
These pancakes aren’t from a box!
This is probably the most asked question I get as a personal chef, and I usually end up giving a not so great answer. This is probably due to the fact I’m not really picky about what I am making. I think after working on the line in a restaurant making the same 8 or so dishes all day every day, I’m pretty happy with whatever I am making because now I can make a variety of things. That’s not to say I didn’t like making the same things- I actually did enjoy the repetition because I knew how to make the dishes perfect with my eyes closed. As chefs, we rely on muscle memory a lot, that’s how we are able to absorb everything that is given to us verbally for orders, so our mind focuses on remembering what we need to make and our arms just take care of the work. Funny stuff.
Anyhow, I think I tend to give a different answer every time someones asks me what I like to cook because saying “I like to cook everything” doesn’t seem to be the answer people look for : ) One time when I asked the asker what she liked to cook, she said “new things.” Very good answer, but new things can be scary as well especially if you aren’t the only one eating it. I’d say I like cooking new things but by using techniques I am already used to- that kind of gives me comfort knowing that I can make it and it will turn out right because I’ve somehow done a version of it before. When I cook though, it must must be from scratch. I will never take a salad dressing, sauce, or salsa from a bottle! There’s just something about fresh flavors that make it unique, and you feel better about eating it. Plus, I know most of my clients watch me cook, or at least pop in and out of the kitchen, and they enjoy seeing the whole process from start to finish. Its magic.