The Work Begins

I have been busy at LTI (Lollipop Tree Inc.)getting ready for trade shows and testing new products. At the same time I work the paying job there is the business to close up and get ready to open.

Much to my dismay none of the furniture or counters are going to work out in the new place. I have been able to disperse the tables to friends. The counters however are being left behind. I tried my best to dismantle and move and came pretty close but in the long run it was easier for all to leave them. The saddest part of it is that they are being left to people who do not appreciate the craftsmanship of it all. They are getting the antique? light fixtures too!! I am sure that it will all be replaced with Home Cheapo shiny new things.

Some of you may know of the trial and tribulations that have been going on at the new place (76 Front Street)for those that don't let me say the previous tenants have been less than kind over the past few months. After putting us through agonizing times they have vacated the premises.

We were able to get in and get a good look at the space for the first time the Monday after Christmas. They took practically everything and the kitchen sinks!! Every light bulb was removed all sinks had been severed from the pipes,the exhaust fan was removed and the walk in was destroyed. They took out the condenser and the blower in the walk in and severed the freon line!! They did leave the big counter for us to remove though.

With all that was done it seemed the best thing to do was gut the place. With one week worth of work done the bathrooms, kitchen and dining room have stripped and ready for the re model. Some sheet rock and bead board have been put up and the design is taking shape. There is one thing that I may have done that seems to be a bit controversial, I removed my sinks from the old Black Bean.

I was not planning on taking them. When we got to the new place and saw that she took everything I wondered why couldn't I take the sinks that I bought 5 years ago? So I checked with a couple of plumbers and they looked and said that they were not attached at the wall and all joints? were screwed on and that since I owned them it was well within my right to take them, so I did. Today they (Cutter Family Properties) started with calling me a thief,liar and an a--ho--. I take that from the source. Where it gets gross is that they made no attempt to contact Elizabeth or I. Instead they went up to the police station and then went to 76 Front Street and took them back. So if I did steal them how come I do not have them now? Were they stolen from me? Why would the police get involved so quickly? Theft, arrest, court and then ownership is determined? It seems that things are different in Rollinsford NH. Maybe the former tenants of 76 Front street should have moved into a Cutter Family Properties store front.

In any case we are still on course and plan on re-opening at the beginning of February. I will try to keep you informed of any other happenings. And if anyone knows where I send my protection money let me know.
Phil

Once again it has been awhile. Not because there is nothing to say, quite the contrary. I have not been able to organize my thoughts, it has just been go go go since I started at the Lollipop Tree. I wanted to say since the Bean closed, but that has not exactly been true. In the beginning there was a bit of depression. So for the first week it was hard to get out of my way and make things happen. There is still a bit of that going on with the in flux situation. So that we can be organized I will start with that.

Moving out has been both hard and easy. What has been done has gone smoothly if not timely. The move of the "small" stuff was well orchestrated and done quickly. For a couple of days we packed boxes and got it all together to get out. Then things started to fall apart. The trailer that we were supposed to store everything in fell through. So it was onto a back up plan and everything went to a friends garage.

Now on to the "big stuff". What happened next, an ice storm!! No power for 3 days down there and people were busy helping others so we were on hold. Finally it all got figured out and we could store the rest at the garage of Bear Electric (I think that is the name?) it is up the street from the Bean. One or two small problems. It would not be the size space I had expected and I can't for the life of me figure out how to dis-assemble the counter and cabinet. We did manage to move the counter from the wall and moving the stove and refrigeration out went unbelievably smooth. It was however the day I was to start at The Lollipop Tree. We had to be done quickly and we were.

Determined to get the counters out along with the tables an chairs over the weekend I focused on work. The Lollipop Tree is a great place to work at, right now. I think knowing that my future is possibly limited there makes it easier, but the first to days flew by and I went to the company Christmas party!! I will talk more about the Tree later.

There was a snow storm somewhere in there and a real whopper Sat/Sun. What was move was limited. My ability to move these last items is somewhat lacking. I think it is the thought of moving these awkward items twice and the storage of them is not conceivable in my mind. That is where I am with the move, here, there and everywhere.

