Over the course of my professional training, I have many Kung Fu (not the Martial art but the David Carradine TV Series) style recollections, just as Grasshopper did, I relive the scenes in my head as I recall some bit of wisdom or knowledge that is imparted and indeed imprinted on me. A chef instructor at my culinary school I think his name was Mike, once said to me “Your station and its condition is a reflection of your mind.” He meant that a disorganized work area is in fact the result of a disorganized mind.
As Thom plaintively sang “everything in its right place” thus manifesting that universal truth.
Mise En Place is the French culinary term for everything in place, preparedness to ensure optimal economy of resources. This idea of preparedness and readiness takes a unique discipline, a commitment to order which informs the professional cook/Chef’s attitude in all aspects.
In any professional kitchen, this term is used often as it is at the core of the professional cook’s mindset. The demand and rigor of the kitchen require this the need for exactitude and precision as every service is a game of Jenga in reverse at blinding speed amid a cacophony of noise in a hot chaotic environment is paramount to the success of the restaurant.
In my days in the kitchen, I would, in fact, go so far as to map out my station, drawing a diagram, for myself and later for my cooks, considering the most needed items stored closer than those of lesser importance so as not to slow down movement even for a second, making sure to put my garnishes aside from my prepared sauces (a drip of Raifort dropped into some minced chives would slow me down as I fished around the glop for unusable garnish.)
For me, this idea of readiness implies mental toughness, vigilance, always looking for the weak link in your setup or approach to something, hunger, and fire in one’s belly to be better, faster, and more precise. An attitude of indomitability is a state of mind that has parallels to military training, (looking at you Seal Team 6.)
This attack mentality is fantastic as it provides the fuel and fortitude to endure the intense and oftentimes grueling work of a kitchen. But although it is part of the nomenclature of cooking this phrase has value in other aspects of one’s life, when planning anything of importance assuming the desire for optimal results takes a mindset of readiness: practice for the musician, rehearsal for the actor, role play for the salesperson or litigator, drills for the athlete.
I recently made the decision to permanently imprint this on my body (Exhibit A) as not only a reminder of glory days gone by but a more fulsome mantra to remind me to always endeavor for excellence in any endeavor. Words to indeed live by.