Yes, It’s Been A While…

Life has been moving so fast and there have been so many changes – personal and professional, that by the time I found the energy to update, I noticed my last entry was almost a year ago.

To bring those who still have any interest up-to-date, I did very well at the pasta station. It was very demmanding and I liked it. I learned to make pasta, sauces, and be more organized as a cook. I needed to have a constant tally of what was available in the walk-ins, how much to prepare for service, what I could continue to work on during service and what needed to be done for the next day.

- We lost our executive and sous-chef in what apparently a very common move on-ward. For a while, two of us were left for evening service and we worked 7 days a week. It was brutal. Then she left me to go on to Poste. I was very happy for me and very sorry for myself. I had to learn everything- FAST! I learned to order food from vendors, do inventory, a new station (Grill), schedule staff. I did this for about two months before we hired a new executive chef. Really great guy.

- I had my first triste with a line cook. you don’t know him.

- I graduated from Culinary school in December. My family joined me for the celebration. It was a great time. Then they abandoned me to move to Portland, OR.

- I was honored as “employee of the quarter” by the inn.

- I had my second triste with a line cook

- I was promoted to lead-line cook.

- I have the apartment to myself again. The freedom is just as sweet as I remember it. The loss of rent contribution is also very apparent every month. Things are tight. But somehow, I make it work. The day when I look back on these trying times and laugh can start now…

- There were some high-level firings. New management lurks.

That’s pretty much it. I am now the lead cook and responsible for the hot entrees. New chef, new menu, new staff, new frustrations. Things are going well. I’ve learned a lot of recipes that I will share in future posts.