Le Reve. In French, it translates to “The Dream”.
When I got back from Italy in August, I wanted to do something new. I had quit my job before leaving and had to figure out a new plan. I had been inspired by my cooking classes and I wasn’t ready to go back into an office setting. It was time to go for it, to try my hand at cooking professionally. So, I started applying for cooking positions around town. I would say in my interviews and letters that I had never worked in a professional kitchen, but you could see from my food blog my dedication to the culinary arts and mention that I had just completed training in Italy. I was thrilled that I got calls back. When I heard from Le Reve Bakery and Cafe, I was so excited. I had been there before and thought it was adorable. They make the most beautiful pastries and desserts and they have a very comfortable, relaxed setting.
The interview was so fun. They explained about the position. A set menu, with the addition of specials and soups created by the chef of the day each day. How perfect! Guidelines and creative flexibility. I was so excited. In my interview, I was asked what kind of omelet I would make if I could make any omelet special. I said, maybe a tomato, spinach, and goat cheese omelet. Then I was told to go make it. An on the spot challenge! And not to toot my own horn too much, but I made a beautiful omelet. A week later, and I was part of the team.
Brenton breakfast salad
I have been working as a chef now for a little over a month and I am having a ball. I didn’t know how I would feel about cooking professionally. Turns out, I love it. It is hard and the work is hot and long, but it is so satisfying. Putting out beautiful plates of food makes me feel so good. I love knowing that I’m helping people have a better day by giving them delicious food.
Strawberry cream cheese crepe with Lemon Curd topping and Blueberries
When I told my mom about this job, she said how proud she was of me. She said (paraphrasing), “Katie, you know, you and I can throw a great party. We can cook an amazing holiday dinner, and make lots of great things, but you are going to learn about something that I don’t know about food. Scaling. And that is very cool.” (Sorry mom for any inconsistencies) But it’s true. It is one thing to know how to make a lovely pot of cream of mushroom soup, but it is another to know how to do it on a restaurant scale. How many cups of pesto do you need to make each day for sandwiches? How many pounds of turkey need to be roasted? Interesting things to learn. Things I need to know if someday I wanted to create my own business.
Roasted Mushroom and Brie Soup
I’m especially glad to be getting my start somewhere that creates such quality. All of the baked goods are fresh every morning. We roast our own turkey for sandwiches and make all the sauces and dressings. It is very fresh, very clean, and very tasty. It is food that is easy to be proud of.
Turkey and Gouda Crepe topped with Arugula salad and Balsamic tomato salad
I have made so many fried eggs, omelettes, sandwiches, and gallons of soup in the last month that I can hardly believe it. I can now whip up a perfect omelette in 3 minutes flat.
French Omelette filled with mozzarella, tomato, and spinach- topped with fresh pesto
I am so glad that Le Reve gave me a chance to strut my culinary stuff. I’m learning a lot and having a great time doing it. Also, the rest of the staff have been very supporting and fun to work with. It is a great team to be a part of.
I’m living the dream.
If you’re in the Seattle area, come by some weekend and I’ll make you something tasty.
January 27, 2015 at 1:25 pm
Ironically I was reading the War of Art this morning. That book is FANTASTIC. I think Do The Work is an amazing follow up too. I emailed Steve Pressfield and he told me that he is working on a new book,about turning pro. I’m excited about that one!
January 28, 2015 at 12:23 pm
Hi Melinda, I’d never heard of the situ, ex situ words before. Thanks for the new knowledge. In addition to your great veggie list I’d add these herbs:1. Basil (all varieties)2. Parsley3. Cilantro4. Dill5. and Amaranth! Dear lord, how easily the amarantha sprouts!
February 6, 2015 at 3:12 pm
I simply want to say I am very new to weblog and actually loved this web-site. Likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You surely have excellent stories. Bless you for sharing with us your blog site.
