Commitment to Excellence

"The spirit, the will to win, and the will to excel are the things that endure. These qualities are so much more important than the events that occur." 

Vince Lombardi, NFL Coach

The Book - Update

Coaching Culinary Champions is with the graphic artist and in the final phase of edits. We are looking at a May, 2008 release. Best estimate would be mid to late May. Keep watching the blog for updates. 

Motivational Thought for Today

"If I compete and I think I gave it my best shot, it doesn't matter if I win."  

Mike Ditka

Peeling Vegetables: The Standard

Yes, believe it or not, there is a standard even when peeling vegetables. Learn how to peel an onion and a carrot properly, according to the "expected standard." Emphasis on the term "properly." Even in peeling vegetables, everyone has an opinion. But remember, when it comes to the classical standards, you have no opinion. Classical techniques and sticking to the accepted standard will always provide you with positive assessments and will always win the medal. Like it or not, the standard is the standard. 

Hands-on experiences are a priority.

Learning and practicing the foundations of culinary arts and processes are essential to your long-range success. Application of everything that you read and learn in the classroom must be practiced. Your learning will evolve and you will soon find yourself at a new level of learning. You will soon see the target. You will soon be in reach of the "Gold." Never underestimate your education, specifically the fundamentals of cookery, it is the foundation for everything that lies ahead of you. 

Do you have what it takes?

"The title and privilege of being a Chef is something that you must earn. Getting a certificate or diploma doesn't make you a chef. Hard work, sacrifice, and understanding  that there are no shortcuts, will eventually make you a Chef."

Read more from the book in the section "Being a Chef." by Mareva Lynde & Frank Leake

TEAMWORK (Hawaii's 2007 ACF Team in Training)

Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.

The ability to direct individual accomplishment toward organizational objectives.

It is the fuel that allows common people to attain uncommon results.

Simply stated it is less me and more we.     ---Author Unknown