During hard economic times, lawyer gets paid to travel

by Brenda Yun on

Forgive me for sounding schizophrenic, but this recent article in The New York Times, which explains how 36-year-old associate, Heather Eisenlord, has opted to accept $80,000, just one-third of her normal yearly income, to take not work for her New York law firm, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom, and travel the world has gotten me thinking many things ranging from “I’m jealous” to “I picked the wrong profession” to “Couldn’t that money be better spent?”

A few details on Eisenlord’s situation: Over 1,000 Skadden associates were offered a similar one-year “salary” because of the firm’s outlook on hard times to come. There is no catch, no requirements for how the money should be spent during this year off, so Eisenlord plans to pack her bags and travel the world, which is clearly what I would do if given this offer. When she returns to New York next here, Skadden guarantees her job back.

So, am I jealous? Of course! $80,000 will allow a budget traveler like myself more than three years of healthy, worry-free travel! I’m right now dreaming, as I’m sure Eisenlord is right now, of the all the places I could go.

Did I pick the I pick the wrong profession? Maybe. But Eisenlord likely earned this paid leave of absence through considerable hard work at one of the toughest law firms in the nation. At least I wake up every morning in my modest one bedroom apartment thinking, “I love being a travel writer even though I’m getting paid next to nothing.” I’m sure Eisenlord wasn’t waking up every morning before work at Skadden thinking, “I love being a lawyer.”

The real question I can’t seem to find an answer for, though, is this: Couldn’t that money be better spent? If over 1,000 other Skadden associates were offered a paid year off, that is over $80,000,000 (that is not a typo; it’s really 80 million dollars!) that could be going to something like saving the economy, ending the war in Iraq, or feeding the whole continent of Africa for half a year. I’m sorry, but no matter how hard-earned that year-long vacation is, I hope-pray-beg for Eisenlord or others in her situation to do some good with at least some of that money during her travels abroad.

Undiscovered New York: Cooking up a storm

by Jeremy Kressmann on

It’s no big secret that New York is absolutely spoiled for choice when it comes to food. If you need any proof, Undiscovered New York has already reviewed a whole slew of New York City’s more interesting eating neighborhoods and cuisines.

Yet one of the greatest benefits of all this great food is that you don’t even have to go to one of New York’s many restaurants to enjoy it. New York is also a really great place to learn more about the art and science of food, including the practicalities of how to cook it. Whether you’re an avid Top Chef viewer looking to kick off that fledgling culinary career, or just a casual cooking fan looking to pick up a new skill, the city has a diverse range of culinary schools and classes to fit your timing and budget.

The other truth about New Yorkers and food is that they’re not just passionate about great cooking – they’re passionate about great ingredients. Ever wonder why some people swoon over a great Pinot or some smooth French Brie? Or why New Yorkers like to hate on Starbucks coffee so much? Plan to make time for a number of great food classes specializing in the intricacies of palate-pleasing foods like cheese, wine and coffee.

So go grab those chef pants, cleanse that palate and bring along your best whisk, this week Undiscovered New York shows you how to “cook up a storm” on your next visit. Click below to learn where…
Cooking Classes
Not only is taking a cooking class a great way to learn a new skill. It’s also a great way to learn more about what makes New York tick. Each year thousands of students come to the city hoping to catch their big break at one of New York’s world-class restaurants. Many inevitably find their way to one of the city’s several culinary schools. But the best part is that temporary visitors can also take advantage of these school’s programs by taking a day-long class.

In addition to 6 and 11 month-long career programs, The Institute for Culinary Education also offers 4-5 hour “recreational” sessions on a variety of cuisines. For around $100, you can learn how to make your own sushi, cook a great risotto or taste a few craft beers. Why not take a cooking class with you and that special someone? Or get a gift certificate for an interesting birthday present?

Great Coffee
New York coffee chain Joe The Art of Coffee is serious about their brew. It’s only natural then that the chain also offers a variety of java-themed courses to help teach joe-lovers a thing or two about a quality cup. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about espresso, proper milk steaming techniques or how to brew a great cup of coffee at home, stop by one of several locations around the city and check out one of their classes.

Wine and Cheese
Wine is one of those food products that tends to intimidate many drinkers. Between all the different grape varieties, food pairings and vintages, it can be downright confusing to know what’s good and what’s merely a ripoff. Want to look like the hero the next time you order a bottle at dinner? Get in touch with the helpful team at NYC Wine Class, offering a range of courses exploring food and wine pairings, regional specific wine tastings and courses in wine and cheese.

If you’d like to skip the wine altogether and just fill up on some delicious cheese, head to cheese experts at Murray’s for one of their regular classes on everyone’s favorite dairy product.