February 9, 2015 at 9:39 pm
It certainly is practically extremely difficult to find well-advised men and women on this matter, fortunately you seem like you fully grasp the things you’re indicating! Thanks A Lot
February 9, 2015 at 10:52 pm
It is actually almost unthinkable to encounter well-qualified men or women on this niche, however , you come across as like you be aware of whatever you’re posting on! Regards
February 10, 2015 at 12:00 am
I precisely had to thank you so much all over again. I’m not certain the things that I could possibly have carried out in the absence of the type of pointers provided by you about that question. It was before a troublesome crisis in my opinion, nevertheless viewing a specialized manner you treated it took me to jump for joy. I will be happier for your guidance as well as hope you recognize what a great job you were undertaking training many people by way of your websites. Most probably you have never met all of us.
February 10, 2015 at 12:09 am
I just want to share it with you which I am certain raw to blog posting and genuinely valued your work. Likely I am going to bookmark your webpage post . You definitely have superb article material. Appreciate it for expressing with us your blog document.
February 10, 2015 at 12:17 am
I’m very happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the accidental misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this best doc.
February 10, 2015 at 1:03 am
I¡¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high-quality articles or blog posts in this kind of space . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i am glad to convey that I have a very good uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I most without a doubt will make certain to don¡¦t fail to remember this site and give it a glance regularly.
February 10, 2015 at 1:59 am
It certainly is almost close to impossible to find well-updated individual on this content, however you come across as like you know whatever you’re covering! Appreciate It
February 10, 2015 at 3:14 am
Hello, Neat post. There is a problem with your web site in internet explorer, could test this¡K IE nonetheless is the marketplace chief and a big part of people will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.
February 10, 2015 at 3:14 am
Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.
February 10, 2015 at 3:16 am
Thank you for another fantastic article. Where else may anybody get that type of info in such an ideal manner of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the look for such information.
February 10, 2015 at 4:06 am
you are truly a excellent webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It kind of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Furthermore, The contents are masterwork. you’ve done a excellent process in this subject!
February 10, 2015 at 4:22 am
We’re a group of volunteers and starting a new scheme in our community. Your website offered us with valuable information to work on. You’ve done an impressive job and our whole community will be thankful to you.
February 10, 2015 at 5:14 am
As I web site possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.
February 10, 2015 at 5:16 am
You made some decent points there. I did a search on the subject matter and found most people will approve with your blog.
February 10, 2015 at 5:39 am
A person essentially assist to make critically posts I’d state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and to this point? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular put up amazing. Great activity!
February 10, 2015 at 7:15 am
Thanks so much for providing individuals with an exceptionally superb opportunity to discover important secrets from this site. It is usually so brilliant and as well , jam-packed with a good time for me and my office mates to search your site not less than thrice in a week to read through the latest guidance you will have. And indeed, I’m so always fascinated with your remarkable tips you give. Certain 2 areas in this posting are definitely the best I’ve had.
February 10, 2015 at 7:22 am
Hi, Neat post. There’s a problem along with your site in internet explorer, may check this¡K IE nonetheless is the marketplace leader and a good portion of other people will pass over your magnificent writing because of this problem.
February 10, 2015 at 8:56 am
Good ¡V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your website. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related info ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..
February 10, 2015 at 9:00 am
What’s up, I read your blog daily. Your humoristic style is awesome, keep up the good work!
February 10, 2015 at 10:10 am
It’s actually nearly unthinkable to encounter well-qualified visitors on this area, still, you appear like you fully grasp the things you’re writing about! Bless You
February 10, 2015 at 10:34 am
Great remarkable things here. I¡¦m very happy to see your article. Thanks a lot and i’m taking a look forward to contact you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
February 10, 2015 at 10:36 am
Valuable information. Fortunate me I discovered your site by accident, and I’m stunned why this accident didn’t took place in advance! I bookmarked it.
February 10, 2015 at 1:15 pm
Great post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Extremely useful information specially the last part 🙂 I care for such information much. I was seeking this certain info for a very long time. Thank you and best of luck.
