Things have seemed a little quiet around here, haven’t they? The truth is, I’ve never been busier in my life.
Somewhere around the end of July, Marc Cohen of Lawrence — one of my very favorite restaurants in the city — approached me with the opportunity of a lifetime. Was I interested in being his new assistant pastry chef, he asked. My first thought was: I’m no pastry chef. I never went to pastry school, and I’m definitely self-taught. I’m more of a writer, an observer, a consumer. And I felt so safe and cozy being part of the Depanneur Le Pick Up family, making brownies and cupcakes and granola bars. This was something else altogether, something strange and scary.
There was so much doubt and nervousness, but also excitement. (Let’s just say there were a lot of pep talks delivered from loved ones.) But I wanted the job. Badly. Even if I meant that I would fail. So I did my trial shift, finished my training, and now I’m officially Lawrence’s assistant pastry chef. Things are different but the same — I’m working in a kitchen with people I really respect, learning about an art that I’m totally in love with, at a pace and in an environment that’s challenging, exhilarating, exhausting, gorgeous, and surreal. (I mean, just take a peep at this beautiful menu!)
I was worried that my crazy new schedule (50 hours a week! What was I thinking!) would affect the amount of time that I would get to hang with Adam. But then I woke up one morning, tired and overwhelmed and missing him, and found a little present on my doorstep. Half of a perfect watermelon, a market gift from him to me. I need these sweet reminders from the people who believe in me, and share my excitement.
I’ll keep writing here, but I was thinking that the content will shift. I want to write more about this new restaurant life, my new pastry skills, my new insane schedule. Life is so weird. Here I am, a California girl making pastry in Montreal. I never, ever would have imagined this would be my life. But I am so grateful.
Congratulations! That’s an amazing opportunity, and I’m sure you’re doing great. I’m looking forward to having some of your creations next time I’m in the city!!
yes – i would love that!!
congratulations, natasha! it sounds like an incredible experience.
Sounds so exciting – Congratulations!
awesome! the thing j and i like about lawrence, apart from the great food, is that everyone who works there seems so cool. you fit in perfectly!
haha aww. you’re right – everyone who works there is the bomb!
That’s so awesome! Congrats to you for taking the leap. It’s always easier to stay in our comfort zones (I do that a lot), but when you’re out of it and learning something new, you’re reminded of what you are capable of. Looking forward to hearing/reading more about this new adventure!
moving to montreal certainly felt like a big push out of my comfort zone, but even the scary places become familiar eventually… feels so good to keep challenging myself. thanks for the sweet words. : )
Congratulations, Natasha! What a wonderful opportunity! I bet you’re going to do great!
Félicitations! What incredible news. Can’t wait to read more about it (and I’ll have to come visit Lawrence–I’m moving to the city in two weeks!)
oh blair – that’s so exciting! you’ll have to come by and say hi. good luck with your move!
Personally, I love not knowing where I’ll be in 5 years other than making myself happy and being with my partner. Glad to see that you’re embracing a giant change (I can relate!) and trying out something so wonderfully challenging and rewarding. Good luck!
oh lady. thank you for your sweet words. and you’re right, of course. and i’m going to miss you so much. : (
félicitations! what an exciting adventure and cool new path. i’ve been following your blog since moving to mtl last year and have always said “she has such a cool job, she bakes and does what she loves”, enjoy the ride