Obsession
I confess - it's true. I am obsessed. I've been obsessed ever since October of 2006, when I first set eyes upon him and heard him speak. I saw his eyes light up in childlike fascination as he described details of his craft. His voice was unique and unmistakable; flowing articulately beyond his years. The more I watched, the more strangely familiar he became to me. This incredibly talented chef was in so many ways like my oldest and very gifted musician son, Adam.
Everybody Has a Twin
Maybe we don't see it ourselves - the resemblance we hold to another. On the other hand, maybe it is perfectly clear. I remember seeing a show in Branson, Missouri. There was a girl on stage singing. When she first came out, I began watching her perform. I started looking at her hair, her movements as she sang, her body language. I thought to myself, "she looks just like me!". My sister, who was sitting beside me turned to say, "She looks just like you!". It was the most bizarre thing I had ever experienced. It is said that everyone has a twin, somewhere. When I watched Marcel Vigneron on Season 2 of Top Chef in October of 2006, I felt a strange internal connection inside. It occurred to me several weeks into it that he was very similar to my son, a passionately driven musician. They may physically share some common elements, but the true commonality is the tenacity for their art.
Different Perspective
I have to say that I lost 3 months of my life during Season 2 of Top Chef. I was seriously affected by the things I saw happen with Marcel during those weeks. I felt like I had a unique perspective to his inner person. I was his biggest cheerleader and proud when he was preparing his awesome dishes. While people perceived his comments as arrogant, I understood them as valid statements of confidence. My son is to music as Marcel is to food. He masters any instrument or recording device he picks up. I recognize the drive, the passion, the love of the art. They will settle for nothing less than living to do what they know they were born to do. Both could be misunderstood as arrogant, both run the roller-coaster of emotional variables.
I recognize the talent and God-given skill these young men possess that is rare among their peers. Some people are jealous and despise gifted ones who march to their own metal drummer. Often the driven artist turns out to be somewhat of a loner among the crowd. It is not as though they do not have friends. The friends people like Marcel and Adam have are long-term, committed friends who more than likely share the same dreams as they do. Thrust into the random group, they do not, like others, become 'part of the crowd'. They stand out. When completing a random task or assignment, these guys don't do it to the average level. They are over the top, they smoke the competition and they wow the masses.
Growing Pains
I watched Marcel Vigneron make it to the very end of Top Chef Season 2. Watching the footage of the abuse he endured by his peers was most difficult for me. At that point, I felt such a connection with Marcel that it felt like the head shaving attempt was happening to my own flesh and blood. I was hoping with everything within me that he would win the Top Chef title. The title was not his, however, and went to Ilan Hall, who was one shelling out the abuse. I was sickened and so affected by what had happened during the season. Just as in watching the painful moments our children go through and feeling helpless to fix the problem, the connection gripped me deep within. I knew I had been introduced to a most extraordinary, curiously talented, driven and passionate chef. I wanted to follow his career path, wherever his next venture would take him.
Cameo Appearance
Marcel Vigneron made an appearance as Stefan Richter's sous chef during his final challenge in Season 5 of Top Chef. I sensed some maturity had taken place over the several years since Marcel's season had ended. I didn't forget about Marcel, but followed his career path in the culinary journals and entertainment reports. He had remained busy, holding impressive positions at notable eateries and traveling. Marcel is constantly on the move, improving, going forward. When he appeared this season on Top Chef All-Stars, I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to see his work in depth again. His cooking was impressive and while most often a bridesmaid, Marcel was never the bride. I question the judging of his work sometimes, but I am not on the evaluation panel. Once again, I think his peers were childish in the way they spoke of him and treated him. I totally get his sense of humor and appreciate how he speaks of his craft. I don't see him as arrogant. I think he is confident in what he knows. He is articulate beyond his years yet retains his childlike curiosity.
Get Connected
In following Marcel, I have managed to become acquainted with his lovely mother, whom he credits repeatedly for his many successes. This is so endearing to hear. She and I have traded stories about our boys, and she is well aware of how drawn I was to Marcel because of his likeness to Adam. I consider her a wonderful friend and a lovely spirit. It is my hope that one day in the near future we can visit in person and perhaps I will have the opportunity to sit down with both her and Marcel. I feel as though we are somewhat like distant relatives. And by distance, I mean miles. At times we are close in heart.
Marcel's Quantum Kitchen
In following Marcel's career, I was most excited to hear about his new series on the Syfy Channel! Marcel's Quantum Kitchen premiered Tuesday, March 22, 2011, and has now run three episodes that are phenomenal. After viewing the shows I am blown away by Chef Marcel's achievements in the field of molecular gastronomy. The way in which he explains scientific facts is both easy to understand and fascinating. The team he works with is comprised of three other individuals who have specific talents and passion as it relates to excellence in event planning and food creation and preparation. The 'wow factor' is definitely there, whether in the form of live exotic animals to liquid nitrogen to a flaming motorcycle stove. There is explosive creativity among the group. The word that best sums up the workmanship might well just be 'explosive'.
Having worked in kitchens in the past, I know that there is great pressure to successfully prepare and present a dish in a timely manner to your client. Mistakes are made behind the scenes, there is equipment failure and personal error. Tension runs high in conditions that are less than comfortable. All of this can send a chef over the edge. Add into that formula the pressure of owning the entire production; succeed or fail. Things are said in the heat of the moment, pans are thrown, people are short, blunt and snappy. It is important to practice patience during critical moments, difficult as it is. The same environment goes along with producing a musical performance. You are THE SHOW. Sound checks, equipment needs, vocals up to speed, guitars in tune and on point, and the band in harmony mentally, physically, emotionally. This is a tall order. Producing art is different from jobs in other fields. The artwork comes from one's innermost being. Personal feelings and dreams are interwoven into the mix. Perhaps this explains the temperament of artists. They ride a roller coaster of feelings from love, pain, angst, disgust, melancholy and anger to passion, wistfulness and joy. I have more of an understanding of Marcel and Adam now. I am still obsessed with them both.
Watch What Happens Live
I'll be sure to tune in Tuesday on Syfy, 10/9 Central, for Marcel's Quantum Kitchen. I am excited to see what he's cooking up next!
Kay Wiermaa - Currently a culinary student, I travel frequently and have many years of experience in the hospitality industry both as guest and host. My ...
Join the Conversation