très soigné
The expression “Très Soigné” is a staple in the French kitchen. Or in any professional kitchen for that matter. Even Marcel tossed it around on the second series of Top Chef.
“Très Soigné” translated means “very neat”.
To me it normally sets off the alarm that the President is coming in, or the owner of Ferrari is dining privately, or the beautiful Queen of Sweden has arrived, or the Michelin Guide Director is lunching with friends (everyone knows the Director since he eats out regularly around town).
And, it also means: if that plate you’re hunched over and trying to finish is not absolutely perfect, you’re dead.
“Très Soigné” translated means “very neat”.
To me it normally sets off the alarm that the President is coming in, or the owner of Ferrari is dining privately, or the beautiful Queen of Sweden has arrived, or the Michelin Guide Director is lunching with friends (everyone knows the Director since he eats out regularly around town).
And, it also means: if that plate you’re hunched over and trying to finish is not absolutely perfect, you’re dead.
After I hear the order “Très soigné!” called out and all of us respond “Oui Monsieur!” to acknowledge the command, I peek at the reservations list to see if I might have heard of the person. Mostly I find it’s an unknown journalist (to me, that is), but sometimes it’s some one world renowned – this definitely gets me excited.