Invite Paul and he will do the cooking. The word in our Supper Club is that having Paul at a dinner party can be intimidating. People must think one of two things:
1. I know what I am doing
2. I am a jerk
It must be number two, because I certainly don’t know what I am doing. Trust me, I am winging it.
It reminds me of when I worked at a Maxwell House Coffee plant in California. We had a tour of General Foods upper management. One Marketing Manager, asked the crusty old plant manager, how many coffee beans were in the huge cooling bin after the roaster? Without missing a beat, he says 3,300,030 to 3,300,040. She wrote his comment down as gospel. I must have given old Bert a quizzical look because he turns to me and whispers: “Say it with confidence kid, and they will believe anything”.
My buddy Joe Chaudoin figured out the “Invite Paul and he will cook” strategy years ago. He heard the Supper Club wives being intimidated having to host a party for the author of the menu. Like I really know what I am doing? Truth is that I am trying to figure out things like all the rest.
(Note: Speaking of intimidation..this picture is from when Joe and I played golf at Bethpage Black Course, site of the U.S. Open. They use the sign to scare off golfers of lesser ability. Joe and I were too stupid to heed the warning)
I will usually do a little research. The wealth of information on YouTube and Google is amazing. A little practice goes a long way. If there is something I haven’t made before, I have been known to make a trial run. Actually, Joe has been a guinea pig for me more than a few times. What some won’t do for a free meal?
A favorite story of mine that says a lot about Joe, it involved a chicken dinner. Joe was once asked to pass a piece of white meat chicken. Joe responded: “What do you mean white meat?” Joe was clueless. In his book, chicken is chicken. With all this said, he is one of the most appreciative guests I have ever had. And yes, the bar is not that high.
The moral of this Supper Club story is never be afraid to ask for help. Past that, research and practice goes a long way in realizing success.
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Note this picture is of my popular Romaine Wedge Salad. It is a great salad , but it isn’t all that easy to make for the weak of heart. Yes it can be intimidating, as it takes about 10 different steps. Don’t be intimidated…give it a try!
