Sunday, March 1, 2009

Options, Mistakes and Considerations (file under more?’s than answers)

We’ve all heard the expression the grass is always greener. Well rarely if ever have I found that the grass is actually greener. In my haste to achieve my desires and dreams I believe that I have given less consideration than was necessary to make some pretty important decisions. This is true both inside and outside of the kitchen.

I have waxed poetic here about going down to NYC and how great it would be. After much reflection I now know that it would be premature of me to go down to NYC for at least another year of development here. While it would be great to go down and be with C everyday and come home to a smiling and loving face, I know that if I were to go down, I would find myself in the same position I am now. Doing something merely as a means of survival.

Survival is important in the pursuit of dreams. There is no question about that. But survival (and ultimately talent) are not enough. You need much more in order to succeed. And I realize that now.

I left Reservation under the impression that I would be leaving something great but replacing it with something that was even greater. That I would have the opportunity to expand upon both my practical experience and my book knowledge. That the fundamentals that I had built would continue to grow and flourish. Unfortunately, in my departure, I have found that the fundamentals are suffering, as is my training. So I’m left considering; what do I do to address this?

Patience is something that keeps coming up for me. I can’t recall who said it but I believe it was Daniel Boulud that said you require patience as a good cook to succeed. I wonder whether or not I was impatient with Reservation or at the very least at Reservation.

Again the question begs; what do I do? I am actively looking to find a place where I belong and can further my fundamentals. I know of one place that I can do this. I know of one person that I can speak with to redress this issue. And I plan to.

It is difficult to admit our mistakes. It is even more difficult sometimes to correct them. But where there is good will and history there can be a redressing.

Ultimately, in the coming weeks, I am going to find myself an answer to where I belong, how I can improve and what I need to do in order to get back on track for my dreams and aspirations.

James Joyce once said; “A man's errors are his portals of discovery.” And Conrad Hilton once said; “Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make mistakes, but they don't quit.”

Are you dreaming big and inspired?

A la prochaine

SDM