Apprentice Chef: Week Five

Already a month into my new job, boy does time fly by. I’ve learned a lot within this month, my boss has told me within a span of six months I should know or in fact, will know EVERYTHING by then. I agree! What with the menu being quite a simple one and the rest is just learning how make most of the larger dishes from scratch, like the sliders, the wings, spätzel (which I’ve learned how to make, quite proud also fairly easy), gravy, suppe, liptauer, apfel strudel, crepe, etc.; there really isn’t much else to go crazy over except for checking in our suppliers, making sure everything stays tip top shape in the kitchen, cleaning, set-ups, desserts, and yeah. I’m getting there!

Speaking of spätzel, this Monday I learned how to make it from scratch! It’s a rather simple pasta one can make, although I do advise that you must pay attention to the consistency, for you’re looking for a slimy, yet sort of goopie consistency. So not too thick and not too runny. A good tip, what with having to remember so many recipes in a restaurant and other important necessities, would be to WRITE THINGS DOWN! If you have a weak mind or simply struggle to memorize most of what you’ve learned; bear in mind to keep a travel sized notepad or book so if you ever feel the need to jot something down, do so!

Once the spätzel was done, which was really enjoyable and relaxing, although I looked as though I were a cooked lobster due to steam, the boss came in, checked up on them. Got the okay and learned the technique to making long enough spätzel- I was quite proud.

Tuesday, nothing too crazy, but I learned a few other dishes and their plating. What is really annoying, and one thing I’ve learned fast; is that in a kitchen you will have one or more cook in the back of the house with their own methods of cooking and running the kitchen. Unfortunately, in most cases, these cooks will not respect each other an think ones methods to be far more superior than the other simply due to seniority. Whether it be length of time being a chef or working for a restaurant. This so happens to be the problem I am faced with.

Thankfully, working with Chef P, and being able to talk about said predicament I was given some advice and have pretty much stuck to what I know is right and what I know I have to do. Which is what most should go about doing. Also, never second guess yourself!

Wednesday and Thursday, days off for me. Enjoyed a ride Wednesday down Tamiami Trail with the puppies and the family (well, by dad, brother and sister). It poured down for the most part, poor things, the dogs were terribly afraid of the storm we encountered.

Thursday rolled by, gave Lady a bath, then went over around 21:30 to pay Jess a visit to help her with something. That something was the infamous ALS ice bucket challenge. To be perfectly frank, which I’m sure I may receive a lot of headaches for this, but what is the whole damn point of that fucking ice bucket? The ice bucket DEFINITELY has nothing to do with the disease and it is a waste of resources and MONEY! God damnit! I wasted a shit ton of cash on the ice and container. Anyway, to be a good sport, I helped with the first recording of the “challenge”; which we happened to record again the following morning, Friday, for the quality wasn’t what we were looking for.

Come Friday morning, around 9:00-9:30, Abdel and I were on the road back to CVS for more ice. -,.,- We filmed the video, thankfully this time it came out perfect, thanks to my trusty OLYMPUS (camera). Afterwards, it was a rush back for home, but before that, a quickie for some coffee or in my case, hot chocolate at Vaporshark shop nearby my house. Mmm, yummy hot cocoa. ^,.,^ Straight for home after that and to give Jojo his bath then to hope in for mine and out the door for work. Friday wasn’t all too crazy, although it was fucking nonsense with the damn tickets and not to mention the band once again. This time there was no butchering of songs, but there was butchering of my ears for it was a country genre based band that played. We also had some guys from who were pretty wasted and damn, after having made them that sandwich with liptauer and having heard they devoured it, I could definitely tell that wasn’t going to be enough to keep them from getting more buzzed.

Clocking in around Saturday morning, I learned that one of my bosses was punched by one of them wasted characters. Oof! Saturday though was far more eccentric; what with having that event the city of Coral Gables hosts called The Kitchen Hop. Nine restaurants, you and a group of people and more are allowed to visit these restaurants and get a deal on the food and beverages. In our case, being we are a German Restaurant and Bar, we gave free beer and free knackwurst sandwiches. Damn those greedy grubbers and their bottomless stomachs! Also, it didn’t hep that the service was to shit that whole day!

