[Sca-cooks] dealing with mundane cooks

[Lonnie D. Harvel]

Here is a variation on what William suggested. This may work with either 
Bobby of the East, or the pro cook you are dating.  ( I will assume the 
former.)

Find a recipe that you are having trouble redacting, something 
relatively complex and late period. Ask for his help. Provide him with 
the original, your translation, and explain where you think the problem 
may be. Chat with him for awhile. Appreciate his abilities. You are a 
Peer, you can afford to be gracious. There is no one who doubts *your* 
abilities. You will soon find out if he is just and @ss, or if he is 
just insecure and needs some affirmation.

If it is the former, ignore him, nothing will help. Any attempt at 
arguing with him will only increase his ego. If he annoys you in your 
kitchen, have him removed.

If however, it is the latter case, thank him for his assistance in 
public and compliment him on his professional skills. It is not unusual 
for people to feel the need to bluster or assert their own gifts, 
especially new people in a community. Usually words of acceptance and 
acknowledgement from an individual with a secure place in the community 
can alleviate the situation.

Aoghann
(oh, you could also use a recipe you are having trouble scaling feed a 
larger number...)