Quote by Tom Colicchio
Most cooks try to learn by making dishes. Doesn't mean you can cook. It means you can make that dish. When you can cook is when you can go to a farmers market, buy a bunch of stuff, then go home and make something without looking at a recipe. Now you're cooking.
Summary
This quote emphasizes the distinction between simply following recipes and truly being able to cook. It suggests that merely replicating a dish doesn't make someone a cook but rather someone who can make that specific dish. The essence of cooking lies in the ability to step away from recipes and rely on one's skills and creativity. The quote highlights true cooking as the capability to visit a farmers market, gather ingredients, and return home to effortlessly create a meal without the need for guidance. It implies that this level of proficiency signifies mastery of the culinary art.