Changed Life. Changing Lives

It's unfortunate, and slightly embarrassing that Hines and I, Kikko, have been away for so long. Our last post was October 2013, and alas, we are into the year 2015. We have been quite busy and, with your undying patience, I would like to share a bit about our adventures thus far.

After much discussion, Hines and I decided that New York was not the place for us. We enjoyed the beautiful scenery and the New England atmosphere, but we came to terms with our being, that we are Southerners/Mid-Westerners by heart. We ended our time at The Country Corner Cafe in December, but it wasn't before we received a new offering that made us feel more secure about our future and career. Billy Desimone, the owner of Buffalo Diner (in Buffalo, WV), Hine's first culinary mentor, gave us an offer we couldn't refuse. As he made plans to move away from Buffalo, Billy had to decide on the Diner's fate, and he thought of us, as well as Denise, who had been working with him, too. In order for the Diner to expand and grow, all three of us will take responsibility, as managers of specific departments, and in due time, we would all be co-owners of the Buffalo Diner. As 23-24 year old kids, out of college, this opportunity was something out of a dream. Billy believed in us, and it was time we believed in ourselves as well. Exactly one year ago, Hines packed up his belongings and moved down to WV. In February, after I managed to close the NY chapter of our lives, I moved down and began living in the LAST place I thought I'd EVER find myself. (Ironically, Country Roads was always my favorite song. Didn't think I would take it so literally).

Since February 2014, Hines and I have been working at the Diner. I have been doing all of the pastries, he has been working on the restaurant food, and Denise has been caring for the catering end. It took some time for us all to get accustomed to each other's way and learn as much as we could from Billy, as he gave us a crash course on "How not to lose a business in 1 year". As I am here now, writing about this experience, I think it's safe to say we are doing well.

It has been an interesting 6 months so far, but in all of the places I have lived, apart from Indiana, this is the first place I have felt so welcome and at home so quickly. It may be because all we do is work and I have no time for anything else, but I thoroughly like being here. I have a comfortable home, a job that I enjoy people around me who make me laugh, and people who feel like family when I'm so far away from my own. (but at least it's only 5 hour drive this time!)

Thanks for the past year's support for us. It may be that we are sporadic on this blog of ours, but we still like to share our experiences. Now that I am finally feeling good and organized, I'll be able to get Hines and myself back in order. Here's to a bigger and brighter future for us all. Check out the Facebook page for the Buffalo Diner and Buffalo Diner Desserts

THANKS
Kikko