Meanwhile the current squatters at 76 Front street have begun their move! Maybe I will be able to just move things things down there? I looked in the window yesterday it is pretty bare, nice. These people are not making things easy, I can understand not wanting to leave your place of business after nearly 13 years, I can't understand having a mean attitude towards me or anyone else who would be willing to accept the terms of renting there. That not being said I still do not think she will turn over the keys on her own. The law will have to be brought in to force here to give back the keys to the place, and she is the only one to hold keys to the place. (when all this started she changed the locks on the doors, not giving keys to the proper authorities!) I think I am getting into a weird territory here.
I just have to keep Brian and Leeanne, my landlords up to date with what is going on. What is going on? Now it is wait till after Christmas, then see if I can get this stuff out.

Wow it is time to get ready for work!! I will write more later.

Thanks everyone for all that has been done and all that will be done. Isn't that part of the Lord's prayer? Funny how certain phrases hit you?

Bye

The Move part 2

Hey we are 1/4 of the way there. I would like to say 1/2 way but then we have to move into the new place. So by 1/4 I mean half way out!! We are moving the big stuff (and the little stuff that we forgot in the dark on Sunday) on Thursday at 8:00.

I was down there today and there is more there than I thought! So Wed after I get back from the dentist I have to get it all tidied up so that it will all go as smothly as it did on Sunday.

If anyone is around what is left is a refrdgerator, salad unit and stove. That is what I like to think what is left. There is also the couner and bar. I just stopped by the storage space and there is no room for these things. I can store the bar here, against Liz's wishes! The counter is a little odd. But if we actually get it out intact I am sure that I can move things around in the shed.

The catch to it all is, that I will actually be starting my job on Thursday too. Can it be finished by 10? Sure, why not? I am certain that it will all work out, what other choice is there?

The Move

It is harder and harder to write these. I think the thought of what is going on makes me crazy and when I sit down to think it all through it really is overpowering.

In any case we have closed the doors at 20 Front Street!!! This week has been set aside for clean up and moving. We have been doing very little of each. Monday I went to check out the situation at what I was assuming would be my job at the Lollipop Tree. I have not heard back from anyone there since. That is really ok because I am only up and around today.

Tuesday was my big dental day. I was to have 4 teeth pulled. As it turned out I only had 3 pulled, the 4th one would require surgery. I tried to get up and do things on Wed. but was in bed for the night by 3:30. Of course that meant I was up by 1:00 and down at the Bean cleaning up. I was home and in bed once again around 4 and up at 7.

I really do not like packing to move. Over the past years I think that I have become very linear. By that I mean everything need to line up. If things are not lined up I get alittle crazy. Like when I am working I start with everything in front of me in a row. As I work it becomes a circle then it is chaos and I have to start all over, put everything away wash up and then start fresh. With moving it isn't that easy. There are 4 different sections and a few counters that need moving. I clear out one spot which fills another so I have to go to work on that then I realize that it is all on the counter and that has to go too. So I move that then I am out of boxes so what do I do? Put everything in an organized way on the counter. Then I take a look at it all and think have I done anything? It just looks like a big mess. So I decide to change the gauze in my mouth and it is really hurting so I sit down and fall asleep.

Today it will me different. My mouth doesn't hurt as much and I am well rested. So by tonight we should be closer to the big move. Speaking of the big move. We have to store things for a few weeks. I have been fortunate enough to get a trailer from Mick construction to store it all in. I will need help loading everything though. So if you are free on Saturday am of Friday please give me a call, 603 822-2593.
I could really use all of you who helped move the fridge in in July!

I guess I am not doing as well as I thought. Time for more Ibuprofen.

Dinner at the Bean

This Friday is the annual Home fo The Holiday Craft Fair in South Berwick. In conjuction with this event we will be having dinner at Black Bean. Liz has a lovely holiday meal planned. I will post it as soon as I find it underneath all these papers on my desk! I think it includes a veggie option,ham,chicken,salad,and desserts. Space is limited and this will be our last dinner at the old Black Bean.
Time is short today. I will post more, soon? The exact date of the move has not been set. There is a small drama being played out here. When it is all over I will be talking more about it. I have imposed a slight gag order about the whole thing. Once the DNA test comes back from the lab from the warning letter I can again talk.

