Bittersweet

BitterSweet

Well as the title states this blog will be bittersweet, today is the last day of my culinary education experience at Lester B Pearson education center. For a little over 2 years, this Center has been part of my daily life, both professionally and personally. I have met some pretty awesome humans here, refined my skills in the restaurant industry and have been able to answer one of my life journey questions “ What the heck was I created to do?”

Again, as some of you know I do have over 20 years experience in the restaurant industry, but it has been mostly in operations and management. These last 2 plus years not only gave me my fundamental culinary education but has also allowed me to grow on a personal level, and has opened doors to some wonderful job opportunities.

Though I knew how to cook, the basic terminologies and methods I lacked. But I also lacked the confidence to pursue my dreams both in my professional and personal life. Well, Thanks to this education and the wonderful humans, I have been able to accomplish what I had set out to do plus so much more.

I would like, too now Thank some of the awesome humans that not only educated me but influenced me on levels they will never know.

Chefs;

Chef Michel:) You not Nice!:) No Sir, you are a pretty cool cucumber. And the lesson learned from you was how to handle stress without killing someone. I have never met someone that walks into a room and without speaking commands respect and my undivided attention. Well, I did when I met you.

Chef Marc:) Your smile and Joie De Vivre attitude, helped me survive some pretty hard days. The lesson I learned from you, was to think outside the box. You are a very creative, smart and observant human. I will always keep in mind something you once told me, “ Nancy! You must not be afraid of the food you are preparing. Rule over your food or it will rule over you.”

Chef Anka:) You Lady are a beautiful human inside and out. The lesson I learned from you sits to my very core, as a woman you are both strong and soft. I have always had a hard time with this one and observing you, I now have a better understanding on how to do it:)

Chef Chicago:) A free spirit you are and you share some of it with your students, also your gift of communication, Wow dude don’t ever change. But the lesson I learned from you was, confidence! You verbally communicated it to me every time I saw you;) especially in the last 6 months. “Hi, Chef Nancy:) how are you doing?” You have no Idea how that sentence impacted me.

Chef Maria:) you were not only my teacher but are someone I now call a friend. The lesson I learned from you was, pursue your dreams and if you work hard you will accomplish them. We almost started at the center at the same time, you a teacher and me a student. Your openness and passion on your teaching experience, helped me realized I also had a gift and a passion for teaching

Chef Denise:) Your kind words, your matter a fact attitude, and professional approach is what I will remember of you, fine Lady. For me, the Center was not the same when you left.

Chef V:) Last but not least, you are my mentor and friend. I look forward to a growing relationship where your creativity, logic, and intelligence will continue to impact my life.

I know this will sound fatalistic but I could not have done these last years without you. You were sometimes hard on me but without that approach, I would not have stuck it through.

THANK YOU xox to all you wonderful humans!!!!!!

Chef Nancy:)