The good news is that Bella is not leaving us. The bad news is our precious Bella was recently diagnosed with thyroid cancer and she is going to Cancer Treatment Center of America to have it removed on
September 8. When my daughter Mailey found out, her reaction was similar to all of ours. NO!! This can’t be happening… But I told her Bella is maintaining a positive attitude and is going to be ok and her reply was, “Of course she is, it’s Bella!”
Damn right girl!
Thankfully Bella didn’t ignore the symptoms, it was caught early, it is operable and the prognosis is very optimistic as is Bella. Her doctor is a thyroid cancer survivor and she could not be in better hands. There is meal train that is being set up upon her return which is TBD so stay tuned. They will not let her go home until she is healthy enough to fly. Six weeks later she will head back to Tulsa to be checked and to take a radiation pill for three days. Then she will be cancer free!
I know how much this woman means to so many of you as she is the heart and soul of M&T. She has been loving on you and us unconditionally for the last nine years. There is not much else that we can do nor that matters more for her right now than to love back on her and make sure she is crystal clear how much she matters to us. I will keep you updated and I assure you Bella is surrounded, our guns are blazing and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to get her back to healthy and hugging on you for many years to come.
izabellasouljoi.jones@gmail.com
GOOSE TO PONCE & EGG TO PERU
I am happy and sad to report that both our sous chefs, Angus and Eulaliah are moving on to greener pastures.
Angus is taking the helm of the kitchen at Parker’s On Ponce in Decatur and we are proud to see him take this big step up and kick some A. We are going greatly miss Goose’s candor, sick humor, handle on the kitchen, desire to learn and true, yet sometimes awkward, sense of hospitality. His last shift was last night but you can go harass him as the boss man in his new gig as soon as tomorrow.
Eulaliah is going be traveling extensively through South America over the next couple of months and determine what is next for her upon return. She plans to work in a few different kitchens along the way which will be an incredible experience. I am not only happy for her but flat out jealous. We are going to greatly miss Egg’s organization, determination, huge level of give o isht and attention to detail for our guest’s experience. Her last shift will be tomorrow night (Tuesday).
Eulaliah started with us almost 5 years ago fresh out of school as a line cook. Angus started with us 4.5 years ago as journeyman line cook. Both of them worked at L3, CQ and M&T and earned their way up the ladder for all the right reasons. They have both been willing to take on whatever role we’ve asked them to and frankly took on some very hard situations. We are eternally grateful for what they both have given to our company, which was there all. They are forever family.
If you’d like to reach out or stay in touch, I am sure they would appreciate it.
teague.e09@gmail.com
Losing two sous chefs at the same time? Yeah…. timing sucks. Angus didn’t know that Eulaliah was planning to leave nor did he expect to get an offer he couldn’t refuse. Such is life and onward we shall move as Chef Dameren and Muss will be managing the kitchen interim. Not their first rodeo… The good news is we have a new sous chef starting
tomorrow. Brandon Bullock is moving to Atlanta from his time at Forbes 5 Star Colt & Alison at Sea Island. Brandon went through the ringer and are very excited to welcome him into the family. We have another sous chef who will be starting early fall, but keeping it a secret for now.
STAPLEHOUSE NAMED BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN AMERICA
As you may already know the Staplehouse team received some amazing accolades last Tuesday by Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetite. He did an amazing job of capturing why and backing the #1 ranking. Read & Watch>
Jen, Kara & Ryan truly deserve all the recognition in the world. They have endured, persevered, adapted, led a talented team and worked tirelessly to create and execute a world class dining experience.
As intended but way beyond expectations, Staplehouse has become a radiant beacon shining a light on the mission of The Giving Kitchen, our altruistic restaurant community and our great city.
What Mr. Knowlton was understandably not able to write about was all the people like YOU who stepped up in their own generous and selfless way to support Ryan and Jen in their time of need, their dream of Staplehouse and the vision of The Giving Kitchen. I hope you all know how integral of a role the Ambassadors of M&T played in all of this.
So…. as I said, lots going on in our little orbit.
Thank you for your support and keeping everyone in your thoughts.
With immense gratitude,
Ryan
