Edible Voices
Editor’s note: The COVID-19 crisis has hit us all; we have been heartbroken, uplifted, unmoored. To help document the moment, Edible Jersey is sharing a few stories from our community.
EDIBLE VOICES
Restaurant Reverie
One chef shares her hopes for the post-crisis world.
Editor’s Note: The COVID-19 crisis has hit us all; we have been heartbroken, uplifted, unmoored. To help document the moment, Edible Jersey is sharing stories from our community.
A few weeks ago, I was asked to share my perspective as a chef on lockdown. I thought I had my starting point. Mother’s Day is one of the most lucrative and busiest days in the hospitality industry. How different would it be this year?
Like everything in life lately, finding my voice and evolving ideas into a blog post took longer than normal. When going to the grocery store feels like gearing up for battle, activities not directly tied to survival take more strength, determination, and energy. The internet gifted me with exactly the stark contrast of pre-pandemic and current views: #lastnormalphoto.
Since the lockdown, I have taken fewer photos. My surroundings were mostly unchanged from day to day; my meal choices were more simple, despite that I had an abundance of time. The last normal photo I have is dated March 12; it’s a photo from Chez Catherine’s most recent wine dinner.
To be honest, the picture breaks my heart. COVID-19 was gaining ground in New Jersey, and the dinner was modified for social-distancing measures before they became executive orders. Our wine dinners at Chez Catherine are typically a social event, with guests at communal tables, passed canapes, and a cheese display. We had also planned on a series of petits fours instead of a traditional dessert course, imagining our guests, comfortably stuffed with the previous dishes not wanting to miss out on any of the small treats. In the hours leading up to the dinner, our team made some very difficult decisions to keep guests as safe as possible. My photo is a line of plated petits fours, one of each bite for each guest.
Two days later, we closed our dining room.
Oddly enough, one of my more recent photos is also a series of identical desserts on the exact same prep table. Plastic to-go boxes, each with a mixed berry crisp in a single use aluminum cup, await pick-up on Mother’s Day.
Like many in this industry, we have modified our menus to be as transportable and true to our missions as possible. This fine balance seems to be working. We actually served more dinners this Mother’s Day than we had in previous years simply because we were not encumbered by the number of seats in the dining room and the amount of dining time each group would require. That’s not to say we had a more lucrative day; prices and expenses have both fluctuated.
My hope is that 2020 will be the year that breaks us, changes us as a society and as a globe, to be kinder to ourselves, each other, and our planet. If we need to go through such an unimaginable crisis, let it not be in vain.
Small businesses need your assistance and there are many ways to lend your voice to help even if your wallet is not able to contribute. Follow your favorite restaurants, independent service providers, and shops on social media. Share and comment on their posts. Remember that restaurant that made your mom’s birthday extra special? The neighborhood spot your children always ask to go? Now is the time to write them a heartfelt positive review if you haven’t already. Get the family involved, too. I know many of us would rather read a sweet review about the chicken tenders from the under 10 set than a scathing review about how the Cosmo was too weak from an adult.
In my darker moments, I try to remember all of the activities I will resume once we reopen and all of the countless aspects of my life for which I am grateful. I sincerely hope you can join me.
Photos courtesy of the author.
Editor’s Note: Chez Catherine re-opened for outdoor dining on June 17th. They also offer take out, Tues–Sat. Call to order 10:30am-4pm; pickup 4-8pm. Visit website for menus. The restaurant looks forward to welcoming customers back to their indoor dining room soon. Chez Catherine, 431 N Ave West, Westfield, 908.654.4011, chezcatherine.com. @instagram.com/chezcatherine_nj/
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