The Chef's Mom: Becky's Saturday Iron Chef Kitchen Battle

There is a unique bond and similarity between all chef’s mothers. They are most likely one of the major influences and early instructors of so many great chefs. Chef’s begin learning, what becomes their trade, at an early age and usually are encouraged to experiment, cook, create, and love the art of cooking. Once accomplished in the profession, their Mothers usually assume a prestigious role in the chef’s life and restaurant as a sort of elevated kitchen guru and honored visitor. Many times their Mom’s recipes from home become adopted as menu staples or inspirations for wonderful new dishes. Respect is bestowed upon these Mother’s as culinary teachers, which distinguishes this group of women, from most other mothers, as a role model in their son’s ( or daughter’s) career. Certainly Fathers, who are chefs or who do a lot cooking, have achieved this same distinction but that is not as well documented as this Mother and Son special bond.
Becky Sawyer, who is Chef Jonathon Sawyer’s Mother , has an additional and somewhat different role. Every Saturday, before leaving the house to go to The Greenhouse Tavern, she dons a chef jacket and wraps her hair under a bandana, checks to see that her set of personal knives are in the car and journey’s the restaurant. She is not going to advise the kitchen staff, critique new dishes or even cook along side the others chefs. She is going to create and to conduct a personal kitchen battle. This battle is not against any competitor but against her own standards and the pressure to produce a culinary delightful and unique meal for the staff of critical foodie experts. This activity was never planned but just began on a whim and grew into a much anticipated weekly feature. It is the Family Meal prepared entirely by the Chef’s Mom. It is like a made for TV extravaganza. The Chef’s Mom usually arrives between 1 and 2pm and must feed 15-25 people before the restaurant opens at 5. That requires the meal to be completely served by 4pm so that while eating the staff can review the specials and details of the menu and spirit offerings for the evenings dinner service. Usually there is no advance notice of what remnants need to be utilized or what is in surplus for this meal. Chef Sawyers’ Mom is armed for battle with her extensive experience, sharp knives, and a creative spirit. She arrives and survey’s what bits and pieces must be used and starts chopping while creating the meal in her head as she cuts and slices what is available. Further complicating the task is a vegan\vegetarian meal must also be prepared for those who do not eat meat. Rather than fearing or becoming annoyed, at the prospect of preparing, this usually 5 dish meal, she delights in the excitement of a culinary challenge. The other twist is that she must (a self imposed rule) make something completely different than the foods served in the restaurant. This is frequently accomplished by varying the cuisine from Indian to Asian. Mediterranean, Mexican, or some type of fusion. In 2- 3 hours she has prepared a meal that everyone looks forward to eating and these Family Meals have become a much anticipated weekly favorite in the culture of The Greenhouse Tavern. The dishes are never the same and by all reviews have achieved a cult status for excellence and diversity.
It has been written that one of the factors making award winning chef Jonathon Sawyer successful is his constant tinkering with and constant changes to his menu .He always produces classically inspired dishes with local ingredients that exceed expectations. Creativity is his hallmark and certainly it is clear that Mother and son share many of the same cooking skills and attributes as well as a love of culinary challenges.

