Passing on the torch

In a few minutes, I'm going to work and I shall be passing that book on to someone who is passionate about cooking and deserves to have a chance to learn and have a book as good as McGee. Pity I never read it, but, I shall get it one day, for myself.


And you, you who are "going through the same thing as I am", thank you for the book - it shall inspire the ones who are really meant for this industry. Just not me.

IF

If the book is from who I think it is, and not who I'm hoping it is, well then, mysterious friend whom I think it is from, I'm sorry, but I cannot accept your gift.

I shall donate it to college or some trainee I see at work.

I'm really sorry, if it's whom I think it is, because, I really don't want it. And I've pretty much made my choices clear already.

Hello?

I came back after work last Friday night, and saw a weird small box sitting in my porch. It turned out to be the book I've always wanted to get, but couldn't find in Kinokuniya (because even though they had it in store, they could never locate it, even after so many times of trying) - Harold McGee.


It was bound up in layers and layers of cling wrap, and there was some thick black writing on a piece of paper, saying, "Please do not give up" and a short note inside, ending with "From, A friend"


I don't recognise the writing, and although it is a very, very sweet gesture, I really don't feel comfortable. It's slightly stalker-ish. I mean, no offence, "Friend", but, I've got really mixed feelings about this... but thank you, whoever you are, for believing in me.


It's nice to know someone cares. We'll see when the 6th month comes around.

Lost Its Spice

I have no more interest in cooking. I mean, I do, somewhat, because there must be a reason why I doggedly go to work everyday and just do the mundane things I do in the kitchen, and then face the echoes of a slamming locker door before I head out into the dark lonely night to an empty house each day.


Maybe it's just because the hours are so long, and it keeps me from thinking and missing him even more.


I just think, that although I love to cook and to eat, I do not possess the character necessary to last long in this industry. I don't have what it takes to become a chef - a person so strong in will, discipline, organisation, speed, strength, knowledge and with the artistic flair and epicurean tastebuds. 


I should just finish up my 6 months and then go look for an office job. Start living life like a normal person, with normal hours. Besides, back at the house, I have no one to cook for.


Losing him has made me lose that joy and spark in wanting to cook. So what if I enjoy good food? Tons of people who don't work in this industry enjoy good food. I think, I am more *pause* *deep breath* a foodie than a chef.


So, this is probably the last entry (or last few) for this blog. Shortlived, but exciting while it lasted.

On Food & Life

When I feel demotivated, I pick up The Making of a Chef/Soul of a Chef.


When I feel unsure, I pick up Larousse Gastronomique.


When I feel peckish, I go to EatDrinkKl.


When I feel traditional, I pick up Escoffier.


When I feel creative, I pick up The Flavor Bible.


When I feel whimsical, I pick up My Life by Raymond Blanc.


When I feel dreamy and ambitious, I pick up The French Laundry.


Read this today on a friend's posted photo:


"Never give up on something that you can't go a day without thinking about."