Alinea at Home Extra: BIG NEWS!!!
It's been KILLING me to not be able to tell you all about this big, exciting change in my life, so I'll let the video below do the talking for us. And by "us" I mean me, and GRANT ACHATZ!!! (holy crap, you guys) I'm blown away... completely and totally blown away. Will write more later... time to work!!!
Whoa...congrats. And good luck! Sorry DC will be losing you, though. Can't wait to read all about it.
Posted by: Matt F | April 01, 2009 at 12:27 AM
Oh my goodness, Congratulations that is amazing! I'm so glad to be following you through this cool transition.
Posted by: Sasha | April 01, 2009 at 12:32 AM
Holy sh*t! That's awesome Carol! Woo hoo!!!
Posted by: Elise | April 01, 2009 at 12:33 AM
Happy First of April! Loved the glimpse into Alinea's kitchen! Grant seems like a sweetie.
Also found out that I've been mispronouncing Alinea, oops.
Posted by: 19thandfolsom | April 01, 2009 at 12:34 AM
This has potential to be the most epic food-related April Fool's joke. Whether or not it's true, congratulations!
Posted by: Jude | April 01, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Hilarious, completely awesome, and aaaaalmost believable. Well played, madam!
Posted by: Mike | April 01, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Carol...
Congratulations. I've been reading your blog since French Laundry but never commented. My wife and I will be dining at Alinea on 4/17 and we hope to see you there. We have a late reservation at 9:15. Seriously, this gives hope to so many people who love food, love restaurants and love to cook. You are an inspiration.
Posted by: Matt Lindstrom | April 01, 2009 at 12:36 AM
OH MY GOODNESS!!! How exciting for you. Good luck and I can't wait to read about your cooking adventures in the Alinea kitchen.
Posted by: Rhona | April 01, 2009 at 12:38 AM
I'd be jealous, except that I paid VERY close attention to that post, lol. Reminds me of this unbelievable Keller dish from last April...
Posted by: Jennifer | April 01, 2009 at 12:38 AM
Aw, man, I really wish it weren't 4/1 because this'd actually be really cool!
Posted by: Andy Matuschak | April 01, 2009 at 12:42 AM
I almost bought it...I almost jumped out of my seat in happiness for you...and then....I saw, in the corner of my little blue eye...the posting date!!! April fools??? You have gotten us, your loyal fans, once too many times...so, you're kidding...right??? I'll jump for you on the second of April if I'm wrong!!
Posted by: Carey | April 01, 2009 at 12:43 AM
Egads Carol, this is a big deal! Very exciting - congratulations and good luck!!
Posted by: Alice | April 01, 2009 at 12:43 AM
So you're here in Chicago as of April 1, eh? Beware - it's a cruel, cruel month...
Posted by: Anita | April 01, 2009 at 12:46 AM
Carol:
Yet again, you're April Fools merriment kicks ass.
Bravo!
p
Posted by: Pablo Escolar | April 01, 2009 at 12:46 AM
I am thinking you are just pulling our legs. Grant let you work in his kitchen?
Is this for real? The video was way too far laid back and a little "silly" for you to really be "going to work there".
Call my cynical.
Posted by: Connie | April 01, 2009 at 12:49 AM
I don't even know you personally but I'm so happy for you haha.
From the video, it looks like you're ecstatic but at the same time indifferent because it hasn't fully sunken in yet.
Posted by: Jackie T | April 01, 2009 at 12:49 AM
Oh-- but cynical and amused. Don't forget that.
Posted by: Connie | April 01, 2009 at 12:50 AM
april fools?
I remember last year....
Posted by: Erin | April 01, 2009 at 12:54 AM
Oh, holy mother of crap- this is surely some sort of April fool's prank?
If not, awesome.
Posted by: Rach | April 01, 2009 at 01:00 AM
Posted at 12:01 on April 1st, eh?
Posted by: Kitchenhacker.net | April 01, 2009 at 01:01 AM
Wow... congratulations. Not only a great opprotunity, but a job offer when you already have one? In this economy? I have even more respect for you now than I ever did before. :)
Posted by: meleyna | April 01, 2009 at 01:05 AM
This is so cool! So cool, in fact, that I have to call shenanigans on an April Fools' joke. If it's real, then DAMN YOU CAROL BLYMIRE FOR LIVING THE DREAM. If not--then this is really, really quite clever.
