Friday, March 25, 2011

New Beginnings

Isn't it interesting how on Monday morning Friday seems so far away?  On Tuesday it's almost even worse.  Yet here we are at Friday and I caught myself thinking, "bugger only 3 more days and it's Monday again."  I'm really trying to change that mentality and be content in the moment, whatever the day is and whatever I'm facing, including Jillian Michaels and her 30 Day Shred.  Day 3 down only 27 more to go. *hobble hobble*

It seems like only a short time ago that the Chef stopped working in LA and set out full-time to find/start a restaurant of his own, but the truth is it's been about a year.  A year of looking, getting close, having locations get purchased just as he was ready to make an offer, getting discouraged and then starting all over again.  This week, after months of jumping through hoops, he took possession of his restaurant in Huntington Beach and the demolition began.  It's pretty exhilarating yet overwhelming to think that in 5 or 6 weeks he will be open for business.  I'll  be sharing more details in the upcoming days and weeks ahead, but for now here are a couple of pictures of the interior that will be undergoing a drastic change.

Here's a picture taken before they started removing the interior and prepping for the re-design.  It's been a Chinese restaurant for over 40 years - almost a historical site in the community - and will now be something much different, yet hopefully something the community will embrace.  Not to worry I will be pilfering through all the artifacts and seizing the goods...including hand-embroidered pictures from the Orient.  Hold.the.phone. 

And here is a picture he sent over from his iphone yesterday afternoon.  Whoa.  Who knew tearing out carpet to prep for concrete floors could be so brutal?

In  two words?  Holy cow. 
Note to self:  Inquire about turquoise foo dogs.  No foo left behind.

For all of you who have followed my blog and tested his recipes since the early days last year, you know he comes up with some pretty creative food combos.  I hope you'll stick with us as I keep up the updates throughout the process - I'll keep posting pictures on facebook too, if you'd like to see the play by play.  I started this blog to keep a running record of my life - clothing finds, outfit loves, zany stories, and of course - food.  I'll still be doing the same only now you might be seeing more of my outfit pictures from the inside of the restaurant or out in the parking lot since hauling a tripod is not something I see myself doing.  Read:  recipe for disaster given my coordination.  The best part is hopefully we'll be able to share some of his cool food posts like in the beginning.  

Whatever the case may be it's an exciting time over here and we're looking forward to sharing it with you.  I hope you have a great weekend and I'll see you back on Monday - hopefully with at least one more day of the Shred behind me.  Siwy denim shorts here I come...

73 comments:

. said...

"No foo left behind" You're hilarious, good luck with your workout regimen! Jillian's one tough bitch haha

Come by and enter my giveaway for a See by Chloe tote bag if you like!

Laura said...

I am sooo excited to hear how everything is going!! that is super exciting for you and the Chef! Def get all the goods left over in there though girl ;) haha.

Keep it up with the shred!! u got it!! :)

xoxo
laura

Lou said...

Hello there - I feel I have been delinquent in checking in with you...and here I am - WOW to the before and nearly after pics. What a cool thing to do. He will really be the chef in his own palace. Chinese or otherwise ;-)

I loved your comment today - no I haven't been reading your mail, maybe we just have parallel lives? I hope that thing that blindsides us is temporary...take care sweetpea, Lou x

KatiePerk said...

WOW. That is going to be awesome. I love those booths. I can't wait to see the finished project!

Collette Osuna said...

Congrats to you both...how exciting!! Keep on shredding sister..those shorts are calling your name!!!

Stop by and say Hello:)
Statements in Fashion Blog♥

RosaLovesDC said...

Yes, please I love updates on the restaurant. As you can see by my blog, I LOVE food. Cannot wait for more...

Kristin W said...

SO exciting! Congrats to the chef!

And I'm right there with you on the positive mentality. I've been trying to start the school day with a positive mindset. It helped for about a week...but then again, I have to take significant time and effort to get to that positive place. The idea of sleeping in on Saturday makes Friday wonderful, but I do still struggle with the fact that it's only TWO days of sleeping in...

Anonymous said...

