My adventure began long before the nay sayers started mocking me about my ability to drive standard, just weeks shy of me heading off to Italy. It started as I calmly walked between the rows of grape vines early on an autumn morning last September; seeking a calming moment in the chilled morning hours, before I would pick up my knife and begin cooking a meal that would change my life. Then I tightened my apron stings, and simply did what I do everyday; what I was trained to do, use local product, and keep it simple. When I think back about that day, the sunshine, the people that were there that day, it calms me as I head out on a great Italian adventure.
One last thought as I reflect on this past year and leading up to this September - I would tell everyone to get out there and get involved. Compete. Don’t let your fear of failing hold you back. This is a great competition, cooking in the field. If you aren’t competing, get there out there and get involved!
Leading up to leaving… my flight leaves August 29th - ten very short days from now. I fly from Kelowna, to Calgary, Frankfurt, and then Florence. Reviewing how to drive standard is going well, packing is good, and I think I have almost everything with just a few odds and ends left to get yet. The team at Manteo has been so supportive, and I couldn’t be more proud. Thanks Heather Schroeter, Chef Bernard and the rest of the team for everything.
Friends, family and colleagues; see you soon!
I think I have chatted enough for the moment but please look for my first blog from Italy soon!!
Best of luck for the competitors of the Second Annual Farm to Fork! Ciao.
Ciao Robyn! See you in 3 months.
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