women connected to chefs.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
Hilary<br />
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DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE BOOK GIVEAWAY, <a href="http://www.desperatechefswives.com/2013/08/book-giveaway-mastering-art-of-french.html" target="_blank">HERE. </a>Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-33292601036383557272013-08-30T09:58:00.000-05:002013-09-10T08:56:29.638-05:00Book Giveaway!!! MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH EATINGHi ladies! I'm happy to have another giveaway to offer you. From Penguin Publishers...<br />
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">In <b>MASTERING THE ART OF FRENCH EATING </b></span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">journalist Ann Mah blends food, travel, and gastronomic history as she embarks on a journey to reinvent her dream of living in Paris.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<a href="http://annmah.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/MasteringArtFrenchEating1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://annmah.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/MasteringArtFrenchEating1.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">After her diplomat husband is given a three-year assignment in France, and then suddenly, called to a new post in Iraq –alone—Ann must find a life for herself in a new city. Journeying through Paris and the surrounding regions of France, Ann combats her loneliness by seeking out the perfect pain au chocolat and learning the way the andouillette sausage is really made. She explores the history and taste of everything from boeuf Bourguignon to soupe au pistou to the crispiest of buckwheat crepes. And somewhere between Paris and the south of France, she uncovers a few of life’s truths.<br /><br /><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 14px;">Ann provides an insightful history of many of the regional dishes throughout France and punctuates each of her chapters with a traditional recipe. Both funny and intelligent, this is a story of love—love of France, food, and family—and of how hard choices can change your life for the better.<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">ABOUT THE AUTHOR:<u></u><u></u></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">Ann Mah</span></b><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;"> is a journalist and the author of the novel, <i>Kitchen Chinese</i>. Ann was awarded a James Beard Foundation culinary scholarship in 2005 and her articles about food, travel, fashion, style, and the arts have appeared in <i>The New York Times</i>, <i>Condé Nast Traveler</i>, <i>The Huffington Post</i>, the <i>International Herald Tribune</i>, <i>Washingtonian</i> magazine, and the <i>South China Morning Post</i>, among other publications. The wife of a U.S. diplomat, Mah currently splits her time between New York City and Paris. For more information, please visit </span><a href="http://www.annmah.net/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">www.annmah.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Garamond, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 24px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">The details to enter: </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">Leave a comment below telling us where you would like to live for a year and why. Perhaps you want to master the art of BBQ while living in Dallas or maybe you'd like to master the art of sushi in Tokyo. On Tuesday, September 10th, I'll randomly select a comment and get a copy of the book sent to you. It's that easy! Just make sure you include your email- no anonymous comments. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">Good Luck!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">Food is Love, </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garamond, serif;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 24px;">Hilary </span></span></div>
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Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-3158410464340871542013-07-30T19:08:00.001-05:002013-07-30T19:08:42.969-05:00Sex Drive...in Neutral?A UK chef girlfriend just brought up a topic I've yet to look at. I'm so glad to be able to write about something fresh and new, even though it isn't exactly G- rated.<br />
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So this lovely lady from the United Kingdom says her chef comes home late at night (duh) and isn't interested in being intimate. He's tired and stressed.<br />
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Has anyone else come across this? I'm sure our UK friend would appreciate knowing she's not alone. But is she? I mean it makes sense that chefs would be too tired to do much of anything after work. Then again, a man turning down some special time, does that ever happen?<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
hilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-52924128038564111192013-06-20T05:33:00.001-05:002013-06-20T05:33:56.869-05:00Turn Off the ChefNow I know this one can't be happening to just me. Do your husbands/boyfriends ever come home with this heightened sense of speediness or aggression? They may snap at you, bang a couple pots and pans around, or be generally grouchy. If this is the case, your chef forgot to unwind on the way home.<br />
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Last night Erik came home and was cooking, but you would have thought STOMP was performing in my kitchen the way he was tossing around the pans. Then, I called him from our bedroom- I was going to remind him to check on our son who has been sick. Erik comes back to the bedroom and says, "Why did you call my name?"<br />