Posted by: Tina | April 01, 2009 at 01:07 AM
Congrats on Grant being in the video. :-) Oh, and the awesome April 1st post!! :-) It'll be the best of the day.
Posted by: Aaron | April 01, 2009 at 01:11 AM
Holy crap! That's totally awesome, Carol. It's really neat to think that someone, like yourself, with talent and determination can get noticed and brought on board by the people who inspired them in the first place.
Posted by: Michael W. | April 01, 2009 at 01:26 AM
For real, and not an April Fool's prank?
Posted by: matthew | April 01, 2009 at 01:28 AM
Well played... very well played... ;-)
Posted by: rendersmith | April 01, 2009 at 01:28 AM
While that would be awesome if it were the face, can I be the first awful internet loser to call April Fools?
I'm really hoping this is a joke but that there is a cool *actual* announcement behind it.
Posted by: cmb | April 01, 2009 at 01:30 AM
wait a minute...what day is this?? :D
Posted by: Jlhpisces | April 01, 2009 at 01:41 AM
I'd be excited, but I won't be as excited for you until the news is repeated on a post NOT listed as being posted on April 1st. ;-)
Posted by: Gavin | April 01, 2009 at 01:42 AM
I am not sure if all news are true since it is April 1st. We will see what really will happen.
Posted by: honkman | April 01, 2009 at 01:52 AM
Eeeek!! Congrats! You have GOT to be one of the luckiest ladies E.V.E.R!! : ) I'm happy for you
Posted by: Amy | April 01, 2009 at 01:53 AM
Been following your blog for a few years now and reading the comments so far I have to say it worked yet again...
Happy April Fools Day to you as well. ;-)
Looks like someone else got in the act...although not as subtle as you: http://varmintbites.com/2009/03/31/grant-achatz-to-introduce-southern-molecular-gastronomy-to-raleigh/
Posted by: Paul Leddy | April 01, 2009 at 01:53 AM
I'm so amused by all these congratulatory comments. Dudes, it's April 1st.
In other news, you're so East Coast in mannerisms or speech patterns or something. As a Californian, it's so noticeable. Also, awesome.
Posted by: MollyMayhem | April 01, 2009 at 02:00 AM
april fools...
Posted by: lars | April 01, 2009 at 02:03 AM
You did get me for a little while. I was starting to get worried for you about how you were going to survive working in a professional kitchen.
Then I remembered april fools. :)
Posted by: Maya | April 01, 2009 at 02:04 AM
!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Stephen Hubbard | April 01, 2009 at 02:24 AM
Wow!!! Congrats and good luck! What an amazing thing! I'm not sure I've ever been so excited for someone I've never even talked to before. :-)
Posted by: The Other Tiger | April 01, 2009 at 02:44 AM
wow, congratulations! that's really crazy...i am sure that you will learn a ton, and i wish you luck on the journey.
Posted by: lindsey | April 01, 2009 at 03:06 AM
April fool? I think this is even better than last year's!
Posted by: Greg | April 01, 2009 at 03:10 AM
Wow, that's WILD.
I've been following your blog posts since French Laundry at Home (never posted a comment before) and am a big fan. I was so excited for you I had to post.
Is this going to be a full-time gig? Is it open ended? Will you be the official internet presence of Alinea? Fill us in on the details!
Posted by: Steven | April 01, 2009 at 03:20 AM
i agree with anita. 12:01 am on april 1st? i haven't been reading your blog for long but i think i might be most impressed by this.
Posted by: caitlin | April 01, 2009 at 03:23 AM
I'll bet this is an April Fools post. Much, much more cruel to your loyal readers than the previous ones! ;)
Posted by: Conor | April 01, 2009 at 03:41 AM
Congratulations on this.. momentous... day!!.. *giggle*
Posted by: Lydia | April 01, 2009 at 03:59 AM
April Fools!! Good one!!
Posted by: Charles Noble | April 01, 2009 at 04:14 AM
wow, today of all the days... Congrats. :O)
Posted by: ramsays pub food at home | April 01, 2009 at 04:23 AM
Happy April Fool's Day??!
Posted by: Sarah | April 01, 2009 at 04:45 AM
Umm. Hate to point out that this is April Fool's day...