It was insane! From the time I clocked in, to the time I clocked out, it was cooking, dish washing, and more. I got quite a surprise though when I was in charge of helping with the dishes. Broken glass; surprise surprise! Any one want a quick slash over their wrists? I swear, the one thing that pisses me off more that crazed lunatics are service girls that get a job in a restaurant, who knowingly are well aware of the fact that they have to get their hands dirty with removing the napkins, the utensils, the leftover bits of half eaten food, etc.

Otherwise, why get a job where you have to get your hands dirty if you’re not willing to do the job right?!

Today, Sunday, not the bad, although once again, another fuck up with the damn tickets. Worked with Cook J from 12:00-15:00, then came in Chef R- a total relief. Although it doesn’t help when you have dummy Cook J, implement a method that’s shit and works like hell in a kitchen. It’s disorganized and has no function! What with him out of the way, thing sin the kitchen settled down a bit more, prepared a few things for Chef R, made sure everything was set for he was on his own and then I was off.

Thankfully, tomorrow morning brings a new week and new events. I’m happy that I get to work with Chef P tomorrow in the morning. For now, it’s off to hit the pillows and receive kitty cuddles. :3

Apprentice Chef: Week Four

I do not remember much from this week, all except for having been overly exhausted. Monday and Tuesday were quite fast, but also enjoyable. Wednesday and Thursday, being my days off were spent watching movies and cuddling with my little face planter. ^,.,^ Thursday night was a treat though. Had found the opportune moment to finally pay a visit to Jess with Abdel. I really missed seeing familiar faces.

What could be better though with company than a visit to Checkers for a burger and milkshake. Food was my treat for us all. I didn’t feel up to munching on food though, had a lack of appetite that day from what I remember.

Came Friday, it was a shift from 16:00-22:00. Clocked in, grabbed my glass of water, and went straight to cooking. Not that bad, until the band rolled in around 20:00. Was able to cook myself some food for the road, then it was off to see Jess and Abdel, enjoy a delicious beverage at Fat Tuesday’s. I ordered the Kickin’ Lemonade with a shot of Vodka! Mmmm, good stuff! Hey, I can’t help it, I love my vodka, but the one I truly enjoy above all Vodka is my Polish Vodka or Potato Vodka. Far more delicious and without the effects of a hangover. Of course it still gives you a good buzz, if you’re looking for that sort of enjoyment, but there’s no hangover in the morning, so no need for pills to kill the splitting headache. Good tip!

Saturday, received a visit from my cousins and uncle. I missed them dearly. Unfortunately I was unable to stay as long as I would have liked, had to leave for work. I was able to catch though on some months of information and a year or two regarding my cousins son, my cousin once removed. So that was a nice chat. With luck, come the next visit, I’ll have some more time to kill for a longer chat.

After having clocked out from work, was picked up, drove to the aunts house, showered and knocked out on the couch watching “Die Schule der Kleinen Vampire.” It is quite addicting- as you can tell.

I felt so terribly exhausted, all I could do was lay on the couch and zonk out. I woke up around midnight, ate my dinner, watched some more of my German vampire, drove back home and hit the pillows happily.

Sunday, I only remember the feeling of exhaustion once again.

Bangin’ Morning Follow Up

It’s been three weeks since my fainting, and one week since my visit to the doctors for blood work and MRI.

A visit to the doctors office is never and enjoyable experience for one is never sure as to what they’ll hear or learn. In my case, what with having visited the hospital plenty as well as the doctor; I can tell you that I am quite fed up with having to pay a visit whenever something happens, for it only sickens me and drops me into a state of momentary hopelessness. I feel as though I’m nothing but a mess!

