First off I would like to apologize that I have not posted in the last few days. Needless to say I’m sure you all figured that there was a reason as I am generally quite good about keeping current. Not only have I had a lot on my mind but have also had a couple issues which scared the bejesus out of me. I would like to report though that everyone is okay and so too am I. So here I am again happy to be writing.
I’d also like to say that I am extremely happy with my last post. Many of you may not know but I have written for along time. All kinds of things, poetry, movies, books and plays. What you may not know however (although I have mentioned here once or twice) is that I am a stream of consciousness writer. And yes that even applies to things that I am writing such as the last post. In fact that post took me about two and a half hours to write. But the real reason that I am so pleased with the last post is that I broke my highest readership number with that post. Why that pleases me is because it means that those people might start having an interest in food policy. Moreover, it gives a starting point from which to educate yourselves on the subject. I know that as time goes on I will write many more posts on the subject. In fact my next post is going to be on Urban Farming. But more on that later.
As the title of this post would suggest I am still having issues with the work ethic of some of those at work. Naturally as I have gotten comfortable in my position I have begun to see the little things that people do or don’t do that bothers me. I routinely arrive at work at between 6 and 6:10 am. I do my setup as you all well know by now and then start banging off the specials and any other prep work that needs to get done to make sure that the day runs smoothly. Of course because there are only two shifts in our kitchen a lot of prep gets done by my morning comrade and myself. However, as I have mentioned before, I believe and can demonstrate that we are being abused in the prep work that we are having to do because of what I perceive as a lacksidaisical attitude toward their position and at the very least a work ethic which leaves much to be desired. And to me it makes no sense because this kitchen is like Nirvana, Shangri La, Heaven, Paradise or El Dorado.
What I’ve come to realize is that my work speaks for itself. It truly does. I don’t just show up and go through the motions. I work and I continue to work until the work is either done or it is time for me to go home. Sure I take a couple of smoke breaks but beyond that I work. And I do so because I love what I do. I love the environment. I love the job. So I’ve become resolute with myself, that all I need to do, is to continue demonstrating my work ethic each and every day because… My Work Speaks for Itself.
In advance of tomorrow I made a sun dried tomato pesto for a tortellini special. I also made a red pepper sauce which I am going to use for a Mediterranean pizza.
Also exciting is the fact that we rolled out our new menu on Thursday. The summer menu means that we need to relearn and quickly an entirely new and varied menu. Items on this menu include Veal Scaloppini, Pan Seared Mackerel, Ahi Tuna, Tournedos (Filet Mignon) and a couple of new pasta dishes. I’ve already had to make everything on the menu and was surprised with the ease that I was able to learn and execute the new dishes. It is really only the second time that I have done a complete menu change and the first time that it was required of me to be able to cook everything that was on it. It feels pretty good. We change the menu there about four times a year so I look forward to always learning and expanding my own repertoire as a result.
Also exciting is the fact that I start on the outdoor grill on Friday. The only thing I don’t like about it is that my hours go from morning to evening. But I guess you can’t have all the things you want all at the same time. So I will stop doing the mornings on Tuesday and then I have two days to do some research and get ready for the summer. I am excited to see what is to come. To spend the summer by the lake watching as the boats go by, pleasing my customers and putting everything I have learned thus far to the test. And ultimately… MY WORK SPEAKS FOR ITSELF.
I also was in touch with the young man that L put me in touch with. In fact I am about to call him so I will probably be able to post an update after my Urban farming post.
There is an old Asian Proverb which states; “ He that will not reflect is a ruined man.”
Are you dreaming bug and inspired?
A la prochaine
SDM
Monday, May 18, 2009
My Work Speaks For Itself (file under the Saga Continues…)
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