Next time I get out to Cali you can bet this will be my first stop, Carrie! So excited for you both! xo

Closet Fashionista said...

This is sooo exciting! Congrats to both of you! If I ever get out to California I will TOTALLY be stopping there! :D
(and yes, grab all the oriental decorations you can, I would too! haha :D)
http://www.closet-fashionista.com/

Anonymous said...

I just found your blog and I can completely relate to this post. My hubby--a chef--has been looking for his location for about 2 years now (except on the east coast). I am so excited for you guys to have found the right location!! Congrats and count me in as a new follower of your blog. : )

MerciBlahBlah said...

Eeeee!!! So happy for you and Chef. Give him best wishes from me! Can't wait to test out some more recipes...

mwah!
Shan

Danielle (elleinadspir) said...

I'm so excited fir you both...and can't wait to see the recipes too!

Unknown said...

WOW. Congrats.
I love that green sofas.

Micah said...

Wow, look at those renovations. When is he hoping to be open? I may be in L.A. this summer, that's why I ask :)

Keep up with the Shred. I may take one day off this weekend. But just one.

Courtney Erin said...

This is exciting! I can't wait to see how it all turns out....and I'm rooting for you on the Shred (I'll be finished this weekend)!!!

xoxo ~ Courtney
http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

Punctuation Mark said...

good luck to him with all the renovations... they are quite difficult but the end result is very rewarding! have a great weekend!

Julie and Lauren said...

Wow- that's great! Congratulations! Can't wait to see it once complete : )

PursuitOfLLT said...

this is SO exciting! it is going to be fabulous, can't wait to see and hear all about it!

I'm going to Newport Beach this summer and if Chef's place is up and running I'd love to go!!

FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

This is so exciting for you both! What an amazing feeling to finally have possession and turn it in to your own. You best believe the hubs and I will be driving down south to get our grub on!! Hope you have a good weekend lady...long live the shred. xo

Marcie said...

That is so exciting, Carrie! I bet the resturant will look amazing. I want to come down with Jimmy for dinner! Maybe next time I am in LA I will!

Have a great weekend!
M

Bonnie said...

I can't believe it is Friday, either.
I do the same thing -- Three more days until Monday.
It's a cycle of depression.
Eff you, Mondays.

http://glamkittenslitterbox.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @GlamKitten88

Lila said...

What an exciting time. Please make sure you keep us updated, I would love to try out the restaurant if I am ever in Cali.

PS So jealous so jealous (junk fever)

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

Good luck with the shred! I'm definitely suffering with you! :D
Happy Weekend Girl! :D
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Diana Mieczan said...

That is so exciting, sweetie. I wish you both all the best. Our friends opened a little restaurant a few years back and I remember how much work it took them to have everything done and ready to go! They love the place so much and we go to eat there all the time. Btw: I lived in Long Beach for almost two years back in High School:) Hugs and kisses. Happy Friday

Claire Kiefer said...

Congrats to the Chef, and to you! I grew up in a restaurant (my daddy opened Kiefer's Restaurant when I was about 4, and sold it when I was in college), so I totally understand the intense process that is acquiring one and making it successful. No easy feat! I'm so excited to see what y'all do with the interior. And happy weekend!

Valerie said...

That's amazing that it'll be opening in just 5-6 weeks!!! And whoah, they're really changing it up in there. How exciting, Carrie!!! I can't wait to see more. We made it to Friday, yay! Here's to hoping for less rain and more sunshine this weekend.

xo
Val

Tiffany Kadani said...

Oh wow! How exciting! I cannot believe all that has happened in a year. Time flies, doesn't it?

Kayla said...

Oh fellow Shredsista - how do you ever manage to diet or not gorge yourself with that Chef of yours. Can't wait to see the finished restaurant.

Ramblings of a Small Town Girl
Fanciful Brainstorm - Tumblr

Anonymous said...

So fun!!!! :-) Cant wait to see the finished results and I live in Pasadena so would love to come check it out sometime. xx Emily of EL Vintage

Anonymous said...