From what my visit entailed this time; so the kind doctor relayed to me, was the cause of my fainting, more than likely was due to a lack of sleep, exhaustion and the fact that I have a demanding job. Also, I may unfortunately, have a low threshold to lack of sleep. This means, if I do not cease the opportunity to rest when presented, I am likely to have this very same event occur. Also, I must constantly hydrate and stay hydrated for that is also a likely possibility. Within my first two weeks, I was terribly nervous and embarrassed to grab a glass of water. Although, I seemed to have summed up the courage when I felt a headache coming on or the body feeling dehydrated.

Needless to say, I was horrible on myself my first two weeks. Aside from the marvelous news that was presented to me, blood work came back normal; perfectly normal- love that scene in Dracula: Dead and Loving It. Such great news is agreeably music to my ears. Although, lastly there was the dreadfully awaited results from the MRI.

I believe I shocked, or rather surprised the technician that took care of me during my scanning of my brain for I was ecstatic and ready to be sent through the giant doughnut shaped tube. I doubt they receive many patients that are so eager to be poked by needles and sent through for brain scanning. I did enjoy listening to the classic rock that was played, although to tell the truth; lying in that tube with my arms crossed over my chest in Dracula mode, was really pleasant and I kept falling asleep during the process. It was so peaceful, I couldn’t help myself.

After having waited 48 hours for the return of my results, I learned that I have a scar tissue on my brain. I cried a tad bit over the news for scar tissue on such a sensitive organ can indeed cause seizures… But from what I was told and what the doctor believes, it should not and will not cause me harm in the future, but if I am not careful when taking care of my health and am not on top of myself to constantly hydrate, the little fainting episode with the tiny seizure may happen again.

I do not plan on paying another visit any time soon to the good ole’ doctor, so I am becoming far more diligent when it comes to caring for my health, along with keeping up with such hectic schedule.

For now, I can say with assurance, that all is well. I have felt stressed and terribly exhausted, but I have luckily rested and continued to do so for plenty a time- give or take a four hour cat nap as I call it.

Cyberia Night

Goth club fun. Follow the link for photos and details on the night of dancing.

CYBERIA NIGHT GOTH

Practice Makes Perfect, but it’s Alternative or Bust

Recently went on a photo shoot about a week ago. Went for a VERY different look; something I never do, mostly due to the reason that I feel and know I never look good plain- it makes me feel very uneasy? The theme was earthy yet dark so naturally best thing that comes to mind is brown upon brown, black boots, but a twist on the socks! Striped stockings all the way! The outfit in general was executed perfectly, to top it off a shawl to protect the skin from the sun also as another ensemble to the outfit. Unfortunately, the final piece that was meant to really bring the whole concept together loosened itself from the sealed frame, so the antlers had to stay.

What with being an aspiring Alternative model, every chance one gets to grow their portfolio, from what I learn, is a chance one should never pass up on if they’re intent on growing their portfolio since they are serious about their art work; but ALWAYS be cautious and know the people you’re working with!! So whenever I’ve been given the chance to make my art come alive or compose a new idea, I make sure to use the opportunity I’ve been presented- obviously though, with people I know who have experience using their craft (the photographer). This time, for this shoot, things were not at all along the lines of having experience, for my photographer friend was also using this experience as practice for them self, no problem there, but when looking through the photo set I noticed the biggest mistakes I always avoid and constantly remind myself NEVER to do. Always, always elongate that neck- it’s crucial! But what makes it a team effort is having someone who’s worked with people before and knows when one needs the aid of remembrance, one must speak up and say what is needed to get a great shot. Thankfully I’ve learned that on my own from a few inspirational role models, but also through the aid of the photographers who’ve helped me with my previous photo shoots. I am very thankful of that lesson and many others learned with their help.

Sadly though, I did not implement my lessons learned for when the body feels comfortable and when one is NOT in front of a mirror, one does not see themselves but feels what may be right- WRONG! Those mistakes appeared on the set, something I judge myself on very harshly. So of course, most of the photos that were great ideas were total flunks which disappointed me a lot. Perhaps another attempt at this very theme may turn out far better than the previous one.

