Pick Our Brain
V) Performance
Evaluate your performance to keep bettering yourself.
- Your performance is measured in totality: technical execution along with demeanor of how it is executed.
- Get others involved in presenting the food will assist in relieving some pressure.
- Giving clear direction to your “assistants” will minimize any aggravation for the self proclaimed perfectionists.
- Remember, the people who assist you become stakeholders and will also take pride in their work. No matter how minimal, what they do should be appreciated and recognized.
- Could have, should have, would haves can be respectfully discussed in a positive manner around the dinner table.
Ferdinand Point, Father of Nouvelle Cuisine, sums up ‘American Exceptionalism’ pretty well,
"I'm not hard to please; I'm content with the very best!"'
Chef Point was an evolutionary who understood the value of creativity and adapting to the wishes of the customer. Holding the belief that great cuisine is not static, he also understood the importance of retaining a base, the foundation, and build upon it. In doing so created the “New Cuisine.” Engaging the customer in the front of the house had never been done before by the chef. Ferdinand walked tall into the dining room to compose and create menus for the customers around their preferences and creating dishes to their tastes.
Running his business was done with a firm hand, from the serving hours to the number of guests to be served. When the maximum number of guests was reached, the president, himself, would not have been served. The standard would ensure the sanctity of the dining room. To Ferdinand Point, dining was a total experience, encompassing the atmosphere, ambiance, cuisine and the wines. It was all about the details, none of which was too small. Using the finest crystal and porcelain, Ferdinand set his standard high. He was convinced of the fact that a great restaurant can only be maintained at the cost of such items.
What I see, as an observer, is that Ferdinand Point was a great listener. It was this skill that elevated him to the status of evolutionary. Like all great men they rely on their foundation but are able to adapt, change, and create. This creation and adaptation stemming from his interaction with his patrons, is how the evolution began. As a strategic and critical thinker he was able to recognize his biases, and shortcomings while staying true to his principles. In the end the proof is in the pudding.