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Uh, say what? I was expecting, a "Hi, Honey" or "Hey baby, how are you feeling?", maybe even a "Can I get you something?". I'm 8 months pregnant, remember. This was just not Erik.<br />
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And what do you know? He told me the entire way home from work, which is about 45 minutes on a couple trains, he was making lists for work. And as soon as he walked in the door at home, he grabbed <i>The Art of Fermentation</i>. (he's working on 12 different kinds of tofu.) He was the one who said, "I didn't really unwind tonight, I think I was still in restaurant mode." No kidding.<br />
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These high strung chefs absolutely need time to relax and decompress after working. I think most people probably need that, but it's different with chefs. They spend 12 hours expediting, shouting, giving orders, arguing with vendors, tasting, interviewing, crunching numbers, and furrowing their brows. They have to check that stuff at the door.<br />
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Erik should go back to playing Candy Crush on the train. Things were sweeter then.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-65097662839281132582013-05-05T08:16:00.002-05:002013-06-21T20:41:10.413-05:00Pray For My Mom***UPDATE*** AS of today, 6/21/13, my mother came home from the hospital. She was there for 66 days, 21 of them being in the ICU. She is walking, talking, texting, and off the ventilator. Being home is a great thing, we never thought that would even happen. We didn't even know if she would make it through the first night. But home is scary too, the nurses aren't there 24 hours a day and I'm sure my mom will try to do way to much. This time tomorrow I'll be at her house and once again seeing the amazing work of God.<br />
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This is my beautiful mother.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaXCDdBvHv4XGqsDb6Ug0Sboax5Hh-05ez6MZtga9BHtwxNBp9Hz8kZYM1NCjlSoZRy0wefl9-8PwYMFLn4NmtxIU8mF8iAW23E_euxaIR2VUntIWi6q2jRT8guPVBY8p6lxxfwGxPiAr/s1600/IMG_2215+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaXCDdBvHv4XGqsDb6Ug0Sboax5Hh-05ez6MZtga9BHtwxNBp9Hz8kZYM1NCjlSoZRy0wefl9-8PwYMFLn4NmtxIU8mF8iAW23E_euxaIR2VUntIWi6q2jRT8guPVBY8p6lxxfwGxPiAr/s640/IMG_2215+copy.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My mom, Camar and my son just one month before being admitted to the hospital</td></tr>
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She is 53 years young and diagnosed with Stage 4 LMS Cancer about 16 months ago. Due to complications she had this March/April, she was admitted to the hospital. After she stopped breathing, she went into cardiac arrest. Everything went down hill from there. As of today she is still in the ICU, now with a tracheotomy, dialysis, and other complications. She is smiling now and gaining responsiveness everyday . I have no idea what the future holds, but my faith in God and Christ is the biggest comfort I could ever ask for.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_cnNKFRTKaHBx34l2RhExQVLbidadIwzAEmQqeezh1jN7SRcTUflx6I7Dzuk-PZwUZQOARRGBpCFxs8kIU5tk0jP_M9lJzJDijnm3aWI8Xq_KSrnFnBMM6IYLo7GO-6iRsMMSmV58Qp/s1600/DSC_5222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjr_cnNKFRTKaHBx34l2RhExQVLbidadIwzAEmQqeezh1jN7SRcTUflx6I7Dzuk-PZwUZQOARRGBpCFxs8kIU5tk0jP_M9lJzJDijnm3aWI8Xq_KSrnFnBMM6IYLo7GO-6iRsMMSmV58Qp/s400/DSC_5222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Camar </td></tr>
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I debated with myself for a couple weeks now about writing this on my blog. I've worked very hard over the past years to make sure this blog is about one thing and one thing only: supporting wives who are connected to chefs. I avoid talking about my son or my job, but I'm making an exception.<br />
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This blog is about one more thing: supporting women. Period. And I'm in need of support this time. I need prayers and good thoughts. I need comfort.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRdpLs9Y24TsMriOZXVcoybDcF5-0KcUeu1XN_-o-UgZlGunmYnPq6Lpo8oADt7c9NVNkFxh6tkpUVMHGzb7jzgL-QnIRBeYn1I0fcMi_G2YiEPpVgy_V-tTNNX1kzYIFmSy1ya5fYl2d/s1600/DSC_0950.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRRdpLs9Y24TsMriOZXVcoybDcF5-0KcUeu1XN_-o-UgZlGunmYnPq6Lpo8oADt7c9NVNkFxh6tkpUVMHGzb7jzgL-QnIRBeYn1I0fcMi_G2YiEPpVgy_V-tTNNX1kzYIFmSy1ya5fYl2d/s400/DSC_0950.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">July 2012, My mom, sisters, and step-dad</td></tr>
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-83468609056014217072013-03-28T07:00:00.000-05:002013-03-28T07:00:15.729-05:00The New TabooDestiny's Child sang about it. So did Shania Twain. And we all know "I am Woman Hear Me Roar". But what have these songs and other messages of female independence done to us?<br />
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I've found that women today, have a new taboo. It certainly isn't abortion, tampons, or breastfeeding. Oh no, we pride ourselves on being able to talk about all of those things. The <i>new</i> taboo, is <i>de</i>pendence. You heard it ladies! So pick up the the latte you bought with your own income, because this is about to get real.<br />
