ACCEPTING THE CHALLENGE…BUT ITS REALLY NOT:

Well I’ve been at my new job for over 6 weeks now and I have to admit going in I was a bit skeptical because just didnt know what to expect working in an established business like Big Jim’s. At first I was nervous but now Ive come to the conclusion that as long as I do my job to the best of my abilities thats all that matters. But still I now know that I am a very important part of the business. But yet still I had to see what things are like when not at work and basically its no different than any other place. But you have to remember its all about your preference. For me I will not let that get in the way of what I’m trying to achieve. And its quite simple, GET experience cooking on the line, always prepare and present a good product on the plate because thats why I am there. From the very beginning when I got hired at Big Jim’s I knew what I was doing and I refuse to worry about what people may think of me because quite honestly its opinion and everyone is entitled. Things are fast paced there but thats OK for me. Again its good practice. And now I get to make suggestions for new Menu ideas. But at the same time I know this is a business and you are only as good as the Food you put out.

“SO FOR NOW I HAVE KNOW WORRIES, MUST DO MY BEST TO KEEP IT THAT WAY.”

FAMILIES, NO MATTER SHAPE, FORM… MAMMAL, REPTILE:

Yesterday while getting on with my day I saw the coolest thing. I watched a Family of Geese milling about with no worries. Luckily they they were not crossing Streets or Highways but instead they were in the since on Private Property being in the Police Parking Structure. The few times I have seen a family of Geese it was always on the street and even though it may have been a time consuming waiting for them to cross Streets or Roads you just couldn’t help but be in awe of something walking other than you know the norm, people, dogs, cats, because they have no since of stop lights or any other such contraption that make us Humans stop and pay attention. And if you get to close you probably will get attack.

As I sit and look out the window before daybreak after work, I know these cars are moving quickly because the people driving are going to work. Good for at least one Family of Geese they dont have to cross this busy thoroughfare. But as far as these cars are moving it’s not safe for Humans either. I keep looking out the window and all I see is High Beams and fast moving vehicles.

All I know is when I need to cross the street I’m looking both ways multiple times before I cross because If I dont pay attention, nothing against the drivers but I dont need any accident by fast moving cars.

No matter what when possible try to look out for someone or something else because all things living deserve the right to keep living. That means all pets and other animals.

THINGS ARE NEVER GOING TO BE THE SAME…BUT SO MUCH POSITIVITY:

I never would have imagined being in the situation I’m in right now. But there is someone missing, HELEN is no longer here and I wish she was but I cant help but wonder I probably wouldn’t be where I am today because if she were still alive my path would be totally different. I know if she were hear she would be my biggest supporter because that was HELEN, even when things were down or not going well she would always find something positive in evety situation. HELEN had beliefs like no other. Even when we found out about the Cancer she would try her very best to be positive. I wish she was able to see me now, but she will always be in my heart and I feel her presence with me everyday. I have my bad days inside because I can’t truly show it, that’s why I’m so grateful to be working right now. My new job is interesting to say the least but it does help me to get through the days and especially the nights.

The weather is starting to change, its going to be warming up outside. Things will never be the same. I know I have to keep moving forward. But its tough, one minute at a time…as long as I do that I believe I will be OK.

EXTRA INNINGS…THIS IS NO ORDINARY GAME:

The last 2 weeks have really been something out of a book. But I will not let it get me down or keep me in a holding pattern. And the start of this week was, well snow Monday, started a new job Tuesday, 70 degrees Wednesday, almost missed out on possibly a great opportunity but luckily I did not…more on that another time. Thursday I know I did something, why I cant remember seriously, it was 2 days ago. Selective amnesia I guess. Yesterday back to work, it really does feels good to say that. This morning it’s raining but the game of life must continue because this is no 9 inning affair. I like to look at it as never ending. Even though in baseball after 9 INNINGS the game is over. And of course The CUBS are well off to a slow start but I’m not worried about them because when they turn it on IT’S on.

I guess what I’m saying is there are many fastballs, curveballs and change ups on the daily. But unlike with baseball just keep swinging, you will connect and who knows. Like HARRY CARAY would say “A HOME RUN, HOLY COW!”

Seriously I know I did somethings Thursday but I really can’t remember, and let the rain fall. I need enough rain this morning for my Lillies but I need it to stop before this afternoon for the game.

