Love for Cooking: A Necessity for Becoming a Great Chef
To be a competently “good” cook, probably not. However, to become a great cook, definitely. While you can train in something and become competent in it even if you don't love it, if you lack the passion for it, you won't invest the mental and emotional energy needed to truly excel. This principle applies to any art form, whether it be music, painting, poetry, or cooking.
In the future, we may witness advanced cooking robots, capable of creating "original" art without emotion. While it's possible to not like or be emotionally invested in the art of cooking, the world still needs passionate food artisans. Truck drivers, for example, are equally crucial; they deserve much respect for their contributions.
Love and Passion for Food
Absolute dedication to food is non-negotiable. It should be your passion. When life throws a curveball—be it an argument or a setback—you must still turn out those chickens perfectly. Yes, it's just chicken, but again and again, it needs to be impeccably done. Truss the legs, season it perfectly, no matter what's happening in your life.
Each dish is an opportunity to improve and refine your techniques. Every mistake provides valuable lessons about doing things the right way. Shortcuts are detrimental; any outcome shy of perfection is unacceptable, even if it's just chicken. Over the years, you've invested countless hours into developing your craft. If you can't turn out a decent chicken, all those efforts become meaningless.
Cooking chicken, or any dish, involves meticulous attention to detail. The bird needs to be optimally fresh. The seasoning must be just right—assertive but not overbearing, savory and scrumptious but not too salty or hot. Each bird is unique, and so are the variables. You must account for all these variables effortlessly. When you're in the kitchen, the focus on detail becomes as natural as breathing. There is and never has been another way to do it.
Consistency and Attention to Detail
Consistency is a mythical creature of the same variety as the perfect chicken. Every piece of every product is unique, and your technique must adapt perfectly to each instance to achieve flawlessness. You may never use the same dish exactly the same way twice, but your finished product will always be flawlessly consistent, even mythically so.
This level of attention to detail is not automatic. It must come naturally to you. There is and never has been any other way to achieve culinary excellence. When you're in the kitchen, it will be as natural as breathing. There is only one way, and it's the only way you are capable of. You must love food a lot.
The Future of Cooking
With the advent of advanced cooking robots, the future of cooking may involve artificial intelligence creating "original" art without emotion. However, the world still needs the passion and dedication of skilled chefs. Truck drivers play a vital role in our society, and they deserve respect for their contributions.
Love and passion for food are the driving forces behind culinary excellence. Developing your skills in the kitchen is a continuous journey, but with dedication and a deep love for cooking, you can achieve unmatched results.
Conclusion
The dedication to a passion for food is not just a liking but a necessity for becoming a great chef. The skills required to excel in the culinary arts are honed over years of rigorous training and practice. It takes a deep love for food to consistently deliver perfection in even the most mundane tasks, such as cooking chicken. Embrace the journey and keep the love for food alive within you.