Catering: Make a List, Check it Twice

If I am working as a cook/chef for a catered event, there is a check list of to-dos.  This list covers my uniform and knives, and is separate from food shopping, staffing, rentals, and menu lists. It's best to take care of these things hours or even days before the event. That way, the drive or BART/MUNI commute doesn't feel rushed or harried.

• Iron Chef jacket.
• Iron bistro style apron. These aprons have 2 pockets and reach almost to my ankles.
• Hang apron on a hanger, folded. Place Chef jacket around the top of the hanger, and button the top two buttons. Cover the ensemble in a clean garment bag, and zip up.
• Make sure all knives are clean and sharp. Occasionally bust out the sharpening stone. Also bring a peeler, wine opener, zester, food thermometer and several pairs of food handling gloves. The gloves are used if I am working an open station where I'm handling food where clients will be, rather than some back/side/garage kitchen.
• Clean black shoes. My current non-skid faves are from Land's End, but I also have decent pairs from Skechers and Birkenstock. These shoes are worn with black socks.
• Clip finger nails, extremely short. Catering means liquids and foods will come in contact with my hands for eight or more hours. (Gloves aren't used that often.) Clean up equals being around and exposed to: slush buckets, garbage bags, recycling containers, dirty platters and dishes. It's distracting, revolting and ugly to have food and gunk encrusted under nails, so I always keep them super short.
• Swap wedding rings. I take off my wedding ring and replace it with a $10 one that I bought at an import store on 24th Street. It's better to wear a plain and simple ring that will not get caught on anything. I also don't want to ruin my ring with crud and food.
• Print directions and contact information.
• Put on a watch that works and is precisely set. The watch will be consulted throughout the event, and consulting a cell phone or co-worker for the time takes too long. Don't count on having a clock in the space where you're working.
• Pack at least two side towels. It's good to write your name or initials on the towels, so they don't get swiped or mixed in with the client or other staff linens.
• Bring a bottle of water and snacks. Staff meal, which is supplied by the employer and ranges from Subway sandwiches to pasta, hot dogs, or more, is not guaranteed. Nuts, apples, dried fruit, tamales, and chocolate are good. Bonus: they are easy to transport and eat.
• Day of event: put on a white t-shirt, black or checkered pants. Wear a sweatshirt or sweater that is grubby enough that no one will want to steal it. Leave the leather jacket or other valuable items at home. Grab knives and uniform, and off you go.

Comments

[Austin Catering]

You can tell that you put a lot of love into what you do. Great tips. Thanks for sharing

[viagra online]

hello, I love this post, I like the part of the text that talks about mourn, I think is a good article to ponder, thanks for sharing the information!

[generic propecia]

i like this part of the post:"This list covers my uniform and knives, and is separate from food shopping, staffing, rentals, and menu lists." is very good

[viagra online]

Noooo, don't torture me!! We are having a very anaemic summer at the moment so you're not missing much... Have a ball in Greece!

And I'm glad you enjoyed the skewers - but I'm afraid your combat trousers were about the only manly thing I could detect about you, so you're safe on that count!! ;-)

[Buy Generic Viagra]

Very few people have idea about this deadly disease. This awareness program would help a lot of people to know this disease. Information related to the probable causes of the disease such as smoking or weight loss could be found here.

[diflucan 150mg]

Thank you! I didn't know they picked up on it until I saw your comment.

[blue pills viagra]

I think your blog is great information source & I like your way of writing and explaining the topics. Keep it up. I'm going to follow your blog.

[Order Biltricide 600 mg Drugs]

Thanks for you sharing. This kind of topic is good for people to learn more about it, and that people should be every day less ignorant..

[Push Up Bra]

Wow, Great post Nice work, I would like to read your blog every day Thanks for sharing.

[Clomid Clomiphene 50 mg]

Very intersting point of view that at the same time generates differents others opinions on this topic your blog has been very helpful.