I just arrived in Paris yesterday. I got my French work papers to work at the Crillon. But first I need to do my medical exam with the Crillon doctor - I know - how romantic. And then, I can finally report to the one man in this world whom I truly consider my chef - Jean-François Piège.
I need to go see him - and I'm scared shitless. He's got a reputation. When the guys at El Bulli heard I was working for him, they'd come around and secretively ask me if the stories about him are true. As Charles - my former roommate/Montreal chef said - in his charming French-Canadian accent - "Oh fuck - he's fucking hardcore."
Yes - he is - but he's always been a complete gentleman with me. I pray that will remain the same - now that I will no longer be his stagiaire at Ducasse - but one of his very own at Les Ambassadeurs.
