The Laughing Wolf

A Tasty Bit Of News

Well, tasty to me at least. Regular readers, and those who do a bit of searching, know that writing is my vocation. What some may have guessed is that cooking ranks as an avocation for me, something a bit more than just a hobby. Well, as of tonight, it is now a vocation as well.

Last Wednesday, I went and tried out at 801 Franklin, a restaurant of note here in Huntsville that has even attracted favorable commentary from The Wine Spectator. Chef Matt Martin was kind enough to take me on despite my lack of experience, and is working to teach me the finer points of restaurant cooking.

This began a bit over a week ago, when I had a wild hair about my cooking and wanting to learn more. On a whim, I called 801 and expressed a desire to work there. That led to my going down, meeting Executive Chef Matt Martin, and telling him that I knew that I did not know much but wanted to learn. That the best way to do that was to start with scut work and move up. So, he arranged for me to come in and do a test run one night so he could observe me. I did, and it turned out to be a very busy night for them, which gave me a chance to learn even more.

Yesterday, we talked again and the net result was that I started this evening working there. I am doing prep and related work, and loving it. Despite the extra time it takes, he had me mince the shallots by hand tonight so I could work on my knife skills, which need it. Once I get over my fear of carving up my fingers with my poor coordination, I will get faster. Or fingerless.

Meantime, this is something I have always wanted to do and I thank him for this chance. There will be more posted as I go, and I will share some of my experiences. Never fear, the blog is safe and will be maintained. There will be a shifting of the schedule as things progress, but that should not be a problem for any of us.

LW