Grant Achatz is one of the most progressive and inspiring chefs in the world. Every few months, his restaurant, Next, changes its menu to reflect a new culinary theme. The same menu is served nightly throughout each period. Thus far, Next has celebrated the cuisines of Escoffier and Ferran Adrià of El Bulli, as well as Achatz’s own childhood reminiscences. Currently, Next pays homage to Sicilian food. Reviews of the restaurant are always incredible as is the long list of diners eager to spend hundreds of dollars to experience the creative menus and culinary wonders.
For all the acclaim the restaurant has garnered, however, the idea of regularly recreating the menu isn’t revolutionary to catering companies and our chefs. We too serve different themed menus, except, rather than changing them seasonally, we do it constantly. It is not unusual for a caterer to prepare anything from Mediterranean to Asian, Classic French to Texas
There are other challenges unique to the catering world. For example, while a fine dining restaurant serves dozens of guests at various intervals, caterers may be required to serve hundreds simultaneously on a strict timeline. Caterers are often responsible for designing different visual themes that may extend to equipment, decor, and even server uniforms. Add to that the challenges of producing events in historic venues, tiny galleries, private homes, or a tent under the stars, and you begin to understand how complicated the job of “Caterer” can be.
How many times have I heard catering chefs say they yearn for the familiar routine of working a restaurant line? How many times have I seen fine restaurant chefs, stripped of their normal surroundings and equipment, wrestling with their first off-premise event? Caterers should take heart! I believe that if you can master the off-premise event with its ever-