Tuesday, May 20, 2008

Crisis?

In my constant travels back and forth between our restaurants I've noticed an alarming increase in the number of gray haired chubby men running or biking. Of course the warmer weather have brought them out but I wonder if it has more to do with the legendary "midlife crisis"? For example, a very prominent woman in town did a triathlon for her 50th birthday. As I reach that milestone I thought a triathlon or marathon was a little ambitious for me so I did something different. I made a day trip to Chicago and auditioned for the Bravo TV show "Top Chef". I doubt anything will come of it but I felt compelled to do it. The audition is nothing more than a 20minute on camera interview. They explain they are looking for personality and stress that it's "cable" and you can say anything you want. (Code for swear alot) That I have no problem with. One of the questions asked was "what makes you different, why should you be on Top Chef"? If you watch the show the answer is obvious. My response, "I'm sure there are alot of baby boomers out there who watch the show. I think they would love to watch the old guy kick some young chef's ass". And why wouldn't they? I can tell you from first hand experience that as you reach a certain point in your life you begin to feel left out and less useful. Hence putting on the running shoes or hopping on the bike. With that being said, I would love to provide a little motivation for those out there who are feeling their oats. As I told the casting director, "I was doing this when most of the Top Chefs were still in diapers and I've forgotten more than they know. Bring'em on!"