Apprentice Chef: Week Three

Third week in, almost a month and 36 hours for this week! Boy does time fly by. Every day I learn something new and every week I meet someone new or learn more helpful techniques. For my third week, I began my Monday in my first morning shift. Definitely something new for me that very week, but I already new the few things that had to be prepared.

Monday, clocked in at 10:00. Got most of what I knew ready and set for this new chef I was to meet. I thought I was going to meet another older chef, but surprisingly, the chef I met and worked with on my morning shift is only 6 or 7 years older than I. Chef P is who he is. German too, like Chef R! So naturally, it felt comfortable working with a neighbor- you know, country wise?

Any who, meeting Chef P was awesome. Picked up a few more techniques and still am too! He’s definitely a speedy Chef. I will say this, but at least I’m not having my head bitten off. Monday, for it being my first morning shift, was a bit of fuck-up. But what can I say; it’s a Monday, that’s what everyone is on. Plus, I’m no morning person so I’m surprised my brain was working well enough to get things moving along.

Towards the later hours of 13:00-14:30, the restaurant picked up the pace and the kitchen was getting busy, which was good, but not as busy as I would have thought, although it was a Monday so things are slow. Only ten tickets. Not even close to much, to let you know. So to kill some time, I was put on breadcrumb duty! Yep, I got to play with the big boy and shred bread into itty-bitty pieces, or shavings I should say, for our food. Before clocking out at 15:00, I cleaned up my mess and what not, as well as the walk in cooler. You have no idea as to what I may find, whether it be leaves of lettuce to celery sticks or onion skins… sigh. Whenever you see a mess, you clean it right?! Well, if only two certain people in the kitchen knew how to do just that, boy would that make my day!

Tuesday, my second morning shift went smoothly, got more cooking done and went to work with Chef P until he clocked out at 16:00. I was working with one of the other cooks in the kitchen, J. Yeah, so I have cook J and cook M. I was working with J, so far so good, but his method is very strange and really works little for me, also with him having SUCH a thick accent; it makes this FAR more difficult being in the kitchen.. So working with him, it’s nothing personal, but I can see some trouble in the future caused by him and cook M.

Wednesday and Thursday, thankfully were my days off, although, I was not looking forward to them for I had to pay a visit to the doctor Wednesday morning, 11:30 for a check up. What with having fainted and apparently having had a mini seizure, which is why they wanted to see me since that was the first time that has happened to me, the doctor wanted to ensure my health was not under threat and was curious as to what may have been the culprit, just as I was.

From what I had told her, she believes it to have been nothing more than my lack of sleep having caught up to me as well as the exhaustion and having started a demanding job. More on that in another post.

Thursday was a second visit, but for an MRI, more information on that in the other post.

Friday, was not so bad. Although my arms, or veins I should say, were still sore from being poked and stabbed by needles. Pretty busy with making burgers, wings and schnitzels. I’d say around 20:00-20:30, the live entertainment came in and started to kill my ears again. Alright they’re not that bad at all, in fact, the guy and his band mates play pretty damn well, only problem is when he screeches like a lady over a few songs. So of course, my ears bleed away while trying to take in everything Chef R taught me, especially a few awesome new recipes for sauces.

Also, what made Friday FAR better was receiving my first pay check! I felt so proud!

Saturday and Sunday, were both the same hours from 12:00-18:00. Saturday, worked with cook J in the morning. I learned how to make a few of the dishes from scratch, so that was great, although it is quite an unorthodox method. Although before I got busy in the kitchen, all I could hear from the bathroom was yelling and an argument boiling over. So cook J obviously got reprimanded by one of my bosses.

Sunday, cook J was quiet while making a few things, like boiled potatoes. As soon as I clocked in, I put them to cool on the salamander/speed rack to cool off. Once that was done, it was at least some time for a break to munch on something fast and get prepared for the tickets to come. It was hell working with cook J though, for as I mentioned his accent is very thick and difficult for me to understand. Problem is, this ass thinks I don’t listen to him; WRONG! I JUST DON’T FUCKING UNDERSTAND YOU!

