Could there be anything more satisfying than contemplating a table of mise en place? Probably. But I can't think of many right now. Once at this stage, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment, excitement, anticipation, and relief knowing that all the hard work is behind me. It brings me back to childhood, if only briefly, with the pure feeling of a kid who's given a bucket of art materials in various colors and shapes. When it all comes together it's like a fireworks show, you see chemistry in action, the transformation of form and colors right before your very eyes. It's a cornucopia of sensation - heat, smell, vision, and of course, taste (hopefully umami included). And those prep bowls…oh what good friends.