Ok tried to post a comment from my phone last night but apparently, it was not so. ANYWAY. Cant wait to see more & I'm somewhat tempted to make one of our vacations to CA this summer. Seems like a good idea to me.

Josie said...

I can't wait to see it all finished! This is sooo exciting... If I'm ever in California I will most DEFINITELY be stopping by; I know it will be absolutely amazing!
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

Annie said...

This is soooooooo exciting!! I'm so happy for you guys! Best of luck :) Cannot wait to see more posts, especially of Chef's creations!

Rachel from Love a la mode said...

How exciting! I'm potentially possibly MAYBE living in Santa Monica over the summer so hopefully I'll be able to check it out. Waiting to hear on interviews for summer internships...
Bisous,
Rachel
http://lovealamode.wordpress.com

Unknown said...

Carrie! You are featured on my blog todayyy!!!!! I hope you like it :)

A Crimson Kiss said...

What an exciting time-can't wait to see more photos as the restaurant comes to life!

PS-Is the Chef keeping those green banquettes? Because they're kind of fantastic.

Have a wonderful weekend, darling!

Isabel said...

this is so exciting! i cant wait to see what it looks like. can i have one of those green booths? LOL

fshnonmymind said...

Can't wait to see the finished product and I am in love with the color of those booths. Will those be staying?

You're scaring me with all of these Shred comments! Hopefully, it will be here by tomorrow so I can start soon after I buy a new workout outfit. Since you're working towards Siwy shorts and a FP jumpsuit, I think I should aim for looking good in some fashion item. Hmm, what should it be?

Kristen said...

this is so exciting. I am super excited to read about the restaurant opening endeavors. keep the photos coming! xoxo

this free bird said...

i just want everyone to know i was in full favor of sparing the green booths. i LOVE the green booths, but the fabric was worn to shreds. ugh. i am now dreaming of green booths. believe me he's heard all about it :)

xo,
c

Discovery Street said...

Omg! what an exciting time for you both! I look forward to reading about it!

Alyssa said...

congratulations you two! this is very exciting! i'm looking forward to hearing about this new venture!

Anonymous said...

♥Love your blog♥

Nikki said...

Holy cannoli! That's awesome news! I do hope you're keeping the green vinyl booths ;)

this free bird said...

Thanks so much everyone!

And thx Mary - nice to see you:)

Nikki - I have lamented those booths for weeks. The loss of them...WAH They're being recovered in some far less bright leather. Let the lamentations continue...

k said...

lady that is super exciting!! i can't wait to see it take shape. can i have one of those green benches??? those are cool!

THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

This is so exciting Carrie!!! Congrats to both of you guys. Good luck and I can't wait to see all the progress :) xoxo

stephanie said...

i'm going to start selling them soon! what is this shred you're speaking of? i have some unwanted weight that i'd like to ditch (don't we all?) and am looking for any suggestions!
xx
http://www.br0keandshameless.blogspot.com

J. said...

Woo hoo! Good luck to the chef! My family has been in the restaurant/bar business for over 50 years and counting and its crazy how much goes into a place!

Unknown said...

Congrats, how exciting. Please let me know how I can help support you in any way from Vegas.

http://blog.imagebylauren.com

drollgirl said...

DUDE! this is awesome! i can't wait to see how it all turns out! better yet, i can't wait to try the restaurant!

and lucky you scoring a chef man! SCORE SCORE SCORE!!!!!

TheChambrayCountess said...

Wow, that is awesome that his dream is finally being realized! I can't wait for more updates :)

Torrie said...

So exciting Carrie! I seriously need to go back and see the "beginning"... And believe me, I will. I'm one of those that need to do back-reading (to get a little more caught up :). Can't wait to hear/see progress & updates!

LyddieGal said...

Wow, I can't wait to see the finished space. I'm sure it will be amazing, and just in time for summer -- I bet it will be a huge success.

Chic on the Cheap

Jenni Austria Germany said...

i love the booths!! so eye-catching.

and i could not agree more with you about your comment. i do think all the time, "is life long enough to spend it so far away from my family?" it's a really tough call. luckily for me, my boyfriend wants nothing more than to visit/move to america so i'm working on that. :) he needs to finish his masters over here and then we'll see.