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I've met a lot of women through this blog and most of them have serious issues with feeling neglected/unloved/not payed attention to/unappreciated/not cared about/ etcetera etcetera. And all of those women, including myself, make a point to say:<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">"But <b>I'm</b> an independent woman....I work full time...I have my own set of friends...I don't NEED a husband/boyfriend..."</span></div>
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As if being a dependent woman is such a horrible thing. Many women today look down on their non-working sisters, and the distinction is drawn even clearer when we talk about working and non-working <i>mothers</i>. Something happened after the women's rights movement. We gained so much, but lost a bit too. After all, how can a person even be in a relationship if there isn't some dependence involved? If you don't depend on a person, aren't they just, a stranger?<br />
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Let me tell you, I depend on my husband for many, many things. And I'll be quite transparent and share a few here...yes this is just a small portion of things I count on my husband for.<br />
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1. To love me.<br />
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2. To supplement my income. I've been teaching for several years now and I make $50,000.<br />
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3. To lift heavy things when I'm pregnant. And sometimes when I'm not pregnant.<br />
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4. To support me in general, but particularly my job. (teachers get abused all the time)<br />
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5. To do his fair share to maintain our home, which includes raising our boys.<br />
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<u>Dependence is not a sign of weakness.</u> In fact, I believe it to be a sign of strength. It takes trust to depend on a person and it takes strength to trust a person. So if you feel angry that your chef forgot your birthday or left you waiting until 3am where he was, well, that's perfectly natural. you should be mad, you've been let down. I'm not saying we need to start baking apple pies and make martinis for our chefs when they get home. But I do think we need to acknowledge that we are not as independent as Beyonce wants us to be.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-46904241912433014632013-03-25T18:38:00.002-05:002013-03-26T17:53:04.243-05:0050 ThingsOnce I saw this list, I just had to retweet it.<br />
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<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/112033847/50-things-they-never-told-you-about-being-a-chef" target="_blank">50 Things They Never Told You About Being A Chef</a><br />
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Some of my favorites include:<br />
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#2 You'll never meet new people because your social life deteriorates into non-existance.<br />
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#13- 15 Your feet, back and hands will get destroyed.<br />
#24 <span style="font-family: inherit;">Y<span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 77px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap; word-spacing: 3px;">our shortest work days will be longer than</span><span style="background-color: white; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 77px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap; word-spacing: 3px;"> </span><span class="l6" style="border: none; display: inline; height: 1px; letter-spacing: -1px; line-height: 1; margin: 0px 0px 0px -6px; padding: 0px; text-align: left; white-space: nowrap; word-spacing: 3px;">most people's longest...</span></span><br />
I read them with Erik and we both agreed that about 90% of these situations apply to him. when you pile it all up into this list, this is once crazy,upside down industry.<br />
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So what do you think? How accurate is this list? Would it have stopped your chef from being a chef?<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-21720458809299086562013-03-20T18:46:00.000-05:002013-03-20T18:46:07.589-05:00Who is the Sous?She's young. She's talented. She's hot. She's passionate about food. And your husband just hired her as his sous chef.<br />
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Yes, imagine that. A chefwife recently confided to me her fears of a similar situation in her own life. So how do you cope? Do you through doubt out and believe in your chef as a trustworthy man? And if so, will that even work after a few 80 hours have gone by with his new sous?<br />
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Perhaps you take a different route and you check his texts in the middle of the night. You hack into his Facebook, possibly create a fake account. You question his every move, smell his clothes and check for lipstick on his collar. You ask him to check in frequently and maybe, just maybe if he doesn't check in as often as you'd like, you call in a favor to a cook at his restaurant to fill you in on the chef's ins and outs....of the restaurant of course.<br />
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Infidelity in the restaurant industry is an issue that often arises here between the Desperate Chefs' Wives. How do we tackle this? I'll be honest, I don't think about it. Ever. But I've also been with Erik since 7th grade and I've never had to think about it. I'd bet that women who have been cheated on before, especially by the chef they are with, will experience more fears than those who haven't. But that's just a guess. Can anyone confirm?<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
