It’s 5:15, 120 degrees in front of the battery of ranges, and sweat is pouring down every cook’s back, dripping off their foreheads. This is moment in time, like the starting line for an important race, when adrenaline is pulsing through a cook’s veins, fingers are tingling in anticipation, knees are a little weak, and…
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COOKS CHOOSING THEIR PATH
There is little question that most young cooks who are serious about their craft have a desire to work for the higher end, independent properties with chefs who are committed to building a name for themselves and the restaurant where they work. This is where a young cook can hone the craft of cooking, gain…
TO ALL IN THE HOSPITALITY BUSINESS: BE A PROBLEM SOLVER – SUPPORT A PROBLEM SOLVER
This article stems from a recent experience in a hotel where I was staying. The power went out for a few hours, but when it returned I stopped into the bar for a drink. The bar was fully set, there were two employees on duty, the ice was in the bin, and the cocktail napkins…
A RETURN TO KITCHEN WORK ETHIC
Say what you will about the craziness of kitchen life, the relentless hours that drive people away from the business, the somewhat unorthodox behavior of some who wear the white jacket and tie on an apron; the stress, heat, humidity, cuts and burns, swollen feet and back cramps; and the anxiety that comes from not…
PRIDE – COOKS SIGN THEIR WORK
Pride is both an essential part of self-motivation and an obstacle for those who distance themselves from input and the occasional need to admit mistakes and seek the opportunity to improve. Pride is that driving force that allows cooks to present a plate of food with their unique signature and proclaim: “I made this.” When…
LINE COOKS ARE THE STUDIO MUSICIANS OF THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS
When we listen to a catchy song by Steely Dan we think of Walter Becker and Donald Fagen – the founding members of this iconic group. Yet, Bernard Purdie probably played that laid-back rhythm that defines their songs on drums. Purdie, a studio musician, was responsible for the Purdie shuffle that made hits of dozens…
COOKS AND CHEFS- BUILDING YOUR CAREER TAKES EFFORT
The best things in life are never easy, and with your career, if you truly want to reach for that rewarding chef position or chef/owner opportunity then it is essential that you set your goals, chart a course of action, stay true to the end game, and know that it will take time and considerable…
CHEFS- ELEVEN STEPS TO GREATNESS
There are chefs and there are chefs. Some hold the title while others have earned the title. So what is the difference? I have always been blessed to count a significant number of true chefs as friends. These are people who everyday exemplify what it means to be great at what they do. Now, by…
A MOMENT IN TIME
It seems hard to believe that it has been 18 years since that earth-shattering day in 2001. There was a moment when it seemed as if my heart had stopped – it was hard to breathe – my vision wasn’t clear – and everything appeared to move in slow motion. I was in a meeting…
LOOK INTO A RESTAURANT WORKER’S EYES
I can’t remember where I first saw this picture, but regardless – I found it so telling of the soul of a restaurant worker. Far too often, we assess people based on face value – our first impressions that are sometimes true, but oftentimes – misleading. How often do we take the time to truly…