Jake: At the Greatest Age

The Greatest Age for Boys: Jake, the oldest grandchild, at eleven

I have always said that my favorite age for boys is from 8 until sometime in the 12 - 13 year old range. This is a time when boys are really discovering themselves, their personalities are somewhat developed, a sense of humor is being refined, yet their childhood curiosity and affection is still very much present.
They are inquisitive, opinionated, and cute all at the same time. Life is full of discovery, fun, while they are experiencing the pure joy of living. Being with them allows a parent (or grandparent) to share the unspoiled happiness and wonderment of life. Although each child ( or grandchild) is exceptional in their own unique way there is always something special about the first. The oldest reaches life’s stages first, and is the natural leader of the pack that follows.
Jake is my oldest grandchild and he is in the “Greatest Age for a Boy”. It is a very special time for me. He has always been a terrific child and has brought an entirely new fulfillment to my life. One of the most wonderful times of my adult life was a two day trip that I took to Niagara Falls with Jake. We did all the tourist activities, took thousands of great photos, and just had the grandest of times being together. Two friends. It was one of those perfect moments in life that when they occur you wish to freeze in one’s memory so you can savor the feelings forever. We also had similar feelings and experiences of joy when we went to take photos of Cleveland and visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for a “Special Day with Papa and Jake” gift that I was given for my birthday. It was the greatest gift that anyone could give me. One on one time, just being together( I did receive the same from his two brothers but those are chapters in their story’s).
Jake has been the most well behaved, serious, studious, yet so full of humor and wonderful curiosity and analysis of all the contradictions in life. He has always been able to make accurate and detailed observations about news, people, and ask probing questions concerning why and how things are the way they are. Many of these deep thoughts are unanswerable yet he will persist until satisfied. Typical “Jake” is a term that we use for his or anyone’s serious approach to life and how to examine the meaning of everything in order to point out the overlooked aspects or contradictions.
Since early childhood Jake has practiced following his parents rules and limits. I remember once when we were together and I offered him a piece of gum and he replied, as a matter of fact, “my Mom doesn’t let me chew gum (a chapter in Mom Michelle’s story)” and proceeded to explain why she didn’t allow gum chewing at that age. So “Jake” . I believe all ( Grace may be the exception) other grandchildren would jump at the chance to have gum or candy and some ( one for sure) would just say “sure, but don’t tell my Mom”.
We have always shared the humor of great commercials and silly claims by advertisers and this has been a continual topic that has brought us much delight. He doesn’t watch TV much but certainly remembers all the commercials and shares his great insights with me about each. The contradictions, untruths, and humor in life will always be shared between us. Typical of this is the previous post on this blog that Jake and I wrote about the new cell phone ban. We had a great time listing all of the things that should be outlawed.
Since he was small, Jake has been a very self demanding, perfectionist and very hard working person. Less than perfect equates to failure and he strives for perfectness in everything. This has made him very successful in the sports in which he participates. He out works and out thinks most other kids along with his natural talent. It is frustrating sometimes because he expects no errors and anything less disappoints him.
A typical Jake is currently occurring. Each person in his 6th grade class was to select a topic of their choice for a report and speech. Other children selected sports or Olympic heroes, sports teams, Presidents, etc. Jake chose “The Vietnam War” because he wanted to learn all about the war. So “Jake”.
Jake's guitar is his special personal activity and his special talent. He is so disciplined that he takes his ginormous dog, Jack, with him up to his room and will play his guitar for hours. His love of dogs, music, studies, and his family is one of things that make him so special.
Jake is the oldest of the cousins and every other cousin, brother and sister look up to him as the role model. He gladly accepts this role and is kind and most unselfish to each child in the family. Jake mixes with the youngest or the grandparents just as easily so he is in high demand at gatherings.
Jake recently was awarded the “Pride of North Royalton” as a role model student. This significant recognition was given by his teachers who chose the student in 6th grade best exemplifying the qualities of a role model. He also earned the “Bear” award for a 4.0 GPA which all have come to expect from him.
Jake wins the “Pride of my life” award from me.
All this and he is just simply a great kid, a true friend, and someone who shares so many interests with his Papa. It is the greatest age for Jake and the greatest time in my life.

