 what's a Chef ?
when I and my staff finished a hectic evening service,and the patron comes in the kitchen and tels me that everybody is content and happy,I feel proud
Then I tell my staff that we won the battle,that they did good and give them tips or remarks on certain points that can be better.
Then we have a beer ( one ! )
then we talk about food!
sometimes all night long and I tell them my view of things ,we discuss certain ways of doing things,new ways,old ways ,styles , cultures,the evolution in the culinairy landscape...And we disagree sometimes;
the next day when we start mise en place and preparations , everyone is running on the tips of their toes , or trying ( I always say,you can drink at night but when you walk into my kitchen...I want you focused !)
I don't throw things at them , only questions, and when they feel it's time to move on,say goodbye and tell me that they liked working with me ,despite the rude words during service and that they actually learned new things....
Then ,I dare to think of myself as a Chef , and i'm happy that I won another soul for this cruel but rewarding craftsmenship.
Being a chef has nothing to do with anything that happens outside a kitchen,
Its what you are and do with food,adding value to a product and showing people how.  |