Being a chef in most cases is hard work. You have long hours, low pay, and most time work hard at a dish that a customer may send back because they just didn't like it. It can be brutal, and sometimes only the strong can survive. The never ending days, early mornings, late nights, bumps, burns, bruises, and cuts are enough to cause burnout to even the most loyal of chefs.
Fortunately for you, you know that it's a part of the game. The truth is, everyone isn't going to like everything and that's just the way it is. So you move on and give the customer what their taste buds are craving. You take your time to make sure that everything is just perfect. I mean, that's why you became a chef right? You wanted to create a dish that would make people's mouths explode with delight and send them over the edge in anticipation of the next bite of food. Those long days, late nights, bumps and bruises seem to be worth it when they brag about your dish, post a picture on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or send it to some other cyber-world destination. The oohs and aahs make your heart swell because you know that you did that. That was your dish and it was stamped with approval. I know that feeling and love it!
Even with that being said though, there is still something so awesome about being a chef that is sometimes overlooked. It's the ability to teach someone the art and the science of cooking.
I taught a class the other day at Deer Lick Park and had the opportunity to meet a fascinating woman who wanted to learn how to cook. She had never really cooked before and wanted to be able to prepare a meal that didn't require the use of a microwave. I wish I had taken pictures of her finished dishes. She prepared a frittata with spinach and cheese, Hollandaise sauce, and an apple and strawberry crostata for dessert. They were beautiful and what I loved most was the fact that she beamed with pride over her ability to pull off this amazing menu. So, that leads me to my main point (which is also the title), The awesome thing about being a chef is that you can inspire others to believe that they could, can, & will. You show them that cooking comes from within and recipe cards are just a guide, kind of like training wheels on a bike. You use them to keep you balance until after you figure out the basics. Then you are free to go wherever your heart takes you, even if it's right around the corner or to regions far away.
