They Call Themselves Chefs
February 27, 2008
What is with you young boys out there, I say young only because I class myself in the old school regime. Today I herd that yet another chef did the ‘walk out’ in service. Now that’s just great. It seams to be a common thing these days.
Firstly, I do know that some employers have absolutely no idea, that most don’t pay well and that they want you do be at there beck and call. Now that I have agreed with you so called chef’s out there, let’s get this straight. How ever much you are in a mess, for what ever the reason, what justifies the right to drop tools and just go…..
I myself have worked in some very tough conditions, but have never lowered myself to just giving up and walking out. Staying power is what is needed in this industry boys.
When you open a new restaurant and after it’s hay day things slow down and it’s tougher than expected, you just can’t run and hide or walk away, there is lots of money at stake. You knuckle down and push on, get yourself established, change a few things here and there, but you just don’t give up.
I suppose one day you chefs might want to have your own place, well I just hope that you are one of the few employers that pays over and above what the chefs want, that you treat them with great respect, that you supposedly have gained enough knowledge and experience to command such respect…….
What gives me the right to say this, well I have done the hard yards, for many years. I have worked in some of the best well known hotels and restaurants. I have held positions of recognition for some time.
How do you expect to receive great money and positions in the work place without much experience. Just working here and there is not enough. Go out and work in some of the best places anywhere in the world if you want to, but only then can and should you start to demand the recognition. If you find yourself in such a place with an abundance of fine places that’s great, if not, well make the move….you have to go and get it, it won’t come to you.
Remember, people like to discuss people and this industry is one of the best for that, we look at others and judge them for what they do, where they have worked, what experience they have. Now this is a small town and no exception to the rule. I have been here for some time, with a very good reputation, do you think that somebody might just call that chef John to enquire about so in so, just remember it’s a small world boys.
Oh and one more thing, you won’t get picked for the national team unless you play for a big name club eh, wake up and swallow your ego and start to earn some respect. My team is far from full but believe me I only want the best.





there is nothing more team breaking then knowing that you potentialy have someone who walks out when its Gets hot. i think there isnt anything that makes up for that first time they walk out of Service ( well they arent coming back)But there isnt much you can do but stick it out, it gets realy hard when its just you finishing the dishes and cleaning up at 11.30 after dinner had finished at 9.30. It seems the younger the aprentice/ kitchen hand/ cook the More cocker and arrogant they Are also the more prone to mid service walk outs. ive even had a 15yr old kitchen hand walk out after giving me the Speel they want to Be in kitchen work has done it for 6 months before hand And then for me they leave 2 weeks down the track cause its not what they expected too much work Grrrr out the door. well its either a turning of age or the spoilt and nurtured kids are getting realesed.
My rant another Chefs perspective.
Oh yeah ive even Heard on the vine, Chefs who snap out Freak out and walk out mid service. THEN the next day they are back like as if nothing happened Prepping up and also Negotiating better Wages with the owners/managers GRRR tif HISS. that realy gets my temper on. But then that is a whole different Jar of jam. another RANT
Hi Darren, Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Funny that you mentioned that about washing dishes, exactly that happened tonight with me!! Lucky I still had a couple of boys to help.
I think the chefs these days are getting the easy way through the apprenticeship system. (mass production). Check out this post, http://www.johnmundell.com/the-kitchen-rant/catering-industry/ you might like it.
I think once they make the walk thats it, no turning back. You have to be tough and push through with out them, you are better off anyway.
Hey Darren,
I’m standing and applauding you right know! I couldn’t have said it better. Having worked in many restaurants and owned two myself over the years, I would never dream of walking off the job just to screw my employer. BROVO!!!
well said !! never give up !
http://www.topchefseason4.blogspot.com/
http://www.thechefstablelife.blogspot.com/
Thanks Renato, you can bet that I will not give up.
Will check out your sites soon.