Pre-Opening Night Terrors
Fear is not a stop sign
From a not-so-restful sleep, I awoke in night terrors. I could hardly breathe. In a few short hours, Mary’s Marvelous would welcome – for the first time – a sunny Amagansett morning…and hopefully a few curious patrons, too. I had wanted this my whole cooking life. It was exactly as I pictured it. I was ready. I wanted this with all my heart and soul. Why in the world did it choose NOW to scare the living crap out of me?
Didn’t it know who I am? I’m the classically trained, determined woman who walked boldly into the kitchen’s back door to face the formidable Chef Greg Broman and petition him for my first professional cooking job.
He was reluctant, but I stood my ground until his doubt transformed into a “‘yes” (Poor guy really didn’t have a choice.) I held steadfast until I won.
But here I was, hyperventilating in the dark, feeling both excitement and cold waves of panic sinking into my very bones, all at the same time.
This inaugural opening was the pinnacle of my career.
Everything I had worked so hard to achieve came together to give birth to Mary’s Marvelous. I was proud of this, even before the first pastry was served.
It was my time to showcase the recipes I could create, to share my heart with my neighbors and colleagues, and to make those special signature treats that you could only get at Mary’s Marvelous.
Buoyed by my new team, I got my wobbly knees working that day and I did manage to fling open those doors. And thankfully, more than a few curious patrons helped me through that first day.
Over time I conquered my terror, and Mary’s Marvelous became a gathering place for Hampton folk to come and chat and hang out. It warmed my heart every single day as the Mary’s faithful breached the threshold, stood patiently in long, snaking lines, and ordered what would delight them on that particular visit.
Food is that irresistible invitation that brings us together.
Food is more than fuel. It plays a meaningful and unique role in family and special events. It is often the olive branch extended for peace. Food is there in good times and bad when we need healing or guidance. It can soothe a rumpled day, a rumpled work experience, and that occasional rumpled spouse or child who just needs that assurance that all will be well.
I’ve heard it said that food is medicine for the soul, but it IS medicine with so many recipe concoctions used for that very purpose - more wellness, better health, better life. Everything we deserve.
Welcome to a seat at my new table. Let’s cook and eat together. Let’s commune, share, and be grateful. I am here for you.
Really great lesson on pushing through the fear and doing it anyway!