Written By: Michael Sandoval

“The Waiting Game” P. IV

“The Olympics”

The warm spring day in Napa Valley was incredible again. The sun glared kindly behind the cotton clouds and the sky stood peacefully as if it was a painting.

The pastel colors of the cherry blossom trees captured the beauty of the season at its finest.

I couldn’t have imagined a better day “for a walk”!

I could already feel the emotions stirring inside of me. I knew what the conversation would be about. “Michael, you know that you are not supposed to be working”. “It is time for you to rest and get better”.

As Chef finished the final word, tears began to slowly cascade down my cheeks and I could feel the redness in my eyes. I was trying to do everything that I could to not show weakness but instead strength and maturity. I knew that I was expected to respond. As we started to approach the French Laundry Garden, I knew that our walk would soon come to a stop….

I spoke from the heart…..

With emotional words I started to say… “Chef, I have finally gotten here. I have accomplished a goal that I have had for a very long time. Not allowing me to work and be a Chef at this level would be like taking an Olympic runner’s shoes from him just before he was going to have the chance to represent his country”.

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling no matter how hard I attempted to be strong….

I believe that he could sense my desire; my need to part of this moment and have the chance to overcome this dreadful portion of my life story.

He half-way smiled as if there was a hint of approval. I assured him that I would be responsible!

We said goodbye and never spoke about it again!

As I walked towards Bouchon I thought that I caught a short glimpse of an essence in the air. It took me a while to realize it. I was so accustomed to smelling it every day at that time while working… It was the Epi bread that was being baked for service.

Today, I still wonder if the smell came from a memory or if it actually occurred….

I didn’t recover my smell or taste for 8 months!

I have described the kitchen as my mecca many times … I honestly believe that the kitchen houses a brother and sisterhood of individuals that defy all odds on a daily basis.

A band of super heroes destined to provide people with life changing experiences; individuals who are able to set aside personal beliefs, Selfishness and Self-righteousness.

 I was only able to defy the odds because of the “Culinary Warriors” that stood by my side.

There may have been battles every day, some won and some lost…. We would also encounter many more along the way….. But….

We would be destined to win the war!