Things get interesting.

Blogger's block! I need to be more diligent about this.

So the first quarter of the program works out thusly: when you aren't in classes, you're spending time in the kitchen prepping, assisting second quarter students, bussing, stocking, doing dishes, filling in where you're needed most in any of those groups (tournant), or acting as the sous chef. Yes, 95% of it is bitch work, & that's a point. I get nervous knowing I won't be spending a lot of time with my knives. I have a knife competency looming above me at the end of the quarter scares me when I take two minutes on one onion. However! I rock at suprêmes, so there's that.

I spent most of last week in the second quarter kitchen. I decided not ask for things to do, but find things to do. If you have to ask, I think it's more of a statement that you don't know what you're doing. I may grab the wrong utensil or take too long to sautée carrots, but I'm inspiring more confidence that if I was standing around looking flummoxed, ya know?

So I wasn't sure if the second quarter students I wound up under were entirely disinterested in my extra pair of hands, or if they just weren't organized. I found myself gravitating to other students to answer questions, or demonstrate something for me. That is, when they weren't stepping in to do so without solicitation. It's kind of nice knowing who's going to be your rock when shit hits the fan. I also appreciate that never at any time has someone mocked my unhoned skills.

At least not to my face, which is also awesome!

The more rocky experiences were valuable exercises illustrating the importance of preparation (mise en place really is everything) & learning economy of movement. There's a reason why the good ones make it look easy— because they spend a good deal of time planning every aspect of every dish down to the peppercorn. I wouldn't even be surprise to know if they learn to time their bowel functions to avoid interruption.

Tomorrow, I'm back to prep in the first quarter kitchen, which I admit to being relieved by.