It's Good to Be Chef

Although sometimes I miss the days when it wasn't my responsibility. When it wasn't my head on the block day after day. Being Chef doesn't mean you get to sit on your butt while everyone else does the work. Being Chef means you work harder than anyone, because it's your kitchen. And the person who will be judged by what comes out of it is you. When you have no dishwasher, you are the dishwasher. You are the maintenance person, the vegetable chopper, the floor mopper, the stock unloader, the server, chief cook and bottle washer. You are everything. You make decisions, and you better make them fast, because you only have a few hours before 280 kids are going to come in hungry.
The first week has had a few challenges, power outages, parent complaints, late deliveries and corporate visits. Trying to hold up standards that no one wants to support. Crumbling facilities, breaking equipment, lousy wiring, and sketchy staffing. My nerves are shot, I'm tired and my feet are killing me. This kitchen might be cursed, but it's mine. It is as Master Yoda once said, "Do, or do not. There is no try."

On the plus side, it's good to know I can still cook.