After growing up in Texas and getting her feet wet in the industry, Chef Sarah Grueneberg made the move to Chicago to develop herself further in restaurants that operated at a whole other level. What she found was that she wasn't prepared, and she struggled mightily to find her identity in the kitchen in the new city. After nearly giving up and becoming a flight attendant, she realized that she was meant to cook and that she could only see herself being happy as a chef. Do what makes you happy, and everything else will fall into place.
Here's what else was discussed:
- Sarah's plans for growing her company
- Developing a sense of community through her restaurant in Chicago
- An epic party at the James Beard Awards where Eli met Sarah
- The ravenous support that Chicagoans give their restaurant
- The Italian education that Sarah received from her mentor, Chef Tony Mantuano
- Working with Chef Missy Robbins in Chicago
- How Chef Missy Robbins helped Sarah to really "turn the corner" in her cooking and gave her the confidence to really embrace the career
- How going to Italy completely changed her life and perspective on cooking.
- Staging for the great Nadia Santini at the three-star Dal Pescatore and what she learned
- The challenges of chef "writing block" when it's difficult to get out of a creative rut
- Why you always have to be prepared for inspiration to hit you because it can be a life-changing dish
- Sarah's own "lightning bolt" dish, Cacio Whey Pepe and the love of this classic dish
- The mistakes that turn out to be incredible discoveries
- Sarah's favorite ravioli that only happens if somebody screws up the recipe
- How allowing your team to fail can create trust and empower your team
- Sarah's experience as a runner up on Top Chef
- Winning her James Beard Award the very first time she was nominated and how she "jumped the line"
- Why you have to trust the journey through the difficult services, the bad days, and make sure you learn the lessons that will shape you into a resilient chef
- Why you, as a chef, should be sitting down and eating a full meal at your restaurant occasionally
- Sarah's cookbook, Listen to Your Vegetables, and why she chose that name and what it means exactly
- How their pastificio a.k.a. the pasta factory, fills and shapes pasta to order during dinner service and Eli's mind gets blown
A huge shout out to our sponsors, Maxwell McKenney and Singer Equipment, for their unwavering support, which allows us to be able to bring these conversations to you. Check out their websites for all the amazing equipment they can supply your restaurant with to make your team more efficient and successful.
Never stop pushing, never stop learning!
