Full Flavor: June 2012

Pork Collaborative: Charcoal Grilled Tenderloin of Pork, Braised Pork Belly, Tasso-Port Reduction and Smoked Bacon Crisp. Served with Fresh Corn Griddle Cake, Sauteed Greens and Spring Vegetables.

Yesterday, we took part in an extraordinary event, A Feast for the Senses, with David Cane and Paul Wertico...two phenomenal musicians with a penchant for bending the rules a bit. This event not only provided me with a much needed boost back to my culinary roots but also gave my crew the opportunity to realize the power of our team. When an event like this comes your way, it forces you to put your differences aside and focus, collectively, on a single goal. All the individual personality differences...varying motivations and life goals...must be put aside to attain something bigger than just one person. To see the the end result (a near perfect event in this case), it makes me appreciate each and every individual component that contributed to the success.

Each member of my team contributes in a very unique and profound way that, until the final piece is placed, is very hard to appreciate. A cohesive team, regardless of individual background/ personal baggage/ personality conflicts, comes together for the success of a common goal. I could not be any happier with my team and the way everyone pulls together each component to ensure success at anything placed before them. Each and every person gave 100% and the end result certainly reflects that. I am honored to be part of such a wonderful group of individuals.