Yankees we truly were. I keep on repeating that because it is truly amazing what we accomplished. Without complaint. Without fail. We struggled, toiled, kept on going and got it done. Sunday morning at 8 am I awoke for the first time to discover that it was almost time for me to start working again. I finally started moving in earnest at 9. We had lots to get done.
It was absolutely gorgeous. The first Sunday in quite a while when it was beautiful. What that meant is that I had to get set for brunch and get the grill ready.
I was still going on adrenaline and the feeling of general euphoria for what we had accomplished. Executive Chef came in and you could see that he was tired. I have to say that I was truly amazed that he showed up at all and for me his stock went up yet again. For not only did he lead us through the battle of the past few days but he showed up on this day ready for more. Once I was certain that brunch was in good shape I started working on the grill.
I set up my station and prepped, corn and ribs, smoked turkey sandwiches, chicken skewers, burgers and nachos. Limited menu as my fryer was still over at the special venue from the night before.
The day started off slowly but then began to pick up steam. By the time that the rest of the team was finished I too was ready to drink some beer and revel but I had about another five hours to go before that could happen.
One of my regular customers came by and as we were speaking he remarked how what I did constantly was truly amazing. I don’t personally think it is all that incredible in the scheme of things. I mean we all have to start out somewhere though the last few days were truly inspirational. He told me that he had to run but that he was going to be back. You see the week before we had had a conversation about the state of world affairs and somehow landed on Cuba. He and I spoke about it for about a half an hour. Well on Sunday he told me that he was going to go for a bit but come back with something to reward me for my efforts. His kindness truly capped off what was an amazing weekend filled with some of the best Chefs in the country. Of which I still put my own, our Executive Chef just a little bit above. His leadership, his ability to reach inside you and pull out your best and allow you to shine to me is one of his best traits. But my regular customer, true to his word came back and handed me what he said was my tip from someone who recognized my efforts. I opened up the package to reveal a perfect specimen of a cigar – A Cohiba Churchill!
He looked right at me and shook my hand and told me to make sure that I enjoy it. And I will. But it was the perfect cap to a weekend that I feel defines who I am and what I am here to achieve.
I would like to take this opportunity to say congratulations to everyone of us that worked through this weekend and achieved greatness. Way to go guys and girls. I’m giving you all a big pat on the back. We displayed what we are and what we can achieve. AND I COULD NOT BE MORE PROUD.
Charles de Montesquieu once said; “To become truly great, one has to stand with people, not above them.”
Executive Chef you displayed your greatness this weekend and allowed us all to be great as well. This is a memory I will cherish forever.
I left my house at 6:45 am on Friday. Arrived at work at 7:30 am. I did not leave work until 10:30 pm on Sunday and through it all I found out that I am truly meant to be where I am. THANK YOU CHEF! OUI!
Are you dreaming big and inspired?
A la prochaine
SDM
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