For 20% of my life I have worked within these four walls. @amassrestaurant has givin me the opportunity to meet and most importantly, develop amazing relationships with so many good people. Most of them, I am lucky enough to call friends. When I think about what a restaurant is, I can’t help but think that it is actually nothing without the people. A restaurant is simply a vessel to build community and relationships. What if this was the reason that you ran a restaurant? What if the human ego was not even a factor, in fact what if the whole set up was anti-ego. Imagine how fulfilling a restaurant experience could be. The human ego is our biggest hurdle in moving forward not only as an industry, but as a species. There are so many factors that feed our egos as chefs and restauranteurs. @amassrestaurant has taught me a lot about the nature of ego and the last few years has taught me that there are things that can’t be accomplished while our ego is in play. Even if you are aware of your ego, it will always find a way to influence your decisions. I am lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful people that keep me in check. How do we move forward? Let’s start with building relationships and communities that challenge our egos. Let’s start having real honest conversations with people that we don’t agree with. Let’s create an environment where people can express themselves and not be judged. The last few years has been really tough, but it has given everyone time to think. I hope everyone has used that time wisely to evaluate what really makes them happy. My Family, my friends and my team are my sources of happiness. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. #amass #9yearsstrong @soten_oner @ewphoto