The Tim Ferriss Show

#82: Sam Kass on Trials by Fire and Cooking for The Obamas

Jun 17, 2015
Sam Kass, a former private chef for the Obamas and nutrition policy innovator, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring baseball player to culinary expert. He discusses his creative culinary adventures, favorite cooking tricks, and his experiences in high-pressure kitchens. Kass highlights the importance of sustainable agriculture, advocating for organic practices and soil health. The conversation explores his breakfast rituals, food preferences, and the significance of fostering a deeper awareness of nutrition and cooking in our lives.
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ANECDOTE

Baptism By Fire In A Michelin Kitchen

  • Sam Kass landed in Vienna and was thrown into a Michelin-star kitchen with almost no experience.
  • He survived intense service by staying calm, learning fast, and celebrating the hard-earned success.
ADVICE

Plan Before You Panic

  • Step back when service gets busy and make a plan for efficiency instead of just speeding up blindly.
  • Group identical tasks and prep together to move orders much faster and reduce errors.
ADVICE

Batch Identical Tasks

  • When you have multiple identical dishes, prep and cook them together rather than one-by-one.
  • Use consistent systems so pressure relies on process, not improvisation.
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