One More Time

The Start of Something

The only thing I know now was that I need to get myself into the culinary world. I was only 16 years old, and the only reference I had was Antonio Petit. The following day, I went to meet my good friend Lamar Johnson. His dad runs a Motorcycle repair shop in LA. I sent my bicycle there so his dad could help me fix it. "Dude, you wouldn't believe who I met yesterday!". "Was it the man who helped you with your bicycle?" asked Lamar. I replied "Yeah, it was Antonio Petit". "No way! The chef?!" Lamar responded. "Yeah! it was a crazy experience." so I told everything that happened and explained my interest in culinary. "I think you should go for it man, me of all people should know how hard it is to get you to have interest in something." Lamar continued by saying "If you think that this is something you want to do, then I shall support you man, you go for your dreams!". I sat quietly for a moment and asked "but how? I don't know what to do. If I ask my dad he will probably just nod and burp and say something like do whatever you  want". Suddenly, a smile was drawn on Lamar's face. "Did you just said he will let you do anything?". "Yeah, cause he's drunk all the time, he wouldn't even notice if I'm gone". "THAT'S IT!" shouted Lamar. "YOU SHOULD GO AND ASK MR. PETIT WHERE DID HE START!". I was having doubts on Lamar's suggestion but I know Antonio Petit is the only person I could ask for information on how to start. So, me and Lamar took the bus to Antonio's to see Mr. Petit. I went to the back of the restaurant and saw Mr. Petit there smoking. As soon as he saw me he reacted by stepping on his half-smoked cigarette. "Ah! Hi Max! So you brought a friend this time eh? What can I help you?". "Hey Mr. Petit, I was wondering, where did you start your career from? How did it all began?" I asked. "Hmm.. I started out by helping around at my papa's old restaurant. The chefs there thought me everything I needed to know about the kitchen. By the age of 28, I was already the sous chef for papa's restaurant. Then I saw an opportunity to start my own restaurant at the age of 36 or 37 and I just go for it. I mean, if you want something so bad. You shouldn't let anything get in your way.". His words will always be running through my mind.

I went back home and the only thing that was in my mind were his words. Lamar came to my house later that night to talk about what I'm gonna do. "Max dude, do you know what I think? We all know the best place to learn this is in France. Is in Paris, man" said Lamar. "What are you suggesting?" I asked. "Dude come on, you gotta run away to Paris. It might sound crazy and ridiculous but trust me, if you don't dare to take the risk. You will regret it for the rest of your life man. Listen, I asked my dad if its okay if you work at his shop to get some cash, and he said its fine. You can raise enough money to go to Paris to start your life in this culinary world" said Lamar. Everyone always regret the action they didn't take, so that is how I got myself working in Lamar's dad's shop. There were perks of it too. I learn more about motorcycle engines and how to repair them. I was only supposed to help around but I learned a little as well. The pay wasn't much, but I would do whatever it takes to get me to Paris.

After working for 10 months, I already have roughly around $500 in my possession. It is enough to get me a one way ticket to Paris. I packed my bag, brought along whatever that I need to survive. I wrote a letter and left it at the fridge for my dad. It goes like:

"Dear Dad, I'm sorry I couldn't give you proper goodbye, but I guess it is best if I do this quietly. By the time you are reading this, I am probably on a flight to Paris. I found my passion, sounds insane right? I want to be a chef one day. And the best place to start is in Paris. I'm sorry for not being a good son and stay home taking care of you. But this is really something I want to do. I'll comeback for you okay dad? I promise. I love you."

I know he is barely there for me, but he is my dad. He is the only family I have left.

I went to see Lamar before I go. It was a hard goodbye as he was the one who supported me on my dreams. "Max, I have nothing to say to you but, when you made it, when you're finally a big man in this world. Don't forget me aight?" Lamar said that while tears running down his face. I hugged him and said "Nah man, I'll always remember you. The one who always have my back". He gave me his skateboard as a good luck charm. And I gave him my bicycle as a token of appreciation. I boarded the plane, and didn't look back.

I was asleep during the flight, but was awakened when I felt like something bright was in my eyes. It was rays of sunshine coming through the window, lighting up my face. I checked the window, and we are about to land. Here I am. In The City of Love. Funny how I'm here only to express my love towards food, not people. I know I have no qualification to be a chef, so I need to work my way to the top. I got a job as a Garbage Boy in a restaurant called "Délicieux" at Paris. It wasn't what I hoped for but I have to start somewhere.