Monday, November 19, 2007 - My News: Starting a New Life... |
Since Thursday last week I began a new life in the form of a new job. It's not just any old job though. I'm working in an industry that I have no experience or qualifications in and is far removed from what I was doing previously.
Those who know me (especially my friends in the UK plus my spouse), know my love of food, cooking and everything (and I mean everything) relating to food. Thus, it seemed somewhat obvious that if I were to make a career change and work in the restaurant/food business, I'd better start now rather than later.
So, I know work in a restaurant. It's a small, locally (woman) owned restaurant in my new home town of Durham, NC. It's very close to my former employer (ironically). I'm going to rotate through the various parts of the business and so far, I've been learning to be a prep cook. I wasn't even sure what a prep cook did before my first day. I most certainly know now.
I don't have many misconceptions about the kitchen side of the business and I came prepared although I was surprised to realize yesterday (Sunday) that I didn't sit down at all during my shift, not even to pee because I didn't even have the urge to go...
The key skills to being a prep cook appear to be:
stamina
energy
attention to detail
speed (not the drug)
consistency (nothing worse than producing 100 biscuits and noticing that they're not all the same height)
Working in a restaurant kitchen is not much like cooking at home. e.g. just today, I made 20lbs of potato salad. For those who missed it, on my second day I butterflied 40lbs of chicken breast. Biscuits? I made nearly 200 on Friday.
At this point, I am enjoying my job. I'm learning a lot about the business, recipes and working quickly. I haven't had any accidents and I feel I'm part of the kitchen team (all are Mexicans. They're lovely, hardworking guys).
The best thing of all is the customers love the food and keep on returning and even placing catering orders. The loyalty of the customers is notable because I don't think my place really advertises. Most business is through word of mouth and that's a lot of mouths.
Anyway, that's my news and I'm off from tomorrow for my Thanksgiving break. I may be back to work on the Sunday after Thanksgiving. |
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About Me
Former Londoner, now living in Durham, NC since 2002.
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