Hilary<br />
<br />Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-72585548275470007502013-02-16T13:05:00.002-05:002013-02-16T13:05:34.947-05:00At What Price? My husband has never done a reality cooking show. No matter how many times I've begged him to, he just won't. But even if he did want to go, I can't imagine him leaving for months at a time to film a show such as Top Chef. On this season, the chef'testants competed in Seattle and I've been watching since day one. (Rooting for Sheldon) The last chef to pack up their knives was Josh Valentine, whose wife delivered their daughter during taping. Now, I just can't believe that. I don't know what I would do if my husband were working while I delivered.<br />
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I know my perspective on the matter is unique since i nearly lost my life after my first son was born, but I guess that's why they call it perspective. I'm having one more child in July, and Erik and I agree, without even thinking, that he has to be there. That's it. But maybe I'm just a rare exception to most women. You tell me. I also had no family with me in the hospital and I know Josh's wife had her mother there. Perhaps that would change my mind.<br />
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But the question is: What sacrifices to we make that allow our spouses to have opportunities? Or sometimes just CHANCES for opportunities. I love my husband very much, but there has to be a line drawn somewhere....where?<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-42934494695238781992013-01-19T06:53:00.001-05:002013-01-19T06:53:44.421-05:00Table for FourConsidering my complaining has reduced quite a bit over the last several years, due to this blog and many of you, I'm proud to say I've really got a handle on this chef wife thing. And because of that, I'm in the best place to <span style="color: #cc0000;">have another baby. </span>I'm due in July, and very excited to be expanding my family.<br />
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Thank you all for the support over the years, because I would not have been able to handle the work that comes from children without being able to say "this chef wife thing, yeah, I got that. "<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-90439633340780892352013-01-04T17:59:00.001-05:002013-01-04T17:59:31.391-05:00Erik Dreams of Danny MeyerThe past few nights I've been having some freaky intense dreams. People I barely knew in high school at my grandmother's house, helping my son go potty. Strange to say the least. But the other night I had a cornucopia of weirdness and I had to tell Erik. My dream went something like this...<br />
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...teaching at a new school...not sure of subjects...or grades...walking through a grassy, willie-wonka type of field...some dead decaying cats...some living cats, but inside plastic bags...checking a deadbolt for a killer out to get me...killer is mad because Erik insulted his son's girlfriend...living in a dorm...more cats in bags...<br />
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After explaining all of this to Erik, he responds with, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">"I dreamt about <a href="http://www.ushgnyc.com/people/leadership/danny-meyer/" target="_blank">Danny Meyer"</a></span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.ushgnyc.com/wp-content/gallery/danny/ushg_partners_698_fin_danny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.ushgnyc.com/wp-content/gallery/danny/ushg_partners_698_fin_danny.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Of course you did. Of course, Chef.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-43301189839431789242012-11-09T18:10:00.000-05:002012-11-09T18:10:50.553-05:00The StormI've been trying to think of the best way to write after the hurricane. In good conscience, I just can't give you a play-by-play of my situation. Compared to my neighbors, coworkers, and my Jersey City community, I was merely inconvenienced. I want to tell you about the amazing things happening all over Jersey City and New York that are building our communities back up, but I'm going to stick to one family tonight: The Langello/Bowden family. (Which is really three families, but still.)<br />
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When Hurricane Sandy was at its worst, it claimed the homes of my friends Hilary and Jimmy Bowden, as well as Jimmy's brother Chris and Tabitha Bowden, and Tabitha's sister and brother-in-law, Frank and Samantha Langello. They say terrible things come in threes; what a horrible trio of events. All three families have BEAUTIFUL children as well, God Bless them. These stories touch my heart personally because Hilary Bowden is dear, dear friend of mine. And on top of that, Frank Langello is the executive chef at NYC's Babbo. The culinary industry is a family all its own.<br />
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Babbo Ristorante is holding a fundraiser for Frank and his wife, Samantha. Delicious food for a great cause, you can't go wrong. See below for details.<br />
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If you are able to give something, please click the following links:<br />
