scratchandsniff
Same seat 12years ago..
At the time, I wanted to get out of NJ so bad... I had enough experience and money saved up to train with the best in NYC( I thought). I sent resume's everyday to Le bernardin, Lespinasse, Daniel, and jean georges.. Hoping that maybe, they will consider my country ass. One Monday, I get a call from none other that Chef Eric Ripert and he asked 'when can we meet?' I replied "tomorrow Chef!".. I switched days off with my partner, and I hopped on the train to NYC.. I had my Suit on, I also had my Uniforms, Knives, spoons, pen/notebook and kitchen shoes.. I was ready to start if he'll let me.
Surprisingly, kitchen of Le bernardin is BIG! I remember going down three floors down..? And I was directed to Chef's office. My heart pounding with excitement, looking at all the awards hanging on the walls.. I kept going over and over what I want to say to Chef Ripert, when at mid thought, the door opens and Chef says with a smile, "Ah, you're early. Very nice.". We shake hands, we talk about food, what interests us, and future goals... Goddamn, this Chef is a real nice guy! Not the pompous power hungry psycho I was working for at the time... This might be my new home.
"So- when can you start?".. I look at Chef and show him my bag, 'Today, if you let me, Chef!' "Oh non non. You have to tell Craig( my NJ Chef) first that you're leaving. Give atleast 3weeks, it's hard to find good replacements, you know? He and I worked at Bouley and in paris together.. I don't want to piss him off, ok?" Professional courtesy, yes. I was getting too eager-beaver, right! 'Oui Chef! I will!' He then took me upto the kitchen to introduce me to everyone, which was real nice. I just remember the sheer size of the kitchen and the amount of stock pots and sauce pots bubbling away. The aroma overwhelmed me... 'Chef, would it be possible for me to Dine in alone, for lunch today?' He was a bit surprised, but then he nodded, "Ok, we will set you up near the kitchen, ok"
We shook hands and he brought me to this table.. Yep the same one. That was 12 years ago. Who knows how different thing could have been, who knows..
Same seat 12years ago..
At the time, I wanted to get out of NJ so bad... I had enough experience and money saved up to train with the best in NYC( I thought). I sent resume's everyday to Le bernardin, Lespinasse, Daniel, and jean georges.. Hoping that maybe, they will consider my country ass. One Monday, I get a call from none other that Chef Eric Ripert and he asked 'when can we meet?' I replied "tomorrow Chef!".. I switched days off with my partner, and I hopped on the train to NYC.. I had my Suit on, I also had my Uniforms, Knives, spoons, pen/notebook and kitchen shoes.. I was ready to start if he'll let me.
Surprisingly, kitchen of Le bernardin is BIG! I remember going down three floors down..? And I was directed to Chef's office. My heart pounding with excitement, looking at all the awards hanging on the walls.. I kept going over and over what I want to say to Chef Ripert, when at mid thought, the door opens and Chef says with a smile, "Ah, you're early. Very nice.". We shake hands, we talk about food, what interests us, and future goals... Goddamn, this Chef is a real nice guy! Not the pompous power hungry psycho I was working for at the time... This might be my new home.
"So- when can you start?".. I look at Chef and show him my bag, 'Today, if you let me, Chef!' "Oh non non. You have to tell Craig( my NJ Chef) first that you're leaving. Give atleast 3weeks, it's hard to find good replacements, you know? He and I worked at Bouley and in paris together.. I don't want to piss him off, ok?" Professional courtesy, yes. I was getting too eager-beaver, right! 'Oui Chef! I will!' He then took me upto the kitchen to introduce me to everyone, which was real nice. I just remember the sheer size of the kitchen and the amount of stock pots and sauce pots bubbling away. The aroma overwhelmed me... 'Chef, would it be possible for me to Dine in alone, for lunch today?' He was a bit surprised, but then he nodded, "Ok, we will set you up near the kitchen, ok"
We shook hands and he brought me to this table.. Yep the same one. That was 12 years ago. Who knows how different thing could have been, who knows..