Every day we come to work, and the last thing on our agenda is cooking. Pretty funny, huh? The tank has run dry today. I will roast another chicken for dinner and serve some broccoli and cheese soup to start. Why? Because that is what our guests want. Well, it is the perceived needs of some of our guests which translates to what all people want.
It could be that we have not gotten out of here for now over six weeks. It could be that we have been told that our five-hour ribs served with black and white beans are too gourmet. It could be those damn Versace plates and the ornate dining room. It could be that we have been told that a hunter’s menu would be great as we serve burgers at the bar in front of a football game. It could be that the fit is just not right. We get the job done with a smile on our face and an empty inside.
I realize I am griping. I need to gripe now and again.
You see, we are practicing. Every day gets us closer and in some way shapes our outlook and approach to food and life. I really enjoy roast chicken (the one mentioned above), brined in soy sauce and maple syrup. It tastes great. Mashed potatoes are equally appealing with their great aroma and an even better taste. We used to make them with butter and crème fraiche, you know, fancy. Yesterday I revisited butter and buttermilk mashed potatoes. They were better.
The constant rehearsal is tiresome. I become consumed in the mundane and the inherent pressures of trying to be everything to everyone. Guess what, it’s just not possible. And yet it is asked of us every day. Just keep trying. Yeah, that is the answer. It is an answer, just one that does not sit so well with me right now. In trying to be everything to everybody, we are actually spinning wheels just to watch them turn. You know why most country clubs are mediocre. Because they are run by the guests where the club must be everything to everybody. Places, restaurants, experiences that are truly unique and special are not for everybody. They are something truly grand to a finite number of people.
OK, here is the real kicker. It is just not that hard. What? Well, in this case, I am referring to food, but I could mean life or just crossing the street. It takes time and attention to detail, but at the end of the day, it is really just a bunch of simple things done in sequence to create, make, or be part of something great.
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