Applause!

Tonight was a bizarre night. The restaurant was closed to the public because Jacques Pepin was hosting a Julia Childs remembrance dinner.
Everything of course went smoothly but I think most of the chefs were doubting our abilities and therefore ran around like headless chickens.

At the end of the event King Jacques requested all the students to come enter the forbidden domain of the dining room to get our well deserved applause.
Now while I know that this sounds incredibly corny, I must admit that I was filled with pride.
It all comes down to what I love so much about this business - the instant gratification, being able to see the people that minutes ago had a plate of food I prepared.
And for an event like this to be helmed by Jacques Pepin, whom I have admired for a long time, makes it even better.

Tonight it didn't matter that I was in pastry - a station I don't really care for all that much - tonight was just a great night.