The sad thing about it all is that I get a kick out of the drama!! I am losing sleep over the whole thing though. And it is disturbing how much we (people) rely on gossip for the truth. In any case I am resigned to this happening in January, mid January.

Goota get dinner ready for Owen and me.
See Ya,
Phil

A New Year

The Bean is in limbo. Which of course means that Phil and Elizabeth's lives are in limbo. It is not the first time that the Holiday season has brought about change. Considering that The Bean officially opened five years ago, in December, it seems somewhat fitting that a rebirth should happen now (or in the near future). Unfortunately, all the bullshit surrounding this particular change is making it less than pleasant, and Bean regulars, and even semi-regulars, are keeping close tabs on the situation and sort of circling the wagons, ready to protect and defend our beloved friends.

It's not the cafe we feel the need to preserve, though the original design, decor, and atmosphere make us feel welcome and at home, it is the heart. The heart that beats in the kitchen, producing life-giving blood and sending it out to the dining room not just in the form of nourishing food, but with laughter, camaraderie and friendship that makes us feel like family. Most regulars would go to the ends of the earth for Phil and Elizabeth, happily, with no thought of receiving anything in return. I personally feel that even though my monthly food tab is astronomical, I owe them. I owe them for welcoming me into their kitchen to chat. For listening to my drama. For enjoying my children, (Yes, Phil, once in a while you slip up and I see that glint in your eye!) For sharing their recipes. For engaging me in discussions on politics and world news that have broadened my understanding of the issues. For creating a little piece of the Universe where community still matters.

This heart is what matters most here, and it can travel anywhere. Of that I feel assured. However, none of it would be possible if the food sucked. And it does not. It's not even okay. It's wonderful, and that is what draws new people into the fold every day. It is food for the soul. I've gained weight on Phil's pizza, his Front Street cookies, chocolate bread pudding, calzones, scramble specials and scones. Phil's also helped me lose weight with his salads, veggie sandwiches and soups. I am a comfort food addict and nothing restores my sense of warmth and health and peace like a big bowl of Mulligatawny stew with a hunk of Phil's fresh baguette.

It is no secret that Phil's bread, scones, and just about everything he bakes is remarkably good, and I can't help believing that the craft is only part of it and that the main reason everything's so good at The Bean is that Phil LOVES to cook and he loves the people he cooks for. He can call himself a cynic and a skeptic, he can be bitter and crabby on days when his friends tease him too much or his employees ignore his direction, but the fact is that Phil is so well loved because he has a heart of gold. You can taste it in the food. You can see it in the way he greets new customers. You can feel it when he splits an experimental brownie with you or sends you home with leftovers from the kitchen for dinner.

With Liz, it's a bit more obvious. Her soups, pasta creations, and magical turkey-stuffed delicata squash are amazing, and when you meet her, her warmth, compassion and wisdom are obvious. She makes you feel special, right from the start. She is an instant friend, mother, or sister.

Anywhoo... all of this is just my way of explaining why I go to The Bean every day and will continue to do so, no matter where it goes or how it's reinvented. While the "simple" life that Phil claims to live seems at times precarious and chaotic, it is also charmed, and even if the new location doesn't work out, something else will. Phil and Liz have touched too many people, creating a net of friendship and support that will catch them wherever they may fall.

Cornbread pudding

I have been sitting at this computer for 3 hours and not typed a thing. I did win 208 dollars playing solitaire and just broke my 12 game winning streak on free cell. I also found a blog that could be fun to follow. It is south bronx foodie. I think that if anything says New York on it it has to be interesting, how silly. This one looks like she has some nice recipes. The hot dogs look fun as does the cheesey popovers. So as long as this person doesn't have children it may be interesting to follow.

