Top Chef is back! I enjoy this cooking competition show. Talented chefs use their skills, creativity, and quick wits to win the coveted title, Top Chef.

I worked in restaurants from age 14-21.  I was a host, cashier, waitress, and cocktail server but never the chef.  Working in a restaurant is hard, physical work, but I really loved it. 

I learned many things working in restaurants that I still use today. Some examples:

1. EVERY single job has to work together to succeed.
2. You can juggle multiple tasks at the same time, but teamwork can make things run smoother.
3. Be flexible, since options can change on the fly.
4. Listen, if you want to get the order correct.
5. Speak loudly and slowly to groups, to be sure you are understood.
6. Learning multiple roles can increase your finances and knowledge of how things work together.
7. The customer isn’t always happy, but sometimes it is simple to fix their experience.
8. How to make really good margaritas! After working 7 years in a Mexican restaurant, it’s still my favorite type of food and drink.

I hope you had a job growing up–or was involved in sports/the arts/etc that taught you lessons you can use today.  As a restaurant appreciation post—remember to be kind and generous to good servers. The hospitality industry is still reeling from the pandemic.

The journey continues. Cindy