I’ve been having some problems with my server of late, so I’ve not been posting here (or on my other site The Daily What If). I have however been encouraged by some people and events to fix things up and get things going again. I have a few posts lined up, which chronologically makes sense to post first, but I’m getting pressure to do this one first, so I will…

I had a good Christmas. I got some nifty stuff, but nothing cooler than one of the gifts Natalie gave me. She received an email from Benihana sometime near the beginning of the holiday season mentioning a “Be The Chef” promotion. Now, if you’re not sure what Benihana is, I should explain (and you should find one and go this weekend). Benihana is a Japanese Teppan Yaki restaurant. You and your party will sit around a table with a griddle in the middle. The chef will come out and prepare the food right in front of you. They’ll do tricks with their knives, flip shrimp around, light stuff on fire (depending on restaurant policy), and entertain for about an hour while your meal is cooking to perfection right in front of you. Not only is is entertaining, but it’s always quite delicious.

So the “Be the Chef” gift gave the Average White Guy the chance to be the chef for myself, natalie and five of my friends. I got to study under a master chef for a few hours, and learn how to prepare the meals in the tradition of Teppan Yaki then a few days later it was show time. I had no doubts, but more often than not, I notice the apprehensive looks on the faces of those around me each time I’m doing something for the first time. I don’t believe I’ve ever let them down, but hey, they know me… I’m capable of anything.

I was preparing steak and shrimp for seven people. That’s seven steaks, 49 shrimp, onions, mushrooms, and zuccini enough for seven people, not to mention the shrimp appetizers. Each item on the grill at any given time gets a different assortment of salt, pepper, soy sauce, butter, garlic butter, and sesame seed. It’s alot to keep track of in your head, so as my friends heckled and belittled me, I didn’t hear much. Fortunately for me, Natalie caught the whole thing on video, so I can go back and be hit by the heckling.

Was I scared? No. I do a lot of cooking, and I don’t mean ramen noodles and mac & cheese. I loves me some steak, and I’ve gotten pretty good at knowing when a steak is done. As for the rest of the stuff, I’ve been to Benihana so many times that I should know how to do it in my sleep by now. Having said that… it was pretty tough. I had no problems cooking for myself during the training session, but cooking seven of everything at the same time was rough. Performing in front of others is in my blood. I’ve never been scared of the spotlight.

(Back, left-right: Steve, Lisha, Natalie, Chef Average White Guy. Front, Left to right: Nick, Aimee, Nikki)

The picture above was taken after the meal, and since there are no tears, or green faces, I’ll assume everything was fine. Even now - 24 hours later, I haven’t heard a complaint, so I guess I did ok. I’d love to do it again for 5 or 6 new friends and family.

Sayonara