Does anyone out there follow blogs? I signed up for the one above and one called life and times of leslie. I have no idea why. The only thing that caught my eye was the fact that it just started. So I can find out what is happening with Leslie from the beginning. She is 27 years old, lives in TX, and is out on her own. I think she is at the point in her life where she is tring to take control and release the past good and bad. God was a part of her childhood and she is maybe ready to let him back in. Is this stalking? Like I said I signed up to follow only because I was there at the beginning and I really haven't looked in a while, really. I think all this reality tv makes us think it is ok to put ourselves on display and watch strangers. I am going to stop it is crazy. Really right after I read about Leslies car note I will stop following her. (on her page there is a spot that lists the followers. At the top it says STOP FOLLOWING). I thought she was yelling at me to "stop following" her!! it is just a place for me to click to put an end to this stalking, I will even though that is where I was able to read Obama's speech. Leslie has taught me so much.

I mentioned cheesey popovers, remember. I have a secret job working with products from the Lollipop Tree. Last night for dinner we tried the popovers. We did not make popovers however. We made it into Yorkshire pudding, with turkey drippings!! It was crazy good. Owen and I were fighting over the last of it!! Not to hard to make either. Yorkshire Pudding

1 Package popover mix
3/4 Cup warm milk
3/4 cup warm water
3 eggs
1/4 tsp bells seasoning

1/4 cup pan drippings

empty package of mix and seasonings into a bowl. Make a well in the center. Add
the milk and water till fluffy. Add the eggs and beat till bubbles form on surface.
Let stand for 30 min.
Have ready a 9x13 ovenproof pan with the drippings. With the oven at 400 and the
drippings HOT pour batter into pan. Bake 20 min then lower to 350 and bake another
10 to 15 min. Serve immediately.
A little time consuming but very delicious.

Today I am making cornbread pudding. I didn't realize people call cornbread with some enhancements pudding. I thought bread pudding with cornbread. Here is what I did:
Corn Bread pudding

4 cups cornbread cut into 1 inch cubes
3 Cups milk
2 apples, peeled cored and cubed
3/4 cup raisins
3/4 cup craisins
3 eggs
3/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 tsp salt
3 cup milk
1 cup cream
2 Tb bourbon
1 tsp vanilla

Preheat oven to 350

Grease a 9x13 baking pan. Scatter the cornbread in pan. Pour half of the milk over
cornbread. Let sit for 20 minutes. Mix fruit together in a bowl and scatter on bread.
Mix together with a wire whisk the eggs, sugar,salt,remaining milk,cream,bourbon
and vanilla. Pour over bread and fruit. Let stand for a few minutes for the bread
to absorb some of the milk mixture. Bake in oven for 1 hour, till golden and custard
is set.
Let rest for at least ten minutes.

Serve with Lollipop tree caramel sauce!!

I love this job!! It can be difficult though. I have to learn new things. I know baking and can cook, but I have to outside my box here. This is good I have become to complacent with things.

Speaking of complacency. Many of you know that the Black Bean is going to undergo a major change. Our lease is up Dec.1 and we have opted not to renew with the changes that were proposed. There has been tremendous support from everyone. A change is what the Bean needs. It is time to pump some new life into the "place". I have been given many choices on what to do. I want to try them all, hence the "secret" job. It is important that we keep the base that we have built over the past 5 years so a move of the resaurant would have to be close. In fact I hope that it will be down the street from where we are now. The other Rollinsford restaurant will be making changes too. I think it would be great to remain in downtown Rollinsford. It is also my hope that Mayo's (the other place) is able to keep doing what she wants. It is a very strained time right now for us all. I think it funny that it happened to us both at the same time. I say it was ment to be that we move down there. I am not so sure that they want to leave as happily as I do. I am not even sure what it looks like inside there, but the landlord is going to be making updates and the rent will still be reasonable. Whatever happens it will be for the best.

In the meantime we do have a few events coming up. Open mic is sat nov.22 and our first Friday night dinner is tentatively scheduled for Dec. 9th. It will be a reservation thing only so check back.

And as always we will see you at the Bean. Thanks!!!

(did I use a lot of quotes and exclamation points?!!)

Something weird is going on and I can't put pics on or do spell check. Sorry