So this joker was on my last nerve and was pushing my last button. Finally I grew apathetic towards his shit. Funny thing was when he gave me a few “pointers” on how a restaurant runs. Granted I know I am new to the business and do know all that goes on, but to interject, I DO KNOW the bit that I learned and bothered to ask from picking the brains of people I’ve met and instructors. So I’m not walking into the business blind! Although, what really tickled my funny bone, was when he said “you know how you have to be in a restaurant, right? You have to be fast! You know how they show on channel 6 and channel 10? Those classes.” Boy when I heard that, I wanted to just drop my knife and crack up right in front of him; although I had to save that outburst of laughter for when I walked out the door. One thing’s for sure, that REALLY explains it ALL now.

Afterwards, things got pretty slow and it had its moments of speeding up. Luckily, Chef R clocked in at just the right time, although let me tell you, I really wanted to cut my head off that day what with having been driven insane. I understand everyone has their methods, and it works to their advantage, although, one thing I wish many people understood, is the fact that NOT ALWAYS will a method that works for you, work for another individual. It does not work that way.

Apprentice Chef: Week Two

A total of 17 hours completed for my second week. Shorter than my first, thankfully, for I was given a four day rest period. Desperately needed. As I mentioned in a previous post, during my rest period, Tuesday morning, I had fainted. The rest of my rest period consisted of watching movies (Pride & Prejudice to tell the truth), eating, drinking loads of fluids and resting whenever possible and taking things slow.

Friday, I clocked in at 16:00. It was an interesting night since we had a band, a local one that drops in to play some hits for everyone at the restaurant. I was pretty busy making roasted potatoes, schnitzels, wings. bretzels mit liptauer ( a cheese spread we make), apfel strudel, chocolate cake, sausage sampler, etc. Busy, but good. Drank a ton more water that day. Made sure to let Chef R and the boss know about what happened; they were relieved though as much as I that my fainting hadn’t happen in the kitchen. Hell I was ecstatic that it didn’t occur there! o,.,o

Any who, Friday was hellish in it’s own way, what with the band that came to play. To fill you in, Friday’s we always have a band play from 20:00-23:00. On that Friday night though, I wanted to shoot the ass that was singing half the shit he decided to play that night. One song in particular though really stood out to me, mostly because it is from my first band I ever listened to intently during my middle school years; HIM or H.I.M. The song covered by the band at the restaurant was Wicked Game. Although, let me tell you, this man butchered the fucking hell out of it! Boy do I mean BUTCHERED!!

But hey, after that, I’ve now come to think the guy has nothing much to do and is just out to have some fun! The cooking was good, and everything came to an early close for me around 22:00.

Saturday was a later stay since I had to prepare a few things for Sunday’s Swiss event with Chef R and another cook. Roasted potatoes, sliders, etc. Unfortunately, there was another issue with said cook in the kitchen that gets on mine and Chef R’s nerves. Instead of making sure there was enough of everything, she continued to go about things in her own world and of course, going about things her own way and ignore Chef R.

Sunday, being more insane, I clocked earlier than the time scheduled; so 16:30. As soon as I clocked in, straight away to my station, prepare my canapes, well the bread first were put to toast, then liptauer and herb cheese mixture spread on the toasted bread. Once those were prepped, it was off to my schnitzel station. Let me tell you, I did NOT want to see a schnitzel for as long as I live that day! Even when not on a busy night, I find schnitzel’s to be, though an easy dish, terribly annoying after a long while of schnitzel making- although IT IS TO DIE FOR!!

Anyway, Swiss event, was hell. Nothing was enough whatsoever, things were lacking. Salads were not enough, I got snapped at, while trying to keep up, but thankfully it wasn’t that bad of a bark and I got back in gear and shaped up afterwards.

For it having been my first event, 120 people or so from a headcount that I remember, so far so good, but next time I believe I’ll stay a little longer an make sure that shit gets done or help out some more. What can I say, I’ve already figured out who’s going to be a fucking pain in my ass and trouble in the kitchen for me on my second week. Shit…