Unknown said...

good luck with the transformation!!!



xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/

(there's a GIVE-AWAY!)

Cafe Fashionista said...

Ohmigosh this is the most phenomenal news EVER, Carrie! What a gorgeous location for a restaurant! I cannot wait to see how it looks when everything is complete! You must be so proud of The Chef. I think this milestone means un petit shopping spree is in order - you know, for new shorts to show off your post-Shred figure! :)

Unknown said...

How exciting!!!! Can't wait to hear - and see - more!! :)

OneCraftyFox said...

OK, my eye tends to be drawn towards the pictures in posts first... so I saw the original photo of the restaurant, and THEN started to reading about Chef's new-ish restaurant I'm thinking "uhhhh... how do I sugar-coat my comment...?" LOLz!!

Big sigh of relief as I moved down the post. I should have known all along though you would never let him get away with such monstrosities ;)

Have an awesome weekend, babe!

stylenuggets said...

I had a look at Jillian's website and wow, it looks like hard work that works. So hang in there Carrie!

Caitlin @ Candyfloss & Persie said...

wow, what an exciting time!!!!!! I am excited for you and Chef, I can't wait to see it done. I love that the turquoise is remaining.

this free bird said...

oh no. no the turquoise is not remaining. when you get in the restaurant it's actually emerald green...and when i went in last night i came eye to eye with ripped vinyl so now i understand why. oy.

little luxury list said...

Congrats to chef! Oooh and I wonder what goodies were left over by the old owners.
Take the pictures where you need to and minimize movement (coming from another sister with lack of hand eye coordination and much clumsiness)

xoxo,
Chic 'n Cheap Living

Chloë, Wardrobe Quarry said...

Wow, thats a big change. how exciting.

Thanks so much for visiting my blog again :) As you can tell I havent been around in the blogging world lately.

I'd prefer a bottle but I can cope with something else if that suits you better! Hope to hear back from you.

Kelly said...

Congratulations! It must be such an exciting time for you both. Can't wait to see the after photos!

Lori said...

Love those booths and cannot wait to see the after pics when they are all recovered! What a great time ~ although I know it is a ton of work ~ the end result and payoff (hoping praying) will be worth it in the end. Good luck with the shred ~ Cadbury mini eggs are out so I am going shopping for a mumu for my trip ~ ha! xo

Marie a la Mode said...

This must be so exciting for him! And you! The restaurant looked nice the way it is, I can't wait to see what Chef does to make it even nicer! And Huntington Beach? Gawd, I remember driving through there when i was a kid on vacation and thought it was so beautiful!

Pilar said...

wow, that is quite the change! good luck to Chef with all the remodeling. I am sure it'll look amazing after its done. xoxo

alli/hooray said...

This is SO awesome. Please keep sharing details, cannot wait to see what he does with the place! Oh, and I'm sure you will rock those outfit pics even in the back parking lot :)

Lisa Griffin said...

Congratulations to the chef! this is such an exciting step in your lives and i can't wait to see it all unfold!
www.indramaticfashion.com

:: Lavender's Green :: said...

Oh my, how exciting! Congratulations! I can't wait to see how it all turns out :)

I'm kinda in love with the bright green booths, will those be staying?

x Jasmine

Kara Endres said...

Yay! I can imagine that must be sooo exciting for you guys (and very stressful, in a good way). I must have missed it, but what kind of restaurant will it be/what kind of food? I don't remember following when you posted recipes..

Oh, and about blanket#2 (aka my future blanket).. where's the sale?! I've seen their purses on UO and they're like $200?? so I can only imagine how much a blanket might be. But I've always loved that Navajo style, so we'll see!!

Kara Endres said...

Update: The button tutorial is up if you're interested. I hope I didn't make it 10x more complicated than it is!

http://sprinklesinsprings.blogspot.com/2011/03/tutorial-how-to-make-grab-button.html

Ashleigh said...

Ah!! Congrats to Chef! Seriously sooo exciting! I'm sure the space will be fabulous when it's all said & done - looking forward to keeping up throughout!

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