“GO CUBS GO!”

ROCK ‘EM SOCK’EM…DON’T JUST STAND THERE:

I feel like I almost got sick after going to get a physical. Dont get me wrong the physical was necessary because you need to know what’s going on with your body and the past 2 weeks has been a bit of a challenge because I was congested and coughing but Thankfully I had that same amount of time before I truly had to be around other people. For me I may have just had a cold but sometimes people have to deal with more serious issues but if you believe in yourself and have a great support group you should be able to get through anything. Please understand this is just my opinion and I am not going thru whatever the next person is dealing with. I realize now when I’m going through something that it’s always best to express yourself because if you don’t it will become toxic and just add to whatever it is you are dealing with.

Everyone is different and we all have ways of dealing with things. As long as you don’t give up, Know matter the situation it should be beneficial to the mind. I’m so fortunate to have met many people, even through my blog I do received some good advice.

“BECAUSE WHEN YOU TALK ABOUT THINGS TO SOMEONE ELSE THEY COULD JUST BE GOING THROUGH SOMETHING SIMILAR.”

GRAY SKIES, DREARY DAY…YEP AS SCRIPTED:

It’s April, it’s raining, this is one month that hardly ever changes. Baseball is in full swing now. GO CUBS GO!! I’m glad it’s raining because it’s going to help my lillies, yes you will be hearing a lot about them because it was the first time I’ve ever planted lillies. I’m so glad tomorrow is a new beginning for me, Orientation is at my new job. I’m so glad that CHEF NICOLE was able to get me a interview and I was hired at The Nursing Home. For me I couldn’t have thought of a better place to be working now. I’ve always like working in Nursing Homes. For me it’s a small way of giving back. And it’s always a plus when you have a job such as this because it helps when dealing with love ones, family and friends. That’s why I admire my sister Tekeshia. She has been in the field (Nursing Home) for a few years now. She’s even going back to school to become a RN. I’m very proud of her, I know she is good at what she does.

Even though it may be raining, dreary and cold now it’s just all part of the season. Because when the weather breaks its going to be Hot. Hot. Hot. So grateful to be able to write this today. And as today turns into tomorrow one just never knows about Chicago Weather but one thing is for sure I will be ready.

THE HEART KNOWS WHAT THE HEART KNOWS…ITS HERE

Well EASTER has come and gone, it’s time for other things to get started. I’m excited because I planted some Lillies back in late Fall/ early Winter and they just broke dirt/soil so I’m feeling good about that. I did them for my Friend BONNIE who recently died a few weeks ago.I attended her funeral, so I’m standing there looking at these bulbs that have sprouted because BONNIE strives for things being done a certain way when it comes to her Plants and Flowers and I’m proud to say I did it.”TO BE CONTINUED.”

MY DAD also died in March, 7 years ago. It’s like the month of March and EASTER has increasingly become hard. You know something I remember one year when my DAD had a coon the week before EASTER, yes I said a coon in the fridge in a solution in a pan with its feet up in the air. That was my DAD, if it wasnt a coon it was rabbit or something else. He definitely knew how to cook. I miss him, I miss Bonnie…Helen daughter died the year before and of course HELEN has been gone for about 16 months now. I’ve learned that even though there is so much pain inside, know matter how I feel I can’t give up. But when I lost HELEN I did give up. I will never forget any of them my DAD who was definitely a man with a big heart,HELEN who was my rock, my heart, my soul and HELENS’ DAUGHTER ALEXIS, or BONNIE who was my outside Mom, Now I’m about to start work because I need to be busy. I’m definitely pumped about my 2 jobs so that’s a big plus.

“I KNOW THOSE LILLIES I PLANTED ARE REALLY GOING TO BLOSSOM BECAUSE THERE ARE SO MANY HANDS THAT WILL MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOING TO BLOSSOM.”

“I MISS EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU.”

I, REBOT…SANITY AND THE PRACTICALITY OF IT ALL:

Have you ever felt like you wish you were a twin or triplets? Wheras the 3 of you would work as one. Each of you would take on different tasks for you. It’s stupid, meaning when you have so much to do in one day that you could ✋ off…William #1 you do this, William #2 you do this and William #3 you take care of the rest. See how I am thinking, SURI and GOOGLE ASSISTANT can only do so much. But I actually 👍 being busy everyday, all day, thru out the day. Being busy means you are progressing and not being stagnant. Technology is going there though, I think their are already mechanical arms and other things. But I already know other than being identical you will be different in so many ways.

