I started a new job Monday as a banquet server/chef. I’ve been a ‘banquet server’ for going on 3 years now and I’ve been for more than half my life. Today, a customer that’s been by daily for the past 8 weeks noticed the new chef in the kitchen- me. He was curious about me so he asked where I was from and what my specialty was. I replied that I’m from Natchez and my specialty is Cajun food because that’s what I’m used to eating and cooking. Seeing as we’re in Iowa the patron was pleasantly surprised and thrilled at the prospect of having flavorful food. “What can you do with a chicken breast?” he asked. “Anything you want,” was my reply so the patron asked me to make him something Cajun but not too spicy. And I did.

I decided on honey glazed lemon pepper blackened chicken. I was just going to Cajun season the chicken breast but I decided to add honey and a little lemon zest to take away from the spiciness. It turned out well. The man was happy. So I was happy. It’s been a while since I worked in a restaurant and cooked something that I devised and a patron has commented that they liked it. It’s always nice to be appreciated for your skills. Needless to say, it made my night.