"どんなにひどい出来でも自分の料理を謝らないでください"

When you think about it, the core idea here is all about confidence and embracing imperfection. We’ve all been there—standing over a pot that didn’t turn out the way we wanted. Maybe it’s too salty, or the texture is all wrong. But the point is, don’t apologize. Own it. Cooking is as much about the journey as the result, and every meal you make is a step in that journey. When you don’t apologize, you’re saying, “This is me. I’m learning. I’m growing.” And that’s powerful.

Historically, this mantra has deep roots in the world of home cooking. Think about the 1950s, a time when homemakers were expected to effortlessly serve perfect meals. Apologizing for a less-than-perfect dish would have been seen as a failure. But times have changed. Julia Child, the legendary chef, famously said something similar, encouraging cooks to be fearless and unapologetic. She understood that cooking is an art—messy, unpredictable, and wonderfully imperfect.

Let’s dig into a real-life example. Picture a home cook named Sarah. She loves trying new recipes, but her first attempt at making a soufflé was a disaster. It didn’t rise and looked more like a pancake than a delicate cloud of eggy goodness. Instead of apologizing to her dinner guests, she served it with a smile and a joke. “Soufflé pancakes,” she called them, “a new creation!” Her friends laughed, tried the dish, and the dinner was a success. They appreciated her effort and creativity, not the technical execution.

So how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? Next time you cook something that doesn’t turn out as planned, resist the urge to apologize. Serve it with pride. Focus on the effort and love you put into the meal. Cooking is a way to show you care, flaws and all. And remember, every mistake is a lesson. Maybe your pasta was overcooked—now you’ll know to check it sooner next time.

Imagine you’re hosting a small dinner party. You’ve spent the whole day preparing a beautiful roast. But when it’s time to carve, you realize it’s overdone. The meat is dry. You’re tempted to apologize, to point out the mistake before anyone can mention it. But instead, you take a deep breath and carry on. You make a joke about your new “well-done” specialty, and you watch as your friends dig in. They compliment the seasoning, the effort, the side dishes. They’re enjoying the meal because they’re enjoying your company.

In the end, it’s not about perfection. It’s about sharing a moment, creating memories, and embracing the process. So next time your dish doesn’t turn out quite right, remember—don’t apologize. Serve it with a smile. Enjoy the journey. And know that every cook, no matter how experienced, has been there too.