(From April 2012: For almost 15 years. Chef Patrick Brideau has made me laugh myself silly--and has taught me a lesson that was especially invaluable today. It was an honor to me when he donated his time and talents to feed the local Causeway Workers involved in the Naples Causeway Revitilization in April of this year.)
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Previously, I paid homage to two mentors with whom I worked at Phillips Exeter Academy during 1994-1997: Marshall Lyons and Carol Ann Edgerley. Sadly, these two role models of mine are not with us any longer, and yet I carry them with me every time I enter the kitchen at The Inn at Long Lake.Another mentor that has made a marked influence on my life and career is my friend, Patrick Brideau. Patrick was the former Head Baker at Phillips Exeter and worked down the hall in a large bake shop (with his assistant Cindy) that fed the entire 800-1,000 students and faculty each day with fresh-baked muffins, breads, desserts, and homemade ice cream.
Arriving early each morning and departing early afternoon (baker's hours!), Patrick was a pleasure to work with as he was "un-shakeable" when the pressure was at a frantic pace (usually around serve time).
Patrick commanded my respect not only because he created freely using improvisation when things went "hoo-wee" (lol), but because he insisted that "losing your mind gets you nowhere fast." Many a time we younger, and less experienced, chefs were not so "contained" when the chaos started leaking into our production (the making of the food) or service (the plating and dispensing of our work for our guests to enjoy). Even the slightest havoc creates a domino effect on the entire scene (enter high drama at its worst!) While I admit I am still working on not letting stress ruin the love and intention I place into creating the elements of hospitality, I hear Patrick's voice often. It often sounds like this: "Dude....dude....bring it in. Don't let the ship turn over. Dude...reel it in..." It helps to hear his voice in my head. It helps to know it is also a behavior that can be taught from within your own head---IF you can train yourself to respond that way.
Let's face it, folks. Life spins around---and at us---in such a furious, and crazy, way. I never thought that Life would be so busy--text messages, a phone in my pocket ringing, speed limits higher than 55 miles per hour, letters in a computer calling from a cyber-mailbox all day. It wears you down to a point where your physicality actually becomes detached from the moment you are supposed to be savoring and experiencing. Add lack of adequate sleep, or lack of faith or trusting in the Universal support (that gives us enough air every day to keep alive), and the un-awareness that support of friends and loved ones can be there for us when we need it, life can be pretty challenging at times!
Having experienced a meltdown or two during this, one of the most challenging times to run a small business, I was pretty hard on myself for being so emotional. In its aftermath of shame that followed (I could barely face those who witnessed it all), I learned the lesson that Patrick had taught me 15 years after his words were spoken. It is this: Find a way to ground yourself when you are afraid. Take time each day to know WHAT that feeling FEELS like. When you can move yourself into that quiet place, it will provide you the peace to create, and share, and trust, and actually hear the breathe coming from your own physical body.
Take time to "reel it in" as my mentor and friend Patrick Brideau says. Remember: you are no good to anyone if you cannot offer the world a calm & centered YOU. And....when you are there, your true gifts can then be heard and shared! Give yourself this gift, too. Whether you are baking, knitting, rocking a baby, or patting an animal---you will find this to be truth.
Keith A. Neubert
Innkeeper-Chef
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