February 10, 2015 at 2:46 pm
Hello there, I discovered your web site by way of Google whilst looking for a comparable matter, your website came up, it appears good. I have bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
February 10, 2015 at 3:03 pm
It’s actually nearly impossible to find well-advised individuals on this content, then again you come across as like you know what exactly you’re covering! Regards
February 10, 2015 at 4:36 pm
Whats Taking place i’m new to this, I stumbled upon this I’ve found It positively useful and it has aided me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & assist other customers like its aided me. Great job.
February 10, 2015 at 5:48 pm
My Partner And I just intend to inform you you in which I am certain beginner to having a blog and utterly loved your website. Probably I am prone to bookmark your article post . You seriously have great article text. Value it for expressing with us your url report.
February 10, 2015 at 6:02 pm
Hi, I read your new stuff on a regular basis. Your writing style is awesome, keep up the good work!
February 10, 2015 at 6:09 pm
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.
February 10, 2015 at 7:43 pm
It certainly is nearly close to impossible to encounter well-updated individual on this issue, but you look like you fully understand the things that you’re writing on! With Thanks
February 10, 2015 at 10:59 pm
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Good luck for the next!
February 11, 2015 at 12:25 am
I loved as much as you’ll receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this hike.
February 11, 2015 at 12:40 am
I¡¦m now not sure the place you’re getting your information, but good topic. I must spend a while studying much more or understanding more. Thank you for great info I used to be looking for this info for my mission.
February 11, 2015 at 1:13 am
Wow! This can be one particular of the most helpful blogs We’ve ever arrive across on this subject. Basically Wonderful. I’m also a specialist in this topic therefore I can understand your effort.
February 11, 2015 at 1:20 am
I have been exploring for a little for any high-quality articles or weblog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I finally stumbled upon this web site. Reading this information So i¡¦m happy to convey that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I discovered just what I needed. I so much for sure will make sure to don¡¦t fail to remember this web site and give it a look on a continuing basis.
February 11, 2015 at 1:21 am
It is in point of fact a great and helpful piece of information. I¡¦m satisfied that you just shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.
February 11, 2015 at 1:22 am
I relish, cause I discovered just what I was taking a look for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
February 11, 2015 at 1:23 am
I and also my friends have already been going through the best tips from your web page and then quickly got a terrible feeling I never thanked the web site owner for those tips. Most of the people are actually for this reason joyful to read all of them and already have seriously been making the most of those things. We appreciate you getting considerably helpful and also for going for such very good useful guides millions of individuals are really needing to understand about. Our own sincere apologies for not expressing gratitude to earlier.
February 11, 2015 at 1:23 am
Someone necessarily lend a hand to make significantly articles I might state. That is the very first time I frequented your website page and so far? I surprised with the analysis you made to make this actual publish amazing. Excellent process!
February 11, 2015 at 1:24 am
Thanks for some other wonderful article. Where else may just anybody get that type of information in such a perfect means of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I’m at the search for such info.
February 11, 2015 at 1:34 am
wonderful points altogether, you just won a new reader. What would you recommend about your submit that you just made a few days in the past? Any positive?
February 11, 2015 at 1:37 am
Thank you, I have recently been searching for information about this topic for a while and yours is the best I’ve came upon till now. However, what in regards to the bottom line? Are you sure in regards to the source?
February 11, 2015 at 1:37 am
Good write-up, I¡¦m normal visitor of one¡¦s blog, maintain up the excellent operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a lengthy time.
February 11, 2015 at 1:44 am
Thanks for every other informative website. Where else could I am getting that type of information written in such an ideal manner? I have a undertaking that I’m just now operating on, and I have been at the glance out for such information.
February 11, 2015 at 1:44 am
I relish, result in I discovered exactly what I was looking for. You’ve ended my 4 day lengthy hunt! God Bless you man. Have a great day. Bye
February 11, 2015 at 1:46 am
You can definitely see your skills within the work you write. The arena hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. At all times follow your heart.
February 11, 2015 at 5:55 am
It’s the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve read this post and if I could I desire to suggest you few interesting things or suggestions. Maybe you could write next articles referring to this article. I want to read more things about it!