Fortunately I had the opportunity last week to explore the Lindt factory in Hampton, New Hampshire. Of course silly me decided to schedule it after the Hamptons' Memorial Day Weekend (basically the start of the summer season). So after working 12-13 hour days from Thursday to Sunday, worked the Monday morning shift, drove back home, showered fast, and got back in the car to drive out to Orient Point to catch the ferry.
My lovely parents drove, so I had some time to sleep on the car ride. After a night in a hotel, we got up early and headed over to Lindt. I finally got to meet the people that helped make my "Mocha Coconut" Lindt bar come alive. The man in charge and who scheduled this amazing tour for me was Nico Tomaselli, the Research and Development Manager. Nico was kind of enough to take the time out of his busy schedule to show my parents and I how Lindt makes their chocolate from bean to bar. It was INCREDIBLE. At the CIA, we take a Chocolates and Confections class where we discuss, read, and study how chocolate is made. Now add on some savvy technology to what we learned and bam, it's the Lindt Chocolate Factory. Unfortunately there weren't any "oompa loompas" making the chocolate like Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory. It was amazing to see the bar line where my "baby" was born and produced. After our tour, I was invited to check out the Research and Development Lab with Ann Czaja where "all the magic happens". Ann is a Maitre Chocolatier at Lindt and I had the opportunity to meet her at the competition. After speaking with Ann and Nico, it really opened my eyes to considering R&D down the road in my career. Lindt was extremely generous with a "goodie bag" filled with chocolates. On our way out, I also fell in love with the Lindt Bunny Smart Car. Who doesn't want a Lindt Bunny Smart Car?? Thank you to Lindt for hosting my parents and I for the day. Big thanks to my parents (especially Dad) who drove home in the rain and being patient with all the traffic. Happy June Everyone! Don't forget to eat some chocolate, it'll keep you sweet!
The Merri Baker
I'm Meredith Walter, a baking and pastry arts graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America. I was born and raised on Long Island and actually currently working out in the Hamptons. I just got back from traveling around the Pacific and Asia area. One chapter just finished and I'm starting another.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Hamptons Happenings...Or not?
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Basically what my windshield looks like... |
In a few weeks I am fortunate that I have the opportunity to visit the Lindt facility in New Hampshire. I am extremely excited to learn about the Lindt production and to complete the circle of winning the competition. I can't fully complete my circle, just missing one link. Which I have a feeling I will never get to have and that was proven tonight. The talented Michael Symon (one of the judges of the Lindt competition) came into the restaurant I work at and unfortunately I didn't get the opportunity to meet him. I guess he was too full from our tasty food and had to get going. When life gives you lemons, make lemonade (or lemon glaze for doughnuts or lemon meringue pie, whatever your heart desires); I hope he had an amazing meal with us and maybe one day I will get to meet him, it would be an honor.
I want to give a BIG thank you to everyone who reads my blog! After my last post, I have hit over 3,000 page-views. I know it may not seem like a lot, but I'm proud of it! So thanks again and keep reading!
Monday, April 22, 2013
Deer in the Headlights...

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8th Grade Yearbook Picture = Awkward Phase |
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
On to Bigger and Better Things!
Unfortunately, I don't belong at The Culinary Institute of America anymore. I had yesterday and today off, so I took the opportunity to visit some friends before moving out to the Hamptons. I got to meet my old boss' beautiful new baby, hang out with old co-workers, see friends working at school, and relax with friends, but unfortunately being back made me feel like I didn't belong. I never cried or looked back the day I graduated at the CIA. I guess it's hitting me now instead. The school has changed and so have I. The people I walked through the halls with, studied with, worked with, spent most of my time with are no longer there. It's not my home anymore. That chapter of my life is really over and now its time to just take a leap of faith (like bungee jumping).
This leap of faith is including my new job at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, New York. It is a luxurious hotel and restaurant that has only been open since August. The kitchen is under the direction of Tom Colicchio (Top Chef's Judge) and is also a "farm to table" operation. We have an acre of land where we grow some produce and then buy from local farms on Long Island. Currently the restaurant is only open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and brunch just Saturday and Sunday. However the hotel is supposed to be officially opening in April. I am excited to have this opportunity to work in this kitchen. Cross your fingers for me!
This leap of faith is including my new job at Topping Rose House in Bridgehampton, New York. It is a luxurious hotel and restaurant that has only been open since August. The kitchen is under the direction of Tom Colicchio (Top Chef's Judge) and is also a "farm to table" operation. We have an acre of land where we grow some produce and then buy from local farms on Long Island. Currently the restaurant is only open for dinner Wednesday through Sunday and brunch just Saturday and Sunday. However the hotel is supposed to be officially opening in April. I am excited to have this opportunity to work in this kitchen. Cross your fingers for me!
Monday, March 11, 2013
99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall
Every time I was waiting for my next flight, this song (99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall) was constantly playing in my head. I only have myself to blame for all the flights and waiting, but I needed to save some money after this trip. I bought a return ticket from Australia originally, and it was cheaper for me to pay the change fee and fly back to Melbourne than to buy a new ticket from Japan. Yes it would've been direct from Japan, but I have some school loan payments coming up!

Flight Plan... Osaka, Japan to Singapore to Melbourne, Australia to Los Angeles to New York
Time waiting in airports:
34 hours
Time on a plane:
34 hours
Flight Plan... Osaka, Japan to Singapore to Melbourne, Australia to Los Angeles to New York
Time waiting in airports:
34 hours
Time on a plane:
34 hours
Monday, March 4, 2013
Rock the Boat!
Luckily I made friends with most of the crew members on the cruise line! I had heard that the clientele of Holland America was mostly retired people, but I didn't know there would be about 10 people around the age of 18-25, we had a special club, called Generation Next. Everyday I was asked at least once if I was a crew member and when I responded that I was a guest on the cruise they were usually in shock. Of course I made friends with a lot of them, then they usually became my grandparent. I was asked once why I didn't have such nice wavy hair like my grandma. In response I just said we were just friends, not related and sorry I don't have wavy hair! So thankfully the crew was closer to my age and I got to hang out with them on and off the ship! Also figured out I would never work in a kitchen on a ship, because those bakers never get off the ship, forget about seeing the sights! So I will pass on that!
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Two-toned in Singapore!
You know those red double-deck buses that are in cities all over the world? Well Jessica and I decided to take the bus all over the city to see the sites and enjoy some sun. You can say I got a lovely farmers tan...(cough cough sunburn). I was trying on some dresses later in the market and the woman selling me the dress was laughing at me because I was "two-toned". Thankfully it is fading because that would be extremely embarrassing for the cruise that's leaving Singapore tomorrow! Yesterday like I said we got to explore Singapore a little more with our new buddies, and eating some delicious food. I took Chef Felder's advice to eat from the street fenders and little odd places. Yeah they aren't the cleanest, but they sure do know how to cook. Also another hint, go to places where there are lines and lots of locals. Obviously its worth the wait if they are returning!
Tomorrow I am boarding a Holland America Cruise that will be taking me throughout Asia (for 28 days). Not a bad choice for my first cruise I suppose :). Unfortunately Jessica will be heading home due to issues with getting a visa (womp). I'm not sure how often I will be online, but I will try to keep everyone up to date!
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