This was a great little story. I also had my first brief unemployed stint when the business I was working at (a movie theater that served meals cooked to order) closed down with zero notice, and we didn't get our final paychecks. I think I would deal with that last bit very differently nowadays, but back then we just brought home as much beer as we could and called it even.
I also felt super duper confident that I could get another job and do it well! Thankfully, I ended up in a much better, more stable kitchen for a few years, where I really learned to cook (not quite chef level, but at least climbing that ladder).
I hope my folks end up with access to the type of food you provided for this place once you took over! They are going to need some extra help soon, and I'm not super equipped to give it to them.
Retirement communities are getting better and better when it comes to dining. Employing people to cook actual food instead of everything out of a box, etc. Some of them actually do cook to order or offer an anytime menu in addition to regular meal times but that usually comes with a high price tag, which is sad because good food shouldn't be a luxury.
I agree - it shouldn't be a luxury, but it is great to hear that steps are (slowly) being taken to improve the quality of food for older folks. We should treat our elders with dignity, I think.
I can see myself in that role you had, too. I think I would have enjoyed that challenge, and it was cool to read about how you handled it.
This was a great little story. I also had my first brief unemployed stint when the business I was working at (a movie theater that served meals cooked to order) closed down with zero notice, and we didn't get our final paychecks. I think I would deal with that last bit very differently nowadays, but back then we just brought home as much beer as we could and called it even.
I also felt super duper confident that I could get another job and do it well! Thankfully, I ended up in a much better, more stable kitchen for a few years, where I really learned to cook (not quite chef level, but at least climbing that ladder).
I hope my folks end up with access to the type of food you provided for this place once you took over! They are going to need some extra help soon, and I'm not super equipped to give it to them.
Retirement communities are getting better and better when it comes to dining. Employing people to cook actual food instead of everything out of a box, etc. Some of them actually do cook to order or offer an anytime menu in addition to regular meal times but that usually comes with a high price tag, which is sad because good food shouldn't be a luxury.
I agree - it shouldn't be a luxury, but it is great to hear that steps are (slowly) being taken to improve the quality of food for older folks. We should treat our elders with dignity, I think.
I can see myself in that role you had, too. I think I would have enjoyed that challenge, and it was cool to read about how you handled it.
Really interesting story. Thanks for sharing
I ditto. This is a great story. We do learn from our experiences.