I just got off the phone with my cousin, Courtney, who in a lot of ways is like myself. I think we both felt the pressure, as we worked our way through college and trying to figure ourselves out, to live the lives of our fathers have - the lives of picket fences that are bought with stock dividends, Country Club memberships that are granted through work relationships, and the notion that driving expensive cars seems to convey one's level of education. Hell, we both went to some of the best schools in the country, had great jobs, but weren't happy doing what we were supposed to be doing. So, we talked about 3Way coming a reality, and how she recently finished a week long seminar on opening a Coffee shop. I am excited for her, and regardless hope she follows in the way of her dreams. I can't begin to describe how important it is to spend your life at work being happy, and feeling fulfilled. Literally, today - they highlight of my day was one sandwich.
King Matt, a friend of the downtown Norfolk community and an employee at two of our other restaurants came in to 3Way for lunch, ordered a Corned Beef and Swiss Sandwich, with one request and that was to leave off the Mustard. I, smiled back at him, "Dude, the mustard literally makes the sandwich...." His hungover eyes offered no rebuddle, but I pulled the meat out of the fridge, emptied it from the portion bag and slathered it over the hot griddle, which sizzled and screamed as the two contrasting temperatures played games with each other. I grabbed a handful of previously caramelized onions and tossed them amongst the meat, and laid two pieces of jewish rye bread face down, in order to create a buttery sear on the outside of the bread. I momentarily neglected the sandwich as I was prepping a soup for tomorrow, and when I returned, everything looked perfect. I mounted the sandwich with grace, placed a slice of swiss cheese centrally across the bread and meat, and gave it the chance to melt in our convection oven for a couple of moments. I don't think I have ever seen a more beautiful toasted piece of bread. The shear goodness of a buttery shine bounced off the flesh of the rye and swiss cheese began to drape itself around the meat, infringing on the bottom piece of bread. I delicately relocated the sandwich onto my cutting board as I took it out of the oven, inserted frill picks into either side of the sandwich, and, on the slightest of biases cut through the sandwich. It was one of the most beautiful sandwiches I have ever made, and it was simple - nothing special or unordinary about it. I plated it with a pile of parmesan-cracked peppercorn chips and eyed the sandwich as I walked it over to Matt. I smiled at him again, and wandered over to the soda fountain for some Diet Coke. A moment or two later I walked back passed him, and he said this - "Chris, ya know I left my house a couple of minutes ago, and thought where do I wanna go? How about 3Way I.... then I Got here and was still unsure of what I wanted.... then I ordered this sandwich and you were giving me shit for leaving off the mustard, and thought is that what I realy want? I just took the first bite, and I am pretty sure I knew all along what exactly it is I wanted, I just didn't know it would be this damn good." I smiled at him and walked back to the cook's line where I needed to tend to the soup I was working on.
So, ya that is a story about making a sandwich, but when it comes down to it, it is all about caring - caring for the ingredients you are working with, and caring for your customers. For me, it is all about making people happy.....
