12.20.06
Phoenix from Ashes
Welcome to my first attempt at a Blog…..I figure there are about 60 million blogs out in cyberspace, so I’ll be lucky if even a minute percentage of the Portland public will check it out.
It has been almost 10 months since I “temporarily” closed Bandol’s doors. 10 months seems a little more than temporary, and at first I was extremely anxious to find a space and re-open. However, on a long enough timeline, 10 months is almost non-existent.
I opened Bandol at the tender young age of 26, and now, at the wise old age of 30, I realise my timeline is only beginning. (the “wise old age” thing was supposed to be funny….)
With that being said, as anxious as I was to begin again, I’m thankful for the fact that I have had the 10 months to reconsider, re-contemplate, and reflect on how it was, how it could and should have been, and most importantly, how it will be in the future.
I’m extremely proud of the first incarnation of Bandol; I was fortunate to employ a stellar staff (well, a handful….you know who you are..) who all understood my vision and worked above and beyond the call of duty. I consider them equals, and then some.
There were those employees who only had a fleeting glimpse of Bandol, and I think I learned more about life and dealing with people than they learned about gastronomy, food, and service. Alas, we are all students.
There is a core group of regular guests, all of which supported Bandol and kept us afloat. You all became friends of ours, and I thank you all for understanding my vision and intent. If I visited you after your meal and shared a glass of bubbly or scotch, this means you.
The masses of folks who missed out, I look forward to visiting you after dinner and sharing some libations and stories.
I’ve posted this blog to document the re-opening of Bandol, as well as the opening of a Bakeshop and a Butcher Shop. Ladle, my souphouse, is sort of a fun project that is keeping me occupied these days. Making and serving soup is sort of my vacation from Bandol. You may ask yourself, “Who opens a business as a vacation????” Believe me, it’s a good time.
I will also be writing about other food and life related issues, and welcome any questions, comments and concerns from anyone who happens upon this site. I’m proud to live in such a food savvy city/state. There is plenty to talk about, and I hope to provide a pro-active blog to build a network of like-minded folks.
Documenting my business ventures is a huge part of this, but the world of food and wine is bigger than what most of us realise. The stranger walking past you on Middle Street, or the couple at the end of your favorite bar….their kitchen may be filled with delicious ingredients, and their Saturday night dinner fete may consist of foie gras, oysters, and their rendition of the Timpano from The Big Night….just because they thought it would be neat.
For the folks who work in the restaurant world, this is a great soapbox for all of you, and a Network that may be pretty hip someday. It’s a small town.
For the consumer, foodie, and gastronome who keep their culinary fireworks in their own home, or who frequent the long list of fantastic restaurants, bars and food shops….this may be an opportunity to meet some fresh faces, or to catch up with the couple at the end of your favorite bar. Again, it’s a small town, but the topics are endless.
There are some new members of the Bandol Family, and I look forward to growing with them and introducing you all to them. I have learned that it takes a whole village to raise a child, and I’m grateful to have landed in a great village. The child will grow up brilliantly.
In closing this post, I encourage you all to log in to this site, and become a part of the new beginning of Bandol. Forward this link to your foodie friends, and encourage them to do the same. The more the merrier.
BTW, forgive me for being Blog-challenged. It will get prettier as we go.
regards,
Erik Desjarlais
Cook/Proprietor, Bandol