Being a stage is a notoriously thankless job: long hours, bottom of the ladder kitchen status, and difficult jobs that no one else wants to do. And guess what? It’s usually done all without pay. That’s right– for decades upon decades, people who want to become chefs have worked for free in kitchens all over the world.
The Sammic BasqueStage scholarship is a bit different. The deal is sweetened… not only you get to learn in a high-end kitchen in Europe, you also get paid for it. And we put you up in an apartment outside of culinary capital, San Sebastián. You can find more information here about the scholarship, whose application process opens MARCH 1st. Read on for a list of the top 10 qualities a Basque Stage should have, featuring some recommendations from our current scholars, Athena and Tracy.
TOP 10 QUALITIES OF A BASQUE STAGE
10. You must be curious about strange, new edible sea animals.
9. It helps to “have a strong affinity for txakoli.” -Athena
8. ”A sense of humor. The Basque will tease you and you have to learn to tease them back. In spanish.” -Tracy
7. You should have the capacity to live on a land where spicy is a foreign word. (But don’t worry-freshness and flavor are common currency.)
6. ”You must want to cook, eat, and live the Basque way. You are breathing Basque Country for 6 months!” -Tracy
5. “Ability to hand signal things like ‘spoon’ or ‘immersion circulator’ helps.” -Athena
4. You “must enjoy blood-infused meat and sauce products.” -Athena
3. Being a hard worker is an absolute imperative.
2. You will “work hard and dance hard. 15 hrs/day and the Basque still make time to party. They love to sing and dance, in and out of the kitchen.” -Tracy
1. You have to be ready and willing to soak it all in!
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Athena Thickstun, BasqueStage. BasqueStage said: Published a new blog post: What It Takes To Be a Basque Stage http://kcy.me/23mv [...]
Sounds like having a ton of energy to devote to this and being totally open to whatever is thrown at you is what its all about. Although, hopefully the blood infused meats and exotic sea animals will be handed to you on a plate and not thrown at you.