Cell Phones

North Royalton follows other cities with brilliant cell phone while driving ban:
After the recent report about the man who caused an accident not because of talking on a cell phone but by eating chili while driving so I thought it best to have legislation introduced that will be sure to eliminate any doubts about what is legal and what is the law so we all can be 100% accident free. I have compiled an extensive list that should bring great clarity to this most difficult dilemma. Under my proposal it would be illegal to:
Eat chili while driving but hot dogs (no condiments since those could spill on pants causing great distractions)
Referring to paper maps but changing Garmon criteria would still be legal
Eating Soups of any kind but popcorn would certainly be legal
Putting on mascara yet allowing lipstick to be applied
Dining on Chinese except for egg rolls ( dipping sauce free), sticky rice and crab ragoon
Appling nail ( finger or toe) polish while allowing for
Tying ties would be illegal but straightening hats would be legal
Drinking hot chocolate ( because it is always scaldingly hot) but coffee permitted since hot temperatures are illegal after the great McDonalds lawsuit.
Chocolate candy that has reached 40 degrees or above ( begins to melt) except for M&Ms and Junior Mints
Allowing dogs to sit on drivers lap, or drive, but one hand head petting allowed as well as dog nose sticking out of passenger window not to exceed 4 ½ inches from car
Shaving except for battery operated razors that do not exceed the noise level ( refer to Horn Beeps)
Removing any clothing (jackets, pants…) except for sunglasses, hats, fake moustaches and toupees.
Putting on any clothing (jackets, pants…) except for sunglasses, hats, fake moustaches and toupees.
Playing of Monopoly, Sorry or Backgammon but bingo is always legal
Jelly filled doughnuts but all glazed varieties are acceptable
Clipping nails ( toes or fingers) while permitting one handed tissue free( see below) nose picking
Tissue use for anything but using fingers and forearms legal
Mooning while driving would be illegal but the bird is always permitted except in school zones
Gawking at beautiful women ( or men) walking but allowing non distracting smiles
Bubble blowing using any instruments but gum bubbles not exceeding 8.5 inch diameter is legal
Horn beeps lasting more than 1.5 seconds or voices raised above 80dB
We had been just using the inadequate current reckless driving laws but since we have begun the process of a specification of offenses, by banning cell phone use , we must be of low level intelligence and require detailed government laws to protect us from ourselves. The Chinese do this most successfully and we are determined to catch up to our communist brothers and sisters.

My Favorite Thigs

One of the great things about being a Grandfather is all of the opportunities that you have for those perfect life moments. Where you could live forever. A special place that hope to keep alive in your heart always. There are so many very simple joys that are perfect. Today while trying to cheer up a sick Catcher, as well as Louisiana,we did one of their favorite things which is to sing along (youtube) to the Sound of Music songs. It is Catcher's favorite (yes even above Star Wars). It was one of those perfect moments, although brief due to his being so tired but wonderfully cuddly. As we sang "A few of my favorite things" we started to discuss our favorite things, perfect moments in my life, so I decided to list just a few of them to the music and we had a great time singing my words to the tune. I want to publish my extensive list of Perfect Moments in a latter post but for now, here are words toh that great tune.
cute runny noses Hope playing babies
LuLu’s soft smiles And just acting so crazy
little girl poses boys hiking in Spring
these are a few of my favorite things

fun Catchy sayings conversing with Ellie
Grace reading books Or tickling soft bellies
dressing in style And song singing silly’s
these are a few of my favorite things

when the dog pees
when the crabbiess sting
when I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad

Luke playing round balls And girls in hip dresses
board gaming Nate Or cleaning up messes
Jake taking photos And acting like kings
these are a few of my favorite things

needing their Grammy Or calling me Pa
questions from Jake about things that we saw
Telling fun stories that don't mean a thing
these are a few of my favorite things

when the dog pees
when the crabbies sting
when I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad

jokes made for laughing And holding kids tightly
making up rhymes And moonbeams nightly
Christmas light viewing guitar playing strings
these are a few of my favorite things

girls with their dollies boys playing guys
bundles of snuggles And little bright eyes
napping with Papa or pushing the swing
these are a few of my favorite things


when the dog pees
when the crabbies sting
when I'm feeling sad
I simply remember my favorite things
and then I don't feel so bad

Hocking Hills Christmas Retreat 2009