At the encouragement of Andrew Machado, I watched Jiro Dreams of Sushi this weekend - a documentary about Michelin winning sushi chef and 85-year old Jiro Ono. Absolutely fantastic movie: 1. It is focused on sushi but really about work-ethic and dedicating oneself to art, his/her craft and the chase for perfection. Even if you are repulsed by sushi, you'll find it inspiring.
2. The movie is essentially a 90-minute version of the Facebook / Twitter / Path feeds that are filled with food pictures...
"A great chef has the following five attributes: First, they take their work very seriously and consistently perform on the highest level. Second, they aspire to improve their skills. Third is cleanliness. If the restaurant doesn’t feel clean, the food isn’t going to taste good. The fourth is impatience. They are better leaders than collaborators. They’re stubborn and insist on having it their way. And, finally a great chef is passionate. Jiro has all of those attributes. He is a perfectionist.
Ive seen many chefs who are self-critical. But ive never seen a chef who is so hard on himself.
He sets the standard for self-discipline.
He is always looking ahead.
He is never satisfied with his work.
He’s always trying to find ways to make the sushi better or to improve his skills.
Even now, that’s what he thinks about all day, every day."
