Do any of you chef's out there get annoyed when...

[mudbug]

...the people you made the food for (for whatever reason) don't start eating the food you cooked for them right away?

In regards to temperature, texture, etc...

[nancya]

cchiu: even as a home cook that annoys me. Wouldn't it drive a professional absolutely up the wall?

[monpetitchoux]

That's why the runners and the waiters hated me. When they fire desserts, they should come and get it promtly. Our desserts are all about contrasts and compliments of temperatures, textures and tastes. When the customers return it because the frozen component melted or the poached pear got cold, I have to dish up another one, which means I'll run out faster, the restaurant loses money and the waiter gets rewarded by not doing his job. Actually, I never let him have it. I take the returned dessert back and give it to the line cooks.

[Kimmie]

This is MY pet peeve too! I get so annoyed!

So many things DON'T wait, like pasta and risotto, to name a couple...

GRRRRRRRRRR

[Isa]

Might be annoying but that's how I was raised. You dont start eating until the host or hostess is served. Even when people say start eating right away, I was told I still had to wait.

[CompassRose]

Guilty... guilty as charged... I usually ask for my salad and my entree to be served at the same time. Then I eat the salad and let the entree cool off.

I don't like eating things that are red-hot off the stove. I prefer to savour the flavours at a pleasant "warm" temperature, without risk of burning my tongue.

However, I don't much like it (polite though it may be) when my home guests wait, though they're clearly ravenous, for me to serve everyone (myself last) and sit down to eat before they dare dig in. The poor things sit there gazing at the plates like starving vultures, and I want to beg them to just go ahead and eat!

After putting in, to provide the results then some bozo decides to change the timings at the last minute, or decides another drink or three to prime the appetite, may they eat with the dung beetles.

Regards

BigMal
(smile from the inside)

[mofo1]

If you're talking about food that has left the pass at the right temp and the customer lets it set there and get cold then I could care less. He's the idiot, not me. NOW, if the food comes up and I'm told " OH sorry, I should have told you to wait before you fired that." Let's just say this irritates me.

[Cook du jour]

On the other hand, I can't count the number of times I've asked a waiter not to turn the order in yet because we want to enjoy our appetizer, but s/he does it anyway. We must then either give up the appetizer to deal with the meal or allow the meal to get cold while finishing the appetizer.

[Pastachef]

This is a frustrating situation for me too at the sorority. Imagine being in a position where the food is to be served by 5:15, and no bus boys. That leaves me with 40-50 serving bowls to set out. By the time I get the last table arranged the first one has cooled down considerably. And then, if the girls are a little late getting to the table...well, it doesn't look too good for me. Thank God they're sweethearts and don't blame me.

[monpetitchoux]

You know what else annoys me? When I eat with folks who descend on the food as if it were the last meal on earth and swallow before they chew or even taste the food they are putting in their mouths. They don't realize what an affront this is to cooks who took the time to prepare the meal. Sometimes, there's none left for me because I refuse to swoop like a vulture. I like to enjoy my meal slowly so that I can savor the food that was prepared especially for me. Plus my mother taught me table manners. To top it off, these folks keep telling me that I should change my ways because they think I am slow. And they feel entitled to free desserts and other baked items because I work in the food industry.

[ July 16, 2001: Message edited by: monpetitchoux ]

[momoreg]

And they feel entitled to free desserts and other baked items because I work in the food industry.

You hit the nail right on the head there!

[kokopuffs]

I'm a chiropractor. Free adjustments, anyone? I get invited to dinner and am sometimes expected to provide impromptu care. Please change into this gown with the opening in the back and step into the bedroom; I have personal questions that require answering. Sorry, not without a physical exam.

[Isa]

Koko if I were you next time I would say my fee is x $ payable in advance.

[kokopuffs]

Yes, but, they invited me for dinner and asking for moolah seems a bit miserly.

"I am concerned for your health and safety...no treatment without a physical exam and current xrays." Using that approach avoids the money/barter situation and highlights my concern for the patient to get the most careful attention possible!

The health care profession is already plagued by its $$$ image.



[ July 17, 2001: Message edited by: kokopuffs ]