in the kitchen

I sit here on the couch reflecting on the last month or so since school has ended and how things have changed so much! I can remember such a short period of time ago being anxious to have exams over and excited for the warm weather to arrive. Well, both have arrived and I must say, a lot of awesome has happened.

I have started managing at Borealis Grill in Kitchener and am currently training in kitchen management. Tomorrow is actually my last day in the kitchen and I must admit that I am quite upset about this! I never thought I would be someone who would enjoy working in a production kitchen, and yet I have loved it! After almost 5 weeks on the line, I have found a strong passion for the inner workings of a restaurant and learnt so much in this time. Not only have I been able to learn how to work in a kitchen, but also what it takes to work with some of the most elclectic individuals (not to mention get them to do what you want!). I was recently lent a book by Danny Myers called 'Setting the Table' in which he mentions that getting people to do what you want, while encouraging a successful culture, entails treating your staff like volunteers. By that he means thanking them endlessly and treating them like they have volunteered to be there. In my experience so far, albeit slightly limited to date, this is advice that every restaurant manager needs to live by. On Monday I will once again be back in the front of the house, but not without the odd shift (and project) for the heart of house!

On a semi-related note, it is my convocation on Tuesday!! This is sooo exciting! I have been looking forward to this day for quite a while! I have met the most wonderful people and I can't wait to see them all again! Following the ceremony I'll be hosting a barbeque with Ames at her house for our parents who have done so much for the two of us over the years.

I'll try to keep this updated more frequently with the trials and tribulations of my time at the restaurant, so stay tuned and hopefully I can provide a chuckle or at the very least a smile!

cheers.