Words of Wisdom

Last week I had the honor of being invited to the home of the founder of The French Culinary Institute, Dorothy Hamilton. About thirty students, ranging from young to old, culinary to bread were graced with the presence of some of the best chefs in the world. Better yet, these chef are our deans. Alain Sailhac and Andre Soltner to be specific.

During the toast, each chef spoke words of wisdom to the younger generation of chefs. It was unreal. These chefs are NOT the Rachael Rays or the Paula Deans of the world. Not that there’s anything wrong with those chefs, but Chef Alain and Chef Andre are classically trained French chefs. A rare breed. Their kitchens run like operating rooms with their attention to detail, cleanliness, and meticulousness in food and presentation. They’re TRUE professionals, and hopefully not a dying standard in our transitional culture.

Chef Andre spoke some of the most profound words I’ve ever heard about my future profession. Being a chef is NOT artistic. Chefs are not artists. They’re craftsmen. The men and women who make elaborate cakes aren’t artists? Nope. Avant garde food creators? Nope, sure not.

The reason why chefs are craftsmen is because everyday they have to be perfect. Every meal, the person at the table is going to want the best meal you can produce. They don’t care if it was perfect for last night’s diner. They want what they ordered to be the standard “good” that everyone else gets.

Do you think you can tell a bride on her wedding day, “Whoops, sorry the cake is lopsided, but yesterday’s wedding cake was really perfect, want to see a picture?” Gasp. If I were that bride I’d smack the chef.

An artist can produce a piece of art thats fabulous and the next day begin again and not be able to achieve the level he did the day before. And that’s okay! It’s acceptable for a painter to start over, grab a new canvas, or take a breather. A chef can walk out of the kitchen and say, “Nah, don’t feel like cooking lunch today.”

The highest award offered in culinary arts in France is an award of craftsmanship, not artistry. To make a life changing piece of art can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for both the artist and general public. If a chef makes a meal, an outstanding meal, every night, that effects each individual who takes a bite. Its magical. Every. Single. Night. Isn’t that better than a one-hit-wonder anyway?