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<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/Bowdenfamilyrelief" target="_blank">Donate to Jimmy and Hilary Bowden and Chris and Tabitha Bowden</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWblJmuOk7axQ4YeVMgN2lNbCUEK4DhHmgzPuKjwGbprozfslwivhGzRDfwjM55SvFXE-4x2ZPzScZR-UiqL35mN_7QQGGFHV0CNDywS51s0Yn1_AgMAO78j1sihRXu0eexop-6Y1byHl/s1600/20121102075521-Bowdenphoto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWblJmuOk7axQ4YeVMgN2lNbCUEK4DhHmgzPuKjwGbprozfslwivhGzRDfwjM55SvFXE-4x2ZPzScZR-UiqL35mN_7QQGGFHV0CNDywS51s0Yn1_AgMAO78j1sihRXu0eexop-6Y1byHl/s320/20121102075521-Bowdenphoto.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Hilary Bowden's home in Staten Island. Look carefully at the line of mud, that line indicates the height of the water. </div>
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<a href="http://ottopizzeria.com/friendsoffrank/" target="_blank">Donate to Frank and Samantha Langello</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1EpoZK5L7DWef98XXric5qEl0L4pnJ8tu6uwEPHq0sH3TVROiZ_d_V3wqKRudNfyO_01QvvTSoTLa9cMhh8UZSd1WRTF366CIt3Urk8NkschFhnpENPLdPhUoBAXKdroSovZM9rLR0-B/s1600/ff.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz1EpoZK5L7DWef98XXric5qEl0L4pnJ8tu6uwEPHq0sH3TVROiZ_d_V3wqKRudNfyO_01QvvTSoTLa9cMhh8UZSd1WRTF366CIt3Urk8NkschFhnpENPLdPhUoBAXKdroSovZM9rLR0-B/s640/ff.png" width="282" /></a></div>
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Food is Love,<br />
Hilary<br />
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<br />Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-38620783250648046172012-10-25T03:30:00.000-05:002012-10-25T03:30:04.084-05:00The Gift of Time<span style="color: #990000;">"Every weekend is so precious to us"</span>- Erik's sincerity makes my heart ache.<br />
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We often focus on the things in our life that make us angry. The difficulties, the drama, the struggles. We spend our energy complaining about the lonely nights, lack of support, and the insane restaurant life that rubs off on our chefs. But at the end of the day, we have to make a choice about what we focus on. (Remind me of this when I'm down in the dumps)<br />
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Although Erik and I rarely get to spend time together, this lifestyle is truly all we know. The time we have is a rare gem in a mine of dirty coal. I want to spend more effort appreciating the time we have. It may be one day a week, even less on occasion, but it's our life. Erik and I are given the opportunity to relish our time together because it happens so sporadically. I think if he had a 9-5 schedule I wouldn't savor the moments we share. He wouldn't get up early so he could drop Maverik off at school. I wouldn't stay up late just to catch a few minutes with him. We wouldn't be us.<br />
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15 years ago I sat on a school bus in a band uniform accepting the beginning of something amazing. I would never have imagined the ride would be this spectacular.<br />
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Happy Anniversary, Erik<br />
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Food is Love (and today I feel full),<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-83900570217565535312012-10-10T05:36:00.002-05:002012-10-10T05:36:43.127-05:00Absentee ChefLast year, Erik was traveling a lot for work. Sometimes up to a month at a time. It was really important to us both that he still be able to vote so he signed up to cast his vote via absentee ballot. Now he doesn't travel anymore for work, but works a set of hours that we are all familiar with- so he continues to vote in this way. <br />
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On his way to the mailbox he dropped his presidential absentee ballot and thought, <b><span style="color: #990000;">"This absentee ballot is a metaphor for my life." </span></b><br />
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That was incredibly sad to hear, and yet it is painfully true. He leads a double life .Chef and Erik. We talk all the time here about the things these chefs miss in life, but we rarely talk about how it affects them. I see my husband breaking down sometimes, getting overly tired, and drowning in his work. It never lasts long, but I think we should all be taking some time to consider the other side.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-64794460823633949162012-09-11T20:13:00.000-05:002012-10-04T15:16:47.457-05:00Rule Number 250How could I not love Twitter after I just won $250 from Zagat!? The now household name of Zagat has <a href="http://www.desperatechefswives.com/2012/05/forgot-to-tell-you.html" target="_blank">once again</a> entered its way into my house. I heard via Twitter that Zagat was holding a contest on <a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/dining-etiquette-contest-propose-new.html#utm_source=ztwitter&utm_medium=twitter" target="_blank">their blog</a> asking readers to write a new dining etiquette rule. And I won!<br />
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If <i>you</i> had the chance to create a new dining etiquette rule, what would it be? No cell phones? no screaming babies? Wait for all the food to arrive before eating? No double-dipping? Let's hear what things are bugging you and what rules would squash those those irksome behaviors.<br />
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So what do I have to say to the good folks at Zagat? THANK YOU!<br />
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Food Is Love,</div>
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Hilary </div>
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Here is my winning answer:<br />
