Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Like Woah!

It's been a busy time at TR. My hours have been expanded, and I'm feeling the physical and emotional aspects of that. I've worked about 43 hours in the last five days. And at least five more hours tomorrow. And then a day off. And then if starts over again. So that's good (money money money money) and bad (tired, sore, stressed, hungry). But mostly good. As a family friend told me recently, "Just be a duck." Meaning that I should just let the frustrations and stresses of my job roll off me like water off a duck. I think it's a good metaphor and good advice.

As some of you may have noticed, blogging isn't happening as often as I first thought it would. Part of that is because I'm lazy on my days off, and part of it is that I'm feeling pretty comfortable at TR in my position, so they huge exciting things aren't really there any more. They've become normal, every-week stuff. Like working double-digit shifts. Or playing peek-a-boo with the owners' infant son. Or messing up a dessert (usually over-baking or just plain spilling) just to make it again. Then there are other things, like having people come up to thank the cooks for a delicious meal, especially the appetizers and desserts (hey, that's what I do! Woohoo!). It's always nice to hear that my friends and family like my (and the restaurant's) food; likewise, it's just as nice to hear that from a complete and total stranger. Sweet deal.

Well, my energy is falling once again. I hope to blog more in the next few days. I took notes on some stories I wanted to share.

Quack quack,

K.

Friday, October 10, 2008

Quick Update(s)

Last week the county health inspector came by the restaurant for our quarterly review. We passed with 100%. Pretty good, me thinks.

Published today was our first newspaper review in the Herald! I encourage you to read it (http://heraldnet.com/article/20081010/ENT/710109984).

My coworkers continue to make me laugh. Chef M came up to me today and asked how much I weighed. He made a guess, and was only five pounds off. He said he was close and walked away. Completely random, but it made me laugh.

I made salmon cakes today. Fifty-nine of them.

Chef J shops at Central Market on Fridays. Little trivia fun for you.

The dishwasher (or DW as I call her) was singing today. She does that when she thinks no one else is in the back kitchen. But being the sneaky quasi-ninja that I am, I surprised her while she was singing to herself. She laughed. Good times.

Chef M's grandson joined us for staff meal today. He's about 4 and a half months old. He was crying a little bit, at least until I walked by. Then he started laughing. I'm not sure how to take that...

Chef J, over the last couple weeks, has been letting me take care of the deliveries, mainly produce and proteins. I get to sign their clipboard and then put everything away. Kinda fun, having so much responsibility. I take it as a good sign.

Chef M made Mongolian Beef for staff lunch today. It's one of my all time favorite dishes at TR. Yum!

Have a delicious day!

K.

PS. Oh, by the way, Mom and I tried to make our own fennel-yam mash like we do at TR. It turned out really well. Chef J was pleased that we tried to replicate one of his dishes and impressed that it turned out so well! It felt like a personal victory if nothing else. Sweet.