Chef Shuna Lydon wrote those words a few days ago. She is someone I very much admire and respect. More than a chef, she is in it for the cause, and believes to her core in what we do. Cook. Create. Nourish. Guide. Teach.
Cooking is not mysticism. It is not art. It is, at it's core, a craft. A calling. A vocation. Electrician, plumber, mechanic, chef. Anyone can learn to cook elegantly, simply, professionally. You only need the right values and attitude to see you along the journey. Dedication, loyalty, integrity. Skills can be taught, they can be learnt but your values cannot. Who you are never changes. You cannot learn integrity. You cannot understand dedication if you do not possess it. Loyalty is pure blind faithful devotion. These are part and parcel of you. Engraved, instilled and set out to breathe in the decanter of you. Are you trustworthy? Are you dependable? Are you reliable? Can you be counted upon? Will you be there when the kitchen gets slammed and everyone is sinking further and further into the weeds? Will you look out only for yourself or will you throw a lifeline to the person next to you. It has been said that half of life is merely showing up.
