I have a goal so lofty it's almost embarrassing to talk about. And that's to be the best restaurant in the world.
Interpretation
Aspiring for greatness can feel daunting, yet it's essential for achievement.
This quote expresses the ambitious spirit required in pursuit of success, particularly in a challenging field like the culinary arts. Charlie Trotter acknowledges that having an extremely high goal, such as becoming the best restaurant in the world, may seem intimidating or even embarrassing to discuss, but it is this very ambition that drives individuals to surpass their limits and achieve remarkable success.
In practice
In a motivational speech for aspiring chefs, you could say, 'As Charlie Trotter once said, I have a goal so lofty it's almost embarrassing to talk about.'
If you know what you're doing, you can make a meal happen with any kitchen knife. But using a top-quality knife versus a low-quality one is the difference between driving a Jaguar and a VW Jetta across the country. They'll both get you there. But the Jaguar will give you a much smoother ride.
There has been no great surprise, no sudden revelation. I knew pretty much what I was getting into. What I've learned is that a restaurant can be as much of an art as you want it to be, but it has to be a successful business first.
You cannot predict literary success; the only way you can possibly aim for it is to do your thing and do it well.
He is the richest man who enriches his country most; in whom the people feel richest and proudest; who gives himself with his money; who opens the doors of opportunity widest to those about him; who is ears to the deaf; eyes to the blind, and feet to the lame. Such a man makes every acre of land in his community worth more, and makes richer every man who lives near him.
The market does not beat them. They beat themselves, because though they have brains they cannot sit tight.
It is not sufficient that I succeed - all others must fail.
I do today what people won't, so I achieve tomorrow what other people can't.
Every dream I've ever had in life has come true ten times over.
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