After training, I was invited by Chef Steve Benjamin (who just won on the Food Network’s Chopped series) to restaurant L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon‘s open kitchen at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The kitchen was busy and bubbly as everyone focused on their station. Mesmerized by the energy of the room I stood there motionlessly, then suddenly I was tapped by Chef Steve and was handed his Chef jacket to prepare for uniform. I quickly buttoned down and was taken to a separate station. My first lesson in the kitchen was preparing the classic mashed potatoes. Chef Steve just won “Chopped” and was personally trained by Joel Robuchon and I was hoping to learn some culinary “secrets”. How hard could this be?
No time was wasted and I was put right to work. It was nothing but prep, prep, and more prep. A cutting board, a knife, fresh ingredients and repetition! Things started to heat up when I had to whisk the softened, lumpy potatoes as my arms and shoulders burned away for a good hour. I began having mental “battles” with the thick clumpy potatoes, insisting that I wouldn’t “lose” to the starchy, tuberous crop. The dish required intense whisking as it’s final form is a smooth consistency. When I needed a break, Chef Steve and one of his assistants, Nancy, would briefly take over. They would whisk that big pot of potatoes as if they were throwing relentless combinations on a heavy bag. By the time the stubborn spuds turned to silky, rich goodness, I was dripping with sweat and was worn out.
Within a couple hours, this simple vegetable was molded to an intricate art-form: visually stunning and elegantly appetizing. From this fascinating and short lesson, it was clear that delicious meals are built from fresh, quality ingredients, generated by its core “secret” ingredients: care and hard-work. Qualities recognized by Champions.
Big THANKS to everyone at L’Atelier and special THANKS to “Chopped” Champion Chef Steve Benjamin! Be sure to stop by L’Atelier the next time you’re in Las Vegas. You won’t be disappointed!
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L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon: MGM Grand Hotel, 3799 Las Vegas Blvd. S. (Tropicana Ave.), Las Vegas, NV 89109, (702) 891-7358
