Le Cordon Bleu - Mid-Term Grades

Speaking of reporting how it goes. Grades were handed out yesterday morning. As you can guess, I am far from where I want to be. I would say that I am right in the middle and far above my group’s average – which isn’t saying much as we are the lowest group. Eek!

I have a meeting with Chef Caals to discuss my performance Thursday afternoon. Here I will inquire as to how to improve.

I do know one area that needs attention. For those of you that know me well could probably guess – patience. I need to slow down.

My sauce isn’t reduced enough. The meat was undercooked. The water wasn’t at a full boil. All mistakes. All centered around patients.

I can hear my mother now. “Slow down.” “You don’t need to be the first one finished.” “Take the time to review your work.”

If Paris has taught me anything so far, it is to slow down. Grocery store stops take longer because I need to read – and translate – every item before purchasing. Cafes are in no rush to get their customers out the door, so you tend to linger. Walking around the city requires additional time as I tend to first walk in the wrong direction.

Now. Le Cordon Bleu is begging for a reduction in my speed. And in order to succeed, I shall cooperate. I promise.