(Week 6)
My initial employment occurred during Junior High; I still recall the apprehension as I entered the back door of the Tastee Hut for my inaugural shift. The proprietors, a wonderful pair named **Erbin and Lauretta, patiently instructed me on fast food operations. Lauretta covered everything from time card punching to crafting a chocolate shake, handling change, and ensuring the windows gleamed. Erbin showed me the crucial technique of seasoning burgers with salt and pepper just before flipping. Over time, this kind couple guided numerous young people as they experienced their first 'real' job.
Their commitment to the young workers was clear, yet they also insisted on impeccable job execution. Slacking off at the Tastee Hut was simply not an option!!
I aim for our camp kitchen to serve as a valuable learning environment for the 'young' staff who join us.
The camaraderie among the team is one of our greatest joys here.
For the Autumn and Winter seasons, these are our dedicated team members:
{From left to right, Back to front: Curtis, Melissa, Ben, Ryan, Emma, Travis, Josh, and Holly}
I do not refer to them as 'kitchen helpers' when they assist; they are far more significant. They are my assistants, and together we provide meals for our guests.
I affectionately call them my Sous Chefs!
Some of them already hold the Basic Food Safe certification, which is fantastic!
However, if they lack this, I make every effort to teach them as we go.
The primary instruction involves arriving at work in appropriate clothing. Here are 3 straightforward guidelines:
1. Despite my fondness for bare feet and flip flops, you must switch to sensible, closed toe shoes. This is a safety necessity; a hot soup spill or a dropped knife will make you fully understand!
2. If your hair reaches a length suitable for a ponytail, it needs to be secured. Since nobody enjoys hair in food, I won't mandate a silly hat like I do, though it's optional!
3. Before entering the kitchen area, you must wash your hands completely at the designated station.
I must confess, I am quite meticulous about handwashing. We will be washing our hands frequently...
**Regarding the Tastee Hut, Erbin sadly passed several years ago, but I hugged Lauretta last year when visiting my hometown. The Tastee Hut remains open; we dined there just last month. Their burgers still rank among the finest I have ever encountered in my life…**
