[Sun]

Today was one of those days at work that everyone should experience before deciding to become a Chef. We were hammered all day long. Personally I enjoy the energy rush and work with a great time. However, slamming food out is not my thing, I like to take my time and get into the artistry of the entire aesthetic experience, the careful execution of every aspect of the dish, the plating, any design work that goes into the production and so on. Busy days on a line in a kitchen require that we almost go on "auto pilot", During down time, I like to get my hands into some of the prep work.

Today as I was grating Parmesan, cutting fresh Basil, chopping fresh Rosemary, and squeezing fresh lemons, I was drifting off into the natural realm where I often find myself inhaling the gifts of nature. I was thinking of my Italian ancestry and how for centuries they were likely working with these same ingredients, preparing dishes for the family and for the public. When I have a ball of dough in my hands I feel a connection to my great grandfather who came here from Italy and opened a bakery in Queens NY.

When I saute' garlic and olive oil I am transported back to my Nana's kitchen and I can almost hear the back door open as my grandfather brought in fresh plum tomato's from his garden, so proud of his hard work. They were a lovely, charming couple, so in sync with the relationship between good food and family. My grandparents modeled sweet romantic love. They were so very loving.

We had amazing family dinners every Sunday and talked for hours about everything under the sun including our ancestry and the labor that went into preparing amazing meals.

I never forget how hard they all worked to make a life for us, and how I now carry that responsibility and family name forward. Often I wonder what I will pass on to my own children...will they love to be in the kitchen as much as I do? Will the scent of garlic sauteing in olive oil or the aroma of fresh basil remind them of home too?

It is a symphonic harmonizing of culture and generations that opens up in the kitchen, the sound of the pots and pans signal the start, the fire and knives play the melody, the cook is the composer and the ingredients are the music. It is an amazing journey for sure. As I wrap up my day, my heart begins to ache a little bit each day, as I long for a family to come home to. To be able to be who I am with my own family, to cook with a partner, to talk about our day, to share a meal...these are my riches in this lifetime. There is nothing elese that I could accomplish or have that could possibly top this wish for my future. It is a bittersweet moment, as the feeling sinks into my soul..and it is one that I carry with me always.