plated dessert process: The End.

Shuna,

I wanted to thank you for all your time and delicious desserts, but we have decided to go with another candidate for pastry chef.  This has been a very challenging process of finding a pastry chef when we narrowed it down to a select few because it got even more difficult since everybody was great.

It was great to meet your acquaintance and please come by ______ sometime for lunch or dinner because I would love to cook for you.  Thank you again for the sweet okra hook-up!  Good luck and I hope to see you at the market.  Thank you,

_____/Executive Chef/____.

Comments

[Claudette]

If this makes you sad, I offer my condolences; if it doesn't, you must be excited about the next possibility...

Someone once said "For every door that closes another one opens, but these hallways are a real drag!"

Keep up the good work!

[earnest and game]

It's always nice to be wanted. And hard when the answer is no. Even if that brass ring isn't what we really looking for anyway. The adrenaline and creativity and flurry of activity surrounding the plating were wonderful to witness via eggbeater--for you and your readers, nothing was in vain. I look forward to seeing what beckons next, what new invitations will follow, and am sending you every best wish.

[anita]

Well, crap.

That's a rather unsatisfying ending to a fabulous story. Thanks for taking us along for the ride...

Selfishly, I'm seeing the bright side: You'll have 'spare' time for eggbeater, and maybe we'll all get to see another live blog the next time 'roung.

[cookiecrumb]

Shuna, thanks for being so unselfish with your experience. I've been holding my breath for so long, and I'll breathe now.
I hope you're not unhappy.

[Luisa]

Oh, rats. I'm sorry to hear this. Hope you are doing okay, nevertheless. Thinking of you!

[maura]

Their loss.

[Farah]

oh that stinks!!! I'm sure a better opp will come...

If it were me, I'd take this as a sign that it wasn't the right thing, but that's the California seeping into my veins, no doubt.

Their loss, regardless.

[erin]

thanks so much for sharing such a fascinating and beautiful story with us all. I'm sorry to hear the result--but from the looks of it, it's their loss.

[Anita]

Shuna,
Sorry about the news, but thank you for sharing the whole process with us. I am sure with your energy and talents that there are other opportunities around the corner!

[Calichef]

Well, in spite of all the hard work, this just wasn't the right place for you. As others have so rightly said, it truly *is* their loss.

Here's a little tip that really worked for my mother, of all people. Start saying this affirmation every time you think of it:
I have a perfect work,
in a perfect place,
for a perfect pay.
We had signs that said that all over the house to remind her to say it all the time. She now owns a company that grosses over two million dollars a year. Before she started saying that affirmation she was a dog groomer that never earned more than $15K a year. It really works.

[Julie]

Hey Shuna,

There's not much more I can say that others haven't already said. I do feel sad that Executive Chef and the others in that particular kitchen have missed the chance to learn and grow with someone of your creativity, sensibilities and spirit. Thanks for sharing with us -- personally, I'm jonesing for the next time I get out to the Bay area to eat more of your desserts, wherever I may find them!

[Julie]

Thank you for sharing this story with all of us. I think you will find just the thing you need, unless it finds you first.

[jennifer]

This makes me sad and reminds me of all of the times in the last 6 months that I got rejection letters while searching for a new position in my profession of choice. It didn't matter whether I wanted the position or not; the rejection was still a rejection, and because it was a profession I was pursuing and not just a "job", it felt very personal. It took a lot to retrieve what was left of my pride each time and keep looking. But ultimately, I ended up finding the place where I absolutely belonged. It gave me the strength to say no to some offers I received and the information to know when the decision was right. Take care of yourself; know you have so much to offer when the right position comes along; and work toward putting yourself out there unapologetically and with courage. There are a lot of people pulling for you right now, Shuna--even someone halfway across the continent, who looks forward to checking in on you every night. This is not a small thing. You touch many lives. Take care--

[Rose]

Ahh Shuna..I've heard "but we have decided to go with another candidate for pastry chef" more than I care to tell.
It's frustrating no doubt & it IS their loss. That's what I always tell myself. And then when I go sneak a peek at the dessert menu from the new pastry chef I'm always left scratching my head. That's what they wanted? ok..whatever.

I'm sure something's lurking right around the corner though. I think I may be at that position once again..unfortunately.

Anyway..chin up, grab that beater & keep going.

[Scott]

Shauna,

Keep doing what you do best making us all happy with this blog and your food! You were born to cook and teach.
Follow your heart and do what makes you happy.

[meginAB]

Obviously not the right kitchen for you. It was not meant to be so put it behind you and move to the next venture. It should make you proud how thrilled we were just to join in the ride.

[Alice Q. Foodie]

I'm sorry that you put in so much effort and time - must be irritating, but also a learning experience. It was probably for the best. If they wanted something else then it probably would not have been a good fit. Onwards and upwards!

[Sara]

Well, that's clarifying, isn't it?

Anyone who could say no to a tiny little fresh blackberry pie isn't all the way alive, IMO. But I'm just a customer, and the kind who's most likely to walk into a fancy establishment just to order dessert and coffee, fully expecting both to be better than anything else on the menu.

As my friend the Gautama Elizabeth has told me countless times, "This or something better." The right opportunity will present itself, and when it does, it will feel like like true love. You will understand their language, and you will know what they want. And they will love every bite.

But look at you: You've already moved on, to black walnuts no less. Happy times.

[Laurie]

I'm sorry this position wasn't the right match for you, but I have no doubt that you'll plug away until you find a fit that's right for you.

I applaud you for your candor and thank you for letting your readers view such intimacies of your career and life. I am also a professional cook and find much inspiration from reading your blog.

Thank you for enriching our lives.