There are few things in this hectic life that bring moments of stillness and lucidity, a chance to plan for the day ahead. Cleaning and portioning meats and seafood (“Protein Fabrication” as it is known to us) is one of them. For many of us in the industry, preparing food provides us with an opportunity to clear the mind. It reminds us of some of the attraction that initially drew us into the craft. There is something to be said about the “connection” between people and food. It seems that the closer we are to the source of what we eat, the more it can be appreciated for what it is. The less processing that occurs between “producer and plate”, the more accurate and true to form the end result.
The next time you step into the kitchen to prepare a meal, try to empty your mind of distractions and concentrate on the colors, textures, smell and taste of the ingredients before you. Think about where they came from – the fields, the oceans, the farms, the trees. See if you don’t develop a new appreciation for the food. That’s why I call it the “Zen of Food.”
