Building blocks, for a chef to keep on hand.
Curated by Jacqueline J. F. O'Hara with additions by Olivia O'Hara
Grains and starches
  Flour
  Grits
  Oatmeal
  Pasta
  Rice
  Almond flour
  Corn tortillas
  Popcorn
  
Canned goods
  Tomato paste
  Tomato sauce
  Diced tomatoes
  Crushed tomatoes
  Chickpeas
  Black beans
  Canned coconut products

Dried goods
  Beans- black eyed peas, lentils, split peas, black beans.
  Nuts- pecans, almonds, walnuts.
  Fruits- raisins, plums, figs, berries.

Pickled goods
  Olives
  Pickles
  Kimchi

Root cellar
  Potatoes
  Onions
  Garlic
  Shallots

Animal proteins
  Butter- grass fed.
  Milk
  Eggs
  Cheddar
  Parmesan
  Bacon
  Chicken
  Beef
  Lunch meat

Fresh
  Tomatoes- do not store in the refrigerator!
  Salad greens
  Cooking greens
  Carrots
  Celery
  Cucumbers
  Citrus- lemons, limes, oranges.
  Bananas
  Apples
Dressings and condiments
  Extra virgin olive oil
  Coconut oil
  Sesame oil
  Apple cider vinegar
  Wine vinegars- rice, red, black rice.
  Soy sauce
  Mayonnaise
  Mustard- yellow, Dijon, seeded.
  Barbecue sauces
  Hot sauces
  Maple syrup
  Nut butters
  Jams and preserves

Salts
  Table salt
  Kosher salt
  Sea salt
  Salt blends

Sugars
  Honey
  White sugar
  Brown sugar

Herbs
  Parsley
  Rosemary
  Basil
  Oregano
  Thyme
  Bay leaves
  Dill

Spices
  Paprika
  Cayenne pepper
  Chili flakes
  Peppercorns
  Garlic powder
  Onion powder
  Nutritional yeast

Extracts
  Vanilla
  Almond

Freezer
  Homemade soup stocks
  Vegetables- peas, spinach
  Fish
  A pizza, just in case.
Other
  Old, dry coffee grounds or open boxes of baking soda. Place in fridge and freezer for freshness.
  Kitchen scraps, collected in a tub in the freezer, can be used in soup stock or added to compost.
  White vinegar, for cleaning.
  Baking yeast.
  Seasonal produce from your backyard, local market, community garden, or farm.
 
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MCA's Rules of the Road
As published in the Wall Street Journal Aug. 13, 1999
Originally attributed to MCA agent Jerry Perenchio but possibly developed by Jules Stein

1. Stay clear of the press. No interviews, no panels, no speeches, no comments. Stay out of the spotlight — it fades your suit.
2. No nepotism, no hiring of friends.
3. Never rehire anyone.
4. Hire people smarter and better than you. Delegate responsibilities to them. Doing so will make your job easier.
5. You’ve [got] to know your territory. Cold!
6. Do your homework. Be prepared.
7. Teamwork.
8. Take options, never give them.
9. Rely on your instincts and common sense. If you go against them you generally regret it.
10. No surprises. We don’t give them. We don’t want to get them.
11. Never lose sight of what business you’re in. Stick to your “last.”
12. When you suit up each day it’s to play in Yankee stadium or Dodger stadium. Think big.
13. If you have a problem, don’t delay. Face up to it immediately and solve it.
14. Loose lips sink ships!
15. Supreme self-confidence, never arrogance.
16. A true leader is accessible — no job too big, no job too small.
17. Communication is our business. You can reach any of your associates anytime, anywhere, anyplace.
18. If you make a mistake, admit it. Just don’t make too many.
19. Don’t be a “customer’s person” (man or woman).
20. Always, always take the high road. Be tough but fair and never lose your sense of humor.

Editor's notes:
I don't know that I agree with #19. I'd need to know what specifically this originally meant. Having witnessed the junkification of Silicon Valley's consumer-focused startup sector in the 2020s due to "founders" putting shareholder profit first and customers last, I believe in addressing customer needs. #19 may be specific to Hollywood, and not to business overall.

#5 was spelled in the WSJ as "You've go" instead of the more probable "You've got".

#17 was clearly written before the advent of the 24/7 news cycle and smartphones. The quickest way to burn yourself out is by having no boundaries, and burnout is a productivity killer. Work when you work. Play when you play.