Could it be... a Super Power?

Why food? What is it about food that makes me tick? I believe that food has the incredible power to bring people together. We’ve all heard the phrase “the main ingredient is love”.  I believe that emotion while cooking is the essential ingredient in food. Whether it is love, or passion, or excitement, or inspiration: these emotions can truly make the difference in the flavor of a dish. These dishes now have the power to change the circumstance in the room. Have you noticed that pivotal conversations or memories happen over meals? Marriage proposals, baby announcements, the unfortunate discussion of illness, funerals, holidays, and yes, even arguments; they typically occur around food.

I believe that we would be able to find world peace if we discussed these very issues around a dinner table. One of my favorite moments ever occurred in Merida, Mexico. It was at the very end of opening a restaurant. Typically, I would bring my team together for a night on the town after a successful opening. I mean, you never know if you are going to see these individuals again so make sure to make the last night memorable. On this particular trip, it dawned on me: We should all cook, in a way, together. My team came from many different places – Peru, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Illinois, Florida, New York. We had the best final meal I have ever enjoyed. Ceviche made by Juana (Peru), Rice made by Pedro & Angel (the D.R.), Lechón Asado which is Cuban pulled pork which I made (Florida), fried plantains (a group effort), Chicha Morada (a peruvian non alcoholic drink), and a ton of love for our work family. The fifteen of us shared this wonderful meal with the owner of the restaurant who is Venezuelen and his wife, a Mexican. We laughed, we cried, we shared our dreams and our fears. In that moment, we knew, we would forever be family.

This is the power I feel I have in food. Some call it super powers, I guess I don’t see these as ‘super’. For me, it’s food. Food is my super power AND my kryptonite. I think the fact that it qualifies as both just proves that it might be my super power.

I have had mentors in my life point out several aspects that I bring to the table. I learn very quickly and adapt. I believe it is an essential skill for opening restaurants and consulting them. Very quickly, one needs to learn all aspects of the market. What flavors does the public enjoy? Identify the best marketing technics. How does this client prefer business be conducted? Ebb. Flow. “Be Gumby, dammit” as one mentor would say. A great boss once told me I had an uncanny ability to make people like me even when I was telling them something that is difficult to hear – from terminating someone to identifying poor hygiene. He was always amazed that people left the room hugging me after such a conversation. I think it is because these individuals know that I truly care about them and their own progress as an individual. I want to see each person do exceptionally well. I want nothing more than to see them succeed.

So to my teams and families from many an opening – I miss you all and love you, my family. Siempre serán mi familia, los quiero mucho.

To my mentors and all who have allowed me to learn from you – I am forever grateful for the lessons and the time invested.

Thank you for reading. I hope you take the time to Love Stranger(s) today.

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 4

A Glimpse Into The Future

Allow me to transport you to how I envision the future. I obviously love to travel and explore the different cuisines of the world, here is how I would like to do so.  

Today, I find myself in yet another city. This is the last of several days exploring San Antonio with its up and coming food scene. Some would say this food scene has been around for years. I wake up with the sun grazing my face and birds chirping outside the window. I have a packed day scheduled since I fly home to Florida today. I take a big stretch, get comfy by the window and prepare for a short meditation to clear the fog away. I set intentions for today, clearly visualizing how my presentation will go, the way conversations will transpire; in my own way trying to bless the day and instill positive energy.

A great workout helps me truly feel alive, alert, and awake. It is time to get ready – a woman’s typical morning routine, taking time to look and feel good. It will be a wonderful day.  Now that I feel the part, it is time to pack up and get out of the hotel.

The reason for my trip is to help a new client fully develop his restaurant concept. We have explored his desires for menu creation and overall feel of the restaurant. Today he gets to see a bit more of what that will look like, in pictures, sounds and flavors.  A full package has been created for him and I am honored to transport him to our joint vision of his restaurant. With my luggage, presentation, and chef coat in hand I make my way over to his restaurant space. It is time to prepare, show, create, taste, and experience what his new restaurant can be like.

Hours later I leave the restaurant with just the right amount of dirt on my chef coat and a beaming smile on my face. It always feels great to put a full vision together, his vision when he could not find the words, and add sprinkles of trend and operational savvy.  I get to make my way now to one of my absolute favorite places; an airport. Watching airplanes take-off and land is pure joy; second only to that feeling of adventure and freedom that comes from being on a plane during take-off and landing. I snap some pictures on my flight, the view is simply spectacular up here. With a giddy laugh, I prepare for home.

