Calm before the storm
Hey hey!
Check this out! I just had my first big event last Friday. And big means B-I-G. It all started when an acquaintance (now fast friend) asked me to participate in an Asian food festival called Lucky Rice Night Market inspired by the raucous, jingle-jangly food stall scene found all around Asia. Sure, why not? I can do this.
Then it hit me. About two weeks before the event, I started getting heart palpitations. Event is sold-out. 1,200 guests paid 50 bucks to eat and drink. David Chang of Momofuku hand-picked some of the top Asian restaurants in the city. I’ve done big events, but never ones where I had to cook onsite. OMG!
After a couple mini panic attacks, I got off the couch and ran to Staples. I wanted a clip board to organize the multiple to-do lists that would keep me on task: ingredients, staff, marketing materials, budget, schedules, permits, and so forth. I decided to make bin dae duk: a savory pancake made with ground mung beans, eggs, veggies, and shrimp. The amount of prep work was astonishing. I’ve never had to make 1,200 portions of anything in my life, and God willing, I really hope you never have to, either. I’ve thrown some large parties before, but nothing on this scale. In a nutshell, it takes about 4 experienced cooks about 8 hours to prep and cook 50 lbs of vegetables, puree 20 lbs of mung beans, peel and chop 8 lbs of shrimp, and fry up 8 lbs of bacon. I’m still trying to get rid of the bacon grease smell in my apartment.
Then I made a last minute decision to serve little chocolate cupcakes with red bean and green match tea frosting just for the hell of it. About 250 of them (ps: do NOT do this unless you are eff-ing insane, which I totally am).
I’m happy to report that despite the many stress-induced freak-outs, the event was a total blast. I couldn’t be more pleased. The crowd loved the pancakes and cupcakes, I got to spread the word about the food blog, and I’m so proud of my cooking crew. We did it! Yay!!
My Brooklyn Kitchen Homegirls
These girls rock!
Watch out Martha!
I hope I aced this interview.
Jonathan is designated pancake master
This guy made pancakes for 4 hours and didn’t break a sweat. Eff-ing amazing!
Lucky Rice mob scene
Oink!
I got the pancakes and Irene's got the cupcakes
More, more, more! It was a non-stop feeding frenzy.
Finally starting to slow down
this means…
Contraband beer brings good cheer!
Life is tough…and booze helps.
My Brooklyn Fridge
That’s all folks!
ps: This is the first of many events. Stay tuned for more My Brooklyn Kitchen goodies!!!
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
The event was a blast and the pancakes were awesome! I will happily be the grill master again next year! You had your sh*t together — the clipboard paid off!
Congratulations Jina! Sound like it really went well and you had a blast. I really wish that I could have been there. Can’t wait to here more about it!
I learned the clipboard trick from you!!!
I missed ya!
Jina,
Sorry I missed you at the event, but I have posted the video of the even with your interview here:
http://dumbonyc.com/2010/05/07/luckyrice-recap/
Great work and hope to see you around Brooklyn!
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