P.S. Ficke, I would not have pegged you as the sort.
Posted by: Chopper | April 01, 2009 at 05:39 AM
Carol, what fantastic, stupendous news! Such an exciting change and challenge - still in bed - gonna hop out and do a little dance of joy for you. CONGRATULATIONS!!! :) ~H
Posted by: Heidi Robb | April 01, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Nice April Fool's joke. Kudo's to Grant for playing along.
Posted by: Fool | April 01, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Flippin' Fantastic News!!! Congratulations! Can't wait to read the stories!!
Posted by: Julia | April 01, 2009 at 06:40 AM
I guess it's true that you can never go wrong with duct tape.
Posted by: Spooneroonie | April 01, 2009 at 06:50 AM
Wow! That is amazing! Good luck and I cannot wait to read about more of your adventures. (And, seriously, "a smoking gun"?)
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 01, 2009 at 06:56 AM
That is so totally AFD!!! Awesome!
Posted by: Laurence | April 01, 2009 at 07:03 AM
what's todays date? :P
Posted by: SCI Guy | April 01, 2009 at 07:16 AM
WOOT!!! Yay! That's the coolest news ever! Now I have a real *REAL* reason to go to Chicago! Good luck, can't wait to read all about it :-)
Posted by: ann | April 01, 2009 at 07:22 AM
I'm so happy that you are able to celebrate life and enjoy each and every day, especially this one. Only a fool wouldn't take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. Congrats!
Posted by: xmaskatie | April 01, 2009 at 07:25 AM
Congratulations. What an amazing turn of events. It will be exciting to follow this transition! Best of luck to you.
Posted by: Victoria | April 01, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Queen for a day? I am so happy to read that April First has brought such wonderful news. My email tells me that a Nigerian Prince wants to marry me and give me millions, and I don't even have to "change teams" .. but your news is much better!
Posted by: craig | April 01, 2009 at 07:29 AM
Don't you guys know what day it is today? And...it's Carol.
Posted by: Lisa Brisch | April 01, 2009 at 07:31 AM
Carol, that's wonderful!
You should totally introduce Grant to your chicken stack-ups with fruited nectar salad!
Posted by: taylor.nmt | April 01, 2009 at 07:34 AM
Wow! Congrats Carol! I've been reading your blogs since FL. Thanks for sharing your journey, it has been superb and this is only another door of many that will open for you. I'm dining at Alinea on 5/20, hope you are on the line so that I can meet the new celebrity!
Posted by: Trish Girard | April 01, 2009 at 07:37 AM
Congrats, Carol... that is so cool. Grant knows what the rest of us has always known... that YOU ROCK. :D
Nothing but best wishes for you... and do keep us posted when you can!
Posted by: Nikki | April 01, 2009 at 07:41 AM
wait just a second... Today's April Fool's Day.... LMAO
Posted by: Nikki | April 01, 2009 at 07:42 AM
Why do I get the sinking feeling that this is a April Fools?
If not, then EPIC WIN!
Posted by: Tom G | April 01, 2009 at 07:54 AM
April fools?
Posted by: Rory | April 01, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Big news... on April 1.... hmmmmmm.....
Posted by: Chris | April 01, 2009 at 07:55 AM
April Fool's, eh?
if not, congrats!
Posted by: Sarah | April 01, 2009 at 07:55 AM
April fools...?
Posted by: Ryan R. | April 01, 2009 at 07:55 AM
Oh, I love April 1.
Posted by: Emily | April 01, 2009 at 08:13 AM
Am I the only one who remembers the infamous French Laundry cease-and-desist letter of April 1, 2008?
Posted by: Andrea | April 01, 2009 at 08:17 AM
Hmmm.... being familiar with past early April postings (Thomas Keller's "cease and desist," anyone?), I'm guessing this is an awesome April Fool's Day joke on us. :)
Posted by: Beth | April 01, 2009 at 08:19 AM
WOW. That is amazing. I can't even begin to tell you how jealous I am, and even though you haven't actually really blogged about this, this is now my favorite blog. HUZZAH and congrats!
Posted by: Alex Holyk | April 01, 2009 at 08:19 AM
Just so you know, it is April 1st.
