"If you are going to achieve excellence in big things, you develop the habit in little matters. Excellence is not an exception, it is a prevailing attitude."
This is a quote that my father sent me before embarking on my international expedition. The words are strong and true like an arrow, but there is much deeper meaning. It starts with the view of a big picture or an end game. You know what kind of result you want so you set the standard bar high. Quickly following the big picture comes the intricate symphony of all the minute details that sum up to the complete project or picture.
Let's say you are making a mostarda. The final product is gong to be sweet, spicy and rich. So how do you get there? It starts with the fruit you get from the market. Do the apricots have bruises or wormholes? Are they firm soft or in between the two. When you cut the peaches, make sure that they are all cut the same size. Why? To make sure that it all cooks evenly. How long do you cook the fruit until you strain the liquid off? And how long do you reduce the sweet, succulent syrup that comes from the maceration of the fruit? All of these small details, if executed properly lead to a superb product that you can honestly say is the best you can produce... Until next time.
So far, California is proving to be all about taking the time to make things taste amazing. The infusions for a broth or pasta filling all have love, time and dedication put into them to create amazing food. Even if it takes two minutes more, it is worth the effort and time to have a superior product.
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