For me, the busier I am the more level headed I feel because for me if I’m not busy, my mind will wander. We all are thinkers in some form or fashion. Having things to occupy my day keeps me sane. I hope it never stops.

“I THINK ITS CALLED HAVING A LIFE.”

YOUR CHEF, MY CHEF, THE COMMUNITIES…CHEF NICOLE

I met Nicole Pederson orientation day January 9th when I officially signed up for THE SILVERFORK CULINARY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM. As I and my future classmates were registering for the first time during the meet and greet. She introduced herself and to be honest I just remembered her name because for me there was so many other things I had to pay attention to. But I do remember it was her first day as well. She was also new to the Center on Halsted Family. The one thing that stuck out with me was when it was stated the first week we will be working on our knife skills. Again I heard this but class was 2 weeks away so kinda heard it but I didn’t. Oh, boy boy boy was I surprised. The first hour was about knives, potatoes and onions. It was bound to happen I believe their were 2 minor cuts and a minor burn. But that began my journey with CHEF NICOLE and I’m so glad and honored to have been a part of the class. So I decided to ask CHEF NICOLE would she be willing to be interviewed by me for my blog. She said yes of course.

My first question was what was your profession before becoming a CHEF? CHEF NICOLE states she started working in the restaurant business when she was 16, she was a hostess, then she bused tables and then a server. She waited tables while she was in High School, then Community College. While in Culinary School she got her first real cooking job at a Catering Company.
I asked why did you become a CHEF? CHEF NICOLE states she really loves cooking, she was working as a waitress at a small French Restaurant in ST. PAUL and one day the CHEF sat her down and told her he thought she should go to Culinary School. He pointed out that she knew all the ingredients in every dish, she states she asked for recipes to take home and cook. She states and whenever she had free time she would watch the CHEFS break down the Fish and Beef Tenderloin. She states “CHEF said that’s not normal, that she was obviously drawn to it.” She also thought that she would love to travel and that cooking is a skill you can do anywhere in the world, so after their talk she decided to go to Culinary School and give it a shot.
I asked CHEF NICOLE where did she attend Cooking School? She states she went to the ART INSTITUTES INTERNATIONAL IN MINNEAPOLIS.
When I asked her were there any Cities that she worked as a CHEF? She states she has been a Cook in Minneapolis, MN; Near CAHORS FRANCE; Vali, CO; New York City and now she has been in Chicago for 11 years.
I asked her if there was an inspiration to become a CHEF? If so by whom? She says the CHEFS that have inspired and influenced her the most in her career are Marcus Samuelsson, Jason Hammel and Paul Ferzacca. The CHEFS she admires most are Susan Goan, Yotam Otto Lenghi, Anita Lo and Julia Child.
I asked after becoming a CHEF what was the first dish she prepared? She says and I quote. “WHOA, that was a long time ago!” she states she can’t remember just after she graduated from Culinary School she was working at a Restaurant called The Loring Cafe, there was a local guy who brought in Foraged Mushrooms and she bought some to take home. She says she made MU SHU STYLE MUSHROOMS by changing a MU SHU PORK Recipe to use the Chicken of the Woods Wild Mushrooms she had . She says she also made little Pancakes made from scratch. It was a recipe out of one of Martin Yan’s Cook Books.
When I asked CHEF NICOLE how did she decide to be a CHEF at The Center on Halsted? She says she needed a change in her life and that she wanted to work somewhere she was helping people, she recalls when a friend told her about the job she instantly knew she wanted to go for it.
Being a part of the LGBTQ COMMUNITY did she feel she had to prove herself? CHEF NICOLE states she is straight. She states when she was young and working in Kitchens’ she was the only woman, she says she constantly felt like she have to work harder and never take any crap from the Guys. CHEF NICOLE says she knew she was as good if not better and she was going to prove it. CHEF NICOLE says it seemed even harder as she progressed in her career.
When I asked her where does she see herself 5 years from? CHEF NICOLE feels she is in a period of transition, right now it is hard to say Professionally what she will be doing. However she has the soul of an Entrepreneur. She hopes to marry her boyfriend and start a family. Because she says that would make her just as happy as she is now if not happier. CHEF NICOLE and her boyfriend of 3 years ANDREW BATES bought a house last fall and decided to move in for the firs time.
When I asked CHEF NICOLE does she have a dream place to work as a CHEF? She states in her own very successful FOOD BUSINESS that is fully paid off with an Amazing Team and Board to guide them on there Journey.
When I asked her when she is not at work what does she do in her down time? She says she loves to work with her hands, she knits, does gardening and cook a lot at home, she is also studying Spanish and she just started a loom weaving course.
When I asked her does she have any regrets about anything? She says “Life is too short for regrets, I have made many mistakes in my life, I have been mean and impatient in the past, I just try to learn from those mistakes and try not make the same one twice and just keep looking forward.”
I can tell you are passionate about Teaching and Cooking, What motivates you? CHEF NICOLE says she has always been driven to succeed but she thinks when she was young she was driven by fear of failure and as she has grown she now knows that is not good motivation and it leads to bad habits and poor decisions. She says she knows she is driven by the desire to create, whether it is creating Cooks with strong foundation and the desire to learn. Or a simple dish to feed her Friends and Family, CHEF NICOLE says she just wants to create things that makes life better or people happy.

