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Being a Chef at Christmas
A pictorial week in the life of a chef at Christmas….
This year was my 26th Christmas in a working kitchen and I’ve never missed a single Christmas Day in all that time. As an extension of the week in pictures thread which runs on this blog I thought I’d share a few images of the last few days with you….
Here’s how I went to work in the morning…..
A Light in the Black
…and here’s how I went home after service…..
The Snow Falls
When every man and his dog is off at Christmas spare a thought for hotel workers, daily orders are increased to cope with the suppliers time off and the increase in business…
Tomato Boxes
Ready for peeling…….!
Parsnips for the Peeling
Lunch service was conducted from two kitchens in one of the UK hotels, this the smaller of the two with organisation critical to the serving of eighty six covers…..
The confines of a kitchen
Getting ready for the annual photo shoot before service…..
Posing for the camera
My team in the UK……
The Kitchen Brigade
I think that’s the best selection of shots yet - superb !
The start and end of day first two shots - really tell a story - no daylight seen !
Personally I like the second to last best - the more you look at it the better it is
Well I think so anyway
Rod
December 27, 2009 @ 10:01 am
Miles,
It’s just madness all this extra work at Christmas. To have worked all these years on Christmas day is a truly remarkable thing… along with a good many others I suspect like the emergency services and forces etc. I’ve been cooking at home for the past four or five days solid and today I waved off some visiting friends then leaped into the car to shoot off to my next social engagement only to find my car won’t start
That and the sewers look like they may need some urgent attention too. The event itself went very well and I received lots of fabulous gifts which I’ve hardly had time to look at yet….. all of which I’m delighted with and if only the car had started today I’d have chalked this festive season up as a winner.
Cid
p.s. I agree with Rod, the photos are very atmospheric. I’ve always loved the entrance to your fine eating establishment, it looks grand in all weather. Tell the gorgeous bloke in the centre of the last shot that we have matching aprons….. whilst his fits perfectly, mine fits where it touches
December 27, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
Miles,
“my 26th Christmas in a working kitchen and I’ve never missed a single Christmas Day” - true dedication, or what?
I marvel at the sheer organisational skills required to cope with the volume needed over all these days, especially with the absence of suppliers. Compare that with women going mad in supermarkets, clutching their lists and holding their flushed heads.
Well done to you and your good looking brigade, to have coped with another season.
With best wishes to you all
Anne
December 27, 2009 @ 8:03 pm
Rod,
Thanks a lot, it’s my favourite too.
Miles
December 27, 2009 @ 9:53 pm
Cid,
Thank you, you should have seen the beautiful hand made card I got today, mum got one too. The person who sent that put a lot of thought into it and it’s greatly appreciated.
Time you had a rest!
Miles
December 27, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Anne,
It’s as far away as it’ll ever be….:)
Miles
December 27, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Hi Miles:
Having a sibling as a chef(Daniel, La Cote Basque, Quilted Giraffe, Morrison Clark (Exec Chef)), I know that grueling work and the difficult conditions you and yours labor under. You are dedicated souls who are not appreciated enough by your diners.
Merry Christmas!
Laura
December 28, 2009 @ 12:50 am
Laura,
That’s a good CV! I’m now taking a break…let them eat cake!!
Miles
December 28, 2009 @ 6:59 pm