I'm back! in more ways than one!

"Find something you are passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it." -Julia Child



Since I last posted, there have been many changes in my life. I'll go ahead and cover all my bases since I get the same questions on a daily basis.

1. Yes, I am now living in Huntsville, AL.
2. No, I have not graduated.
3. Yes, I plan to.
4. No, I am not in school now.
5. No, I am no longer planning on attending culinary school.
6. Yes, I am the new co-owner, soon to be owner, of Lyn's Gracious Goodness- a restaurant owned by my mother, Lyn Newcomb Aust, in Huntsville, AL.

Now a bit of explanation- First and foremost, I am happier now, running the restaurant, than I have ever been. In the last few months of work, some of you have made it evident that you disapprove of my decision to leave school, and I sincerely apologize if I have let you down. What I hope everyone can come to realize is that by not making this career move, I would have been letting myself down.

As far as cooking school goes, I did as much reading and personal research about it as possible-2 main issues came up for me. First, I read over and over that after spending two years and $200,000 you had maybe a 30% chance of getting anything above a prep job in a semi-prestigious restaurant. Also, I had to really question how much I wanted to be a chef- this was a big commitment! Did I want to play the behind the scenes role, or did I want to be the boss, the designer, the entertainer? It should come with little surprise to those of you who know me that chose the latter.

Realizing that culinary school probably wasn't my best option was very daunting to me- A sort of "well damn.... What do I do now?" sort of moment, but as she always does, Mama came through once again. As I was filling out my application to the two-year program at CIA, the Culinary Institute of America, Mama called to say that she just couldn't wait two more years and that she would be closing the restaurant. I just couldn't let her.

So here I am- and just like it did for her years ago, Lyn's has brought me back to life.

I had seriously considered ending this blog, but when people I didn't even know contacted me requesting more posts, I decided there must be some interest. I cannot promise you a daily post, but will make sure to blog at least once a week. I will promise you that this will not turn into a promotional blog for my restaurant, but since this blog is based on my life, the restaurant will be a part of some of my posts.

Stay tuned for a post on my favorite foods from my current vacation in Jamaica!