After all their hard work at Veggi U, Chef Jonathon Sawyer & Chef Leann Wong have one ten celebratory cocktail(s)
Sometimes I think that I hurt the Chef more than help. I feel like my presence alginates him from getting to know other chefs. I sometimes feel like a third wheel after events when all the chef’s hang together, drinking scotch, & talking shop.
In the culinary world, chefs not only run restaurants but they also do many many events. For the local folks you know that the Chef is usually doing an event in the Cleve about once a week. It can get pretty hectic but we (the restaurant) really enjoy getting out there and mingling with people who love food. After some of these events there tends to a gathering of chefs for an after party. Being that I am the Chef’s Widow I have been to 8.7 million of these after parties. I have hung out till the wee hours of the morning with some kick ass culinary masterminds. It has only been lately that the thought of these after parties have begun to freak me out.
At the last after party I felt like a third wheel. I felt like I was infringing on the Chef’s right to hang out with the people he admires most. Of course this was totally all in my mind and he will tell you that he always prefers that I am with him. He thinks I make him better. But do I make him better? Or do I alienate him from meeting his mentors, making connections, or just have some good ‘ole wife-free fun? Most chefs that I have come in to contact with his age are not living the life we live. They do not have kids nor are they married. And if they are married with children they sure as hell leave their wives at home. So I ask myself, do I really belong at these events by his side or I am doing him more harm than good?
I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
***For all the locals, The Huffinton Post is asking for your favorite local restaurant, I know what mine is! Let’s get Cleveland in the TOP TEN!!!!
I’m sure he loves having you there with him to share these exciting times with him!
I know he does I am just being a lameo
My wife often says the same things about me when I am at a corporate function. Most of my peers are young and not married, but they have the same salaries, so they tend to live fast and party hard. She always feels like a wet blanket, but in all actuality, I love it when she comes because she does make me better.
She is the reason I am the person I am today. Why not show everyone the woman I talk about all day everyday?
When Chef says he wants you around, then he is telling the truth. Keep going!
Yes! You do belong! I don’t know all the details but it seems to me that your chef is so successful because of you. No, I’m not talking about your culinary advice, but your support and love. Cheffing is a grueling job and he’s got a good partner with you by his side.
As far as the events go, have you asked him what he thinks about you being there? my advice is always the same: talk, talk, talk!
This is difficult. Hence the post I assume. I’m not the primo invitee so I don’t l know what goes through their heads. That said, as long as the invite isn’t purely an obligatory invite, rock on. If obligatory, take a night off. Let breathe – both you and invitee. I mean, it doesn’t always have to be a package deal right?