Time to see my honey and watch my Knights play. As boosters and avid fans, we catch every game possible. The freedom of this business has allowed me to schedule meetings at times so that I can be here live for the games. This evening, I can feel the youthful hope of a new team. They are fresh and competitive, committed to each other and their coaches.  I realize, as the fans cheer and chant, that we have all needed folks in our corner in this same way. Not just when we are young and fresh and new, but also as we progress and embark on new adventures.

The energy in the stands and the experiences of the week spark a new idea. I stay up late trying to bring this vision a new life. How else can I make sure that we “Love Strangers”?

Stay tuned to find out.

Thank you for letting me dream!

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 3

My Why

Today has been an adventurous day – a culinary adventure for certain. Through this adventure I have been asking myself “why”? Why this path?

I am often amazed by the ways of the universe. It has an uncanny ability to surprise us in the most pleasant of ways. With tiny nudges the universe reminded me why this is the path I MUST travel. I feel I have no choice and am being called to contribute in a way that a corporate job seems to stifle.

We had to take it easy in Michigan today, we were flying home this evening.  Lunch was planned with aunt who lives in Michigan. Auntie has been our compass on this short trip, showing us the food sights – from dive, to hipster restaurant, and back to local treasures. Now – my dad’s side of the family is not one I know well. They were up north (mostly Michigan) and I grew up in Florida. My parents divorced when I was young, so distance and circumstance kept me from cultivating relationships.

Auntie, well, she is cool. I am grateful that I get to know her as an adult, grateful to not have her spoiled with childhood memories that would cloud my ability to know her now. HopCat yesterday – that was thanks to her. Ordering dessert for an appetizer – all her idea! Yeah – she is the aunt you always wanted. If you are nice, I might decide to share. Oh, who am I kidding, she is MINE! My 4-year-old self has spoken.

I find that the simple things in life are the answer to the question ‘why?”. Today, it was the sharing of stories with Auntie, and the sharing of her pride (food) that made the day special. Auntie is a pastry chef. Her culinary perspective is one I trust. So, to Leo’s we went, where I had a Special Coney Dog. it is simple really: a hot dog topped with chili, cheese, and mustard.

It is supposed to have raw onions, but I wanted a kiss later, so opted out. Simple and outstanding.

Then, I discovered the Midwestern way to eat paste and my new favorite: Spaghetti topped with chili and cheddar cheese. 

Oh. My!

We later enjoyed a trip to Culver’s for ice cream. Simple & perfect. Ice cream with toppings.

As Auntie said, “how do you think we are all so nice? We are all fed well and happy! Fat and creaminess and sweets keep us kind.”

On our way to the airport she delivered a parting gift: a lunch bag filled with cookies; four varieties she had baked herself this morning. She included my absolute favorite, Snickerdoodles! We don’t know each other well (remember, we are getting to know each other now). Yet another surprise from the universe in this little bag of cookies.

On the flight, more nudges.  Diane, the flight attendant was witty, funny, and a true pleasure. We shared some cookies with her, I hope Auntie doesn’t mind. Diane reminded me exactly why: hospitality. The word is said to first be found in Greek writings, meaning to Love Strangers. Diane and the Michigan fan on the flight with us showed us, two strangers, some great love.

On the next flight, the perfect ending to a series of nudges from the universe: the two sitting in front of me were perfect strangers perfectly paired on the flight. A young man (22 years old) and a businessman (I would say mid to late forties) were placed beside each other. This particular businessman seemed ready to work. I was amazed when he engaged the novice. As only the universe would have it, they are in the same field. The novice, fresh out of college, is just a couple of months into his first career job. The businessman chose to use his flight to teach the novice the basics of his business. In the hour long flight, he chose to mentor someone who he would receive zero direct benefit from. As we descended to land, I interrupted the two and simply thanked the businessman. This, exactly this, is the answer to why. As I told him – I would have killed for someone to teach me like that in my first months. Mentors are incredibly hard to discover. Their time is a commodity they invest sparingly. Yet there he was – teaching someone he did not know. Nudge. Today was the businessman’s birthday. He was supposed to be on an earlier flight, but changed to a later one to spend time with nieces and nephews in a layover city.

The universe conspired to remind me of my goal at age 11. It was a simple one, but lofty: To impact the lives of everyone I met.  As an adult, I expand that to ‘Love Strangers’. I always thought I chose restaurants. Turns out that hospitality chose me.

Thank you for reading my scribbles. 

This blog post is in response to Natalie’s 10 Day Freedom Plan Blog Challenge Day 2