Posted by: kristensavestheday | April 01, 2009 at 08:25 AM
April Fool's Day, right? If no, wow, love your work, congratulations! And if yes, wow, I still love your work. More than ever, in fact.
Posted by: Kerryn | April 01, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Congrats Carol. Takoma Park will miss you.
Posted by: SeanT | April 01, 2009 at 08:35 AM
Boy, you managed to fool a lot of people! And it's way cool that you got GA in on the joke! Good job! Happy April Fool's Day!
Posted by: DrGaellon | April 01, 2009 at 08:35 AM
OH. MY. GOD!!!! You must be so excited! That's an AMAZING development - a thousand congratulations, and I can't wait to watch the blog turn into Alinea At Work! :-D
Posted by: alyson | April 01, 2009 at 08:36 AM
HURRAH!!!! Carol, how absolutely AMAZING and no one, but no one, deserves this more than YOU!!! So exciting and I can't wait to hear/read/see all about it!!! What an incredible, life-changing event--one you worked hard for and so nice to see the pay off!
Posted by: amy | April 01, 2009 at 08:40 AM
Holy $%&&)@$! Wow, carol, very awesome to be right there in the kitchen at Alinea!
I'll hold the champagne celebration for a day or so though... it is April 1st after all...;)
Posted by: Erika | April 01, 2009 at 08:48 AM
Anyone who reads Carol's blog knows that she is notorious for April Fool's jokes.
I'm just sayin'...
Posted by: kristensavestheday | April 01, 2009 at 08:53 AM
hilarious for AFD.
Posted by: Tina | April 01, 2009 at 08:55 AM
Is Grant having you make special suckers to give out today?
Posted by: Derek | April 01, 2009 at 08:55 AM
APRIL FOOL'S!!!
Good one Carol...
Posted by: Dave | April 01, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Hmmm, you had me until the blow torch, labeler and duct tape came out. Could this be a lil ol' April Fool's joke? Not that you don't deserve the gig--I wouldn't attempt a single recipe from that book!
Posted by: Doreen | April 01, 2009 at 09:02 AM
I recommend a first signature dish involving tree-harvested spaghetti. Would be an ideal initial use for the tools shown in the video.
{The comments form will not allow me to include a link for sourcing of tree-harvested spaghetti, but a quick google will solve that.}
Posted by: Ewan | April 01, 2009 at 09:03 AM
Happy April Fools!
Posted by: Hunter | April 01, 2009 at 09:07 AM
Someone already fooled me once today. You won't be the second, although it would be fun to move to Chicago.
Posted by: KBO | April 01, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Congratulations! That's incredible. And scary.
Posted by: Holly Heller | April 01, 2009 at 09:12 AM
AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!
Congratulations!
Posted by: dust | April 01, 2009 at 09:12 AM
That's amazing! And on April 1st as well, what are the odds of something so out of the blue happening on April 1st? Hmmmm.... Isn't this the same woman who had her blog "closed down" one April 1st?
Posted by: Jeff | April 01, 2009 at 09:12 AM
Amazing!!
And even more so that it was posted a minute into April 1st..
Posted by: Patrick | April 01, 2009 at 09:15 AM
April Fools? Or real good news?
Posted by: durmagyar | April 01, 2009 at 09:18 AM
It's April 1, folks.
Posted by: jabbett | April 01, 2009 at 09:22 AM
Great April's Fool joke -- hat's off! : )
Posted by: Connor | April 01, 2009 at 09:23 AM
Uuuuhhhm... April Fools? :-)
Posted by: ? | April 01, 2009 at 09:27 AM
April Fools?!
Posted by: Jill | April 01, 2009 at 09:28 AM
Fantastic news!!!
Congratulations. What is even more impressive than the new gig was that you were able to keep it secret.
Woo Hoo!!!
Posted by: Rhonda | April 01, 2009 at 09:32 AM
I'll reserve judgement until I see what's posted on April second. :P
Posted by: jamaila | April 01, 2009 at 09:33 AM
Hmm, that's funny news, on April 1st. Hope it's not a hoax!
Posted by: Fearless | April 01, 2009 at 09:36 AM
ummm...dont guys realize what day of the year it is.
(and if i am wrong... congrats...but i dont think I am)
Posted by: shawn s. | April 01, 2009 at 09:38 AM