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<div class="comment-header" id="bc_0_145M" kind="m" style="background-color: #f1efe8; color: #555555; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 23px; margin: 0px 0px 8px; text-align: left;">
<cite class="user" style="color: #89001a; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947" rel="nofollow" style="color: #89001a; text-decoration: none;">ChefWife</a></cite><span class="icon user" style="color: #89001a; font-weight: bold;"></span><span class="datetime secondary-text" style="color: rgb(174, 173, 172) !important; font-size: 11px !important; margin-left: 6px;"><a href="http://blog.zagat.com/2012/08/dining-etiquette-contest-propose-new.html?showComment=1346878204683#c690224453689166822" rel="nofollow" style="color: #555555; text-decoration: none;">Wednesday, September 5, 2012 4:50:00 PM EDT</a></span></div>
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Thank you. It's as simple as those two little syllables (and eye contact, of course) One of the most basic feelings that all human beings have is the desire to be appreciated. That means a thank you to the hostess, server, bus boy, maitre'd, the chef if possible, and of course the person paying for the meal. Those two words go a long way. It's fast, painless, and free after all.</div>
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Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-30164738059967792302012-08-06T21:23:00.001-05:002012-08-06T21:30:21.093-05:00My Bad, New Show, and BirdsA few things:<br />
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First of all, I am so sorry! Perhaps blogger changed a setting or two, but apparently there were 22 comments from you lovely ladies that I never published. Don't know how that happened. Usually they get emailed to me and I approve them on the spot. I'll have to tinker around and make sure this doesn't happen again. I can't tell you what it means every time I read "I love your blog". I love you, fabulous readers. You are the reason this blog was written.<br />
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Secondly, Thanks to a fellow chefwife, <a href="http://youmaykissthechef.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nina</a>. I'm watching the last episode of <i><a href="http://www.hulu.com/whites" target="_blank">Whites.</a> </i>This BBC comedy is modeled after chef Marco Pierre White. If you like dry British humor, then 'ave a go! This mini, six episode series is currently running on hulu. I watched a couple episodes with my chef and we both agreed it was authentic. The characters are brilliant, I think you will especially love Bib. I think we are all married to him. And Kiki, well, she's just so Kiki.<br />
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<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2010/wk39/images/446_whites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/proginfo/tv/2010/wk39/images/446_whites.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Last, but certainly not least, I've joined the masses and<a href="https://twitter.com/HilaryBattes" target="_blank"> set up a twitter account. </a>I won't lie, I was beginning to feel left out. So since I have ...drumroll...and grand total of....TWO followers (which include my 17 year old sister and her best friend) I'd love to have you wonderful women over there. I'm still getting the hang of it all, but at least I'm at the right lunch table now.<br />
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Food is Love,<br />
HilaryHilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3648374498406854611.post-59708594192595149302012-06-15T09:55:00.000-05:002012-06-15T09:55:46.794-05:00ARE YOU A SINGLE CHEF LOOKING FOR LOVE?<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Although most of us here are married to or dating a chef I know that you all must know of single chefs. Perhaps you even have an ex boyfriend you left amicably and wish love upon them. Well, send them this way. Good luck! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Food is Love, </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Hilary</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><b>ARE YOU A SINGLE CHEF LOOKING FOR LOVE?</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">The long, demanding and anti-social hours make chefs and successful relationships a recipe for disaster. But now help is at hand thanks to a brand new TV show.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Teaming up with one of the best matchmakers in the business, the show will find the perfect partners for the nation’s single chefs.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">If you’d like to meet the girl of your dreams, or just find out more, please contact Tom at </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><a href="mailto:chefcasting@cineflix.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">chefcasting@cineflix.com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;">Cineflix Productions makes more than 400 hours per year of programming for US and international broadcasters, including the hit show AMERICAN PICKERS, PROPERTY BROTHERS, COLD BLOOD, WILLIAM SHATNER’S WEIRD OR WHAT, and the award-winning NAZI HUNTERS. Visit </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><a href="http://www.cineflixproductions.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.cineflixproductions.<wbr></wbr>com</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"> for more info.</span>Hilary Batteshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17379733128452993947noreply@blogger.com4