Industry Function

Today was an extremely busy day. Started off with receiving and stock, remi and demi of course. Then we had to prepare for an 800-person industry function. We were serving a Lobster Trio of Lobster Carbonara, Lobster Salad and Lobster Wellington.

In order to prep for it we had to chop up fresh lobsters, herbs, I brunoised shallots (I’m getting better), and all sorts of other items. The prep took about six hours and we cooked a la minute at the event. At one point I had to run over to one of the sister restaurants to pick up the Robocoup (think Cuisanart but industrial strength). Decked out in my whites and walking with purpose it was as if I was floating. A young lady, maybe 25 was walking by and shot me the biggest smile in the world. I continued about my task and as I was turning the corner I noticed that she was still there just starring and smiling. I bring this up only to illustrate that as I am living my dream, doing EXACTLY what I want with my life people notice and I think that it makes them smile. It felt good to have that happen (and I know that it happens for C all the time).

Right before the event started everyone was asked to leave so that they could take pictures. We all went outside for a smoke and I got to pick Exec Chefs brain about various things. One was the state of the restaurant industry in North America compared to Europe. This led to a discussion of Raymond Blanc and also women in the industry. I had said that I noticed there were not a lot of women in the industry and asked why. He noted that I was correct but then said that the ones that were there were in many respects FAR superior to men. One woman in particular came up; Sophie Pic and her restaurant Pic in Valence. I only briefly got to look her up tonight (http://www.pic-valence.com/hotel-restaurant-valence-en/restaurant-pic.htm) but I will spend more time researching her. Women it would seem are much more natural and intuitive at plating. And this is something that I want to become AMAZING at.

The venue was gorgeous. I mean really gorgeous. It was decorated in bright yellow, orange and red. Flowers everywhere. Our station was on the back wall right near the bar and naturally it was small compared to where we usually cook. It was an incredible event. I actually got to cook the pasta several times and it made me feel awesome. I learned the proper way to do it by watching Exec Chef and Head Chef do it a few times. Then in their absence I started one. When Exec Chef came back in we discussed the best way to prepare the dish and I continued to make it for the rest for the event. I also got to enjoy a fantastic glass of wine with Exec Chef and the front of house manager and one of the owners. It was a Cullen (http://www.cullenwines.com.au/) and it was OHHHHH so delicious. It went down smoothly and felt well, downright decadent. The only thing that would have made it better was if C had been there to share it with me as well.

Head Chef also drilled into my head that any mess at a function is ‘negative.’ By putting it that way I immediately got it and did my best to make sure that the presentation table was always clean.

Also I got my first knife yesterday (well second as Exec Chef had given me a knife on Saturday). I am the proud owner of a Mac SA-70 (http://www.macknife.com/superior.html). I used it to brunoise my shallots and I guess the excitement of having a new knife made me better at it. Or maybe it was because I’ve been practicing and am determined to get it down.

At any rate it was a very exciting day for me. No new cuts which is always a plus. I do have a horrible blister on my foot though. I will spare you pictures of it but I figure it is from switching between my Burks and my Blundstones, well that and standing all day everyday.

Again, I need to state that I am living my dream. I am doing exactly what I want to do with my life and my happiness is apparent to everyone that sees me. I have noticed that everyone looks at me now. I can only imagine what goes through their minds. But in mine all I am thinking is this is what I was born to do. That said I am reminded of the line from Pretty Woman; “Welcome to Hollywood! What’s your dream, everyone’s got a dream, what’s your dream?”

What is your dream? Are you living it? If so, FANTASTIC? If not, WHY? Life is too short to be doing anything other than what you truly want to do. And once you are doing exactly what you want to do your entire life changes in an instant. HAPPINESS is no longer something that you seek; it is something that you exude. So I truly hope that each and every one of you identifies your dream and finds a way to live it. It may not be easy but what in life worth having is?

Fran Lebowitz once said; “Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat.” How very true!

Seek your dream and then let your life shine. I hope you all have an inspired tomorrow and a wonderful tonight.

A la prochaine.

SDM