What does happen in 'Gourmet,' we had eight test kitchens, and at any given time, there were, like, ten or twelve test cooks. And whenever anybody finished something, they would yell, 'Taste!' and everyone would go running towards it, and then taste, and then brutally deconstruct the dish.
This quote vividly captures the frenetic yet passionate atmosphere of a professional test kitchen. It highlights the collaborative and intense process of culinary innovation, where every dish is meticulously scrutinized — almost aggressively so. The sense of community and shared purpose among the cooks fosters an environment of continuous improvement and experimentation. Ruth Reichl's description underscores how critical tasting and critique are in refining a dish, turning cooking into both an art and an ongoing dialogue of flavors and techniques. Such an environment champions the idea that great food evolves through rigorous testing and honest feedback, embodying dedication to culinary excellence.
