Update on the New Job, and my aching feet...

Well I just completed week 2 of the new job. The first week didn't really count. I only spent 2-1/2 days in the kitchen last week. The rest was spent on training on the front of the house (customer service/hosting/computer system stuff).


However, I spent the entire 5 days this week in the kitchen. Monday, I worked with Lysa and then Tuesday thru today I was on my own with my own entrees to do. I started out pretty slow, but took about an hour off my time between Tuesday and Wednesday (with more work thrown in). And today, I got out of there at a reasonable time even though I seemed to have a slow start. I really like being in the kitchen. I like the food prep stuff. I have to admit that I'm not loving (or even liking) the "packaging" side of it.


Here's a quick summary of what I worked on Tuesday-Friday:

* Cut and butterflied 504 steaks
* Hard boiled, peeled, and chopped 192 eggs
* Prepared and packaged 516 chicken breasts
* Marinated and packaged 84 pork tenderloin
* Packaged 252 fish fillets
* Misc. other activities - white sauces, marinades, salsas, etc.


But here's the part that gets me... opened, filled, and closed approximately 1290 Ziploc bags. That doesn't even touch the foil pans and lids, glad containers, marinade cups, etc. It would be pretty easy work except for the Ziploc bags!!!


Plus, after 10 years of a desk job, my feet and back are having to adjust to my new routine. We don't typically take more than a 20 min. break a day, and I have been working anywhere from 8 to 11 hours a day. Hopefully my feet will be ready to return on Monday morning!

Tomorrow It Begins...

Well, this is it. Friday was my last day as an Engineer. Well as a working Engineer anyway. So tomorrow I begin all over again. As a rookie in the food biz. I'll let you know how it goes! Wish me luck. Prep Chef Heidi will keep you posted. ;)

Dave Lieberman visits Austin!

I was fortunate to be invited by Kelly, Manager of the Central Market cooking school, to a special class being taped for TV! Sunday evening I was fortunate to attend the Austin Music on the Menu class with Trish Murphy. It was taped for an upcoming episode of Dave Lieberman's show.

You probably recognize Dave Lieberman as the cutie boy-next-door star of good Deal on the Food Network. At only 27, he has accomplished a lot. You can check him out at DaveCooks.net. I was fortunate to chat with him a few minutes after class and have him sign my Dave's Dinners cookbook and pulled out my Food & Wine 2005 issues in which he was featured.

An unexpected surprise was getting to listen to Trish Murphy. While I admit, I only recognized her from her Henna Chevrolet commercials here in town, and from hearing about her classes at Central Market, I'll be looking to pick up her Cd's. She is a great songwriter and singer. Also, with each strum of her guitar, she hits the heartstrings of the girl you are and the girl you wish you could be sometimes. She is also the gal pal you want to have a shot of tequila with and forget your problems!

So between songs, here is what Trish prepared and served in class (yes she's sexy, a talented musician, and she cooks!)

:

* Pan-Roasted Mushrooms with Crab meat and Pernod

* Fried Okra Salad w/ Oyster and Shoestring Sweet Potatoes (plus a bunch of other great stuff)

* Lemonade Cupcakes

I had such a great time. However, the drive home in the crazy Texas thunderstorm was less than desirable. Thanks again Kelly for the invite. And I'll let you know if/when the show airs!