After being a part of the Winter Cohort, me and my Classmates definitely got to know CHEF NICOLE. Speaking for myself I see that CHEF NICOLE is very passionate about her craft and that she has no problem teaching, sharing and guiding you through any and everything there is know about Cooking. She has high expectations for her Students. And believe me she will let you know if you make mistakes or not paying attention. Because like she says if you don’t ask she will assume you know what you are doing. CHEF NICOLE is a very nice person in the Kitchen, you don’t want the Devil Eyes, if you get the Devil Eyes you will be corrected in a heartbeat but it’s only because their is only one way ant that’s CHEFS’ way

I believe in CHEF NICOLE, I know that whatever she strives for she will achieve. The Center on Halsted is very fortunate to have her because she will put her heart into it all.

I wish you nothing but happiness and continued success in everything you want to accomplish. “THANKS FOR EVERYTHING CHEF NICOLE.”

And A word of advice for the incoming cohort. Remember there are only 3 true answers in the Kitchen. Yes CHEF. No CHEF and I don’t know CHEF.

MY STORY, ANOTHER CHAPTER…BUT IT’S NOT OVER

Well, what a ride we did it, me and my classmates Graduated from THE SILVERFORK CULINARY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM. 9 weeks of fun, skill learning, temperature control, 🔪 skills, 🔪 skills, 🔪 skills, making of rouxs, stocks and well our list was pretty extensive. And aaatitudes everywhere. But I thought that was good. It was like snap peas the last 3 week’s Snap Snap Snap I always stayed in the back but always observant and paying attention. There is nothing wrong with being corrected or put in your place because in the kitchen CHEF wants it right. Dare I say perfection, no your very best because that’s why we enrolled in the class. When we apply for Jobs. go on Interviews you already know what’s expected.

Thank You CHEF NICOLE Thank You CHEF SEAN. You both have taught and showed us, encouraged us, guided us and now we are ready, we have to be ready now it’s time to become employed. Graduation was great yesterday our Guest Speaker was INA PINKNEY. THE BREAKFAST QUEEN, her speech was so inspirational she told us if we really want to be successful in The Restaurant Business you have to put in the work and pay our dues. I myself know that success doesn’t come overnight but it is attainable if you want it.

Monday and Tuesday was the Dinning Series, Monday night might have been a little rough but we rocked Tuesday night. So that was a great feeling of pride. I was asked to give a speech about why I became a student of The SILVERFORK PROGRAM. Even though I was 😓 I think it went well. Wednesday was the last day of class we were BLESSED to have 2 🧀 Mongers. Lisa Futterman and Jordan. She explained to us and had us sample 6 different types of 🧀. She made a 🧀 Board while adding Fruits and Jams to go with each type of 🧀. Then we were put into groups and we got to make Ricotta and Mozzarella 🧀s. I thought it was a great way for the class to come to an end.

Now that me and my classmates have 🎓 we all will be on different paths. But I had the chance to meet a great group of people and 2 phenomenal CHEFS.

“THANK YOU CHEF SEAN THANK YOU CHEF NICOLE!!”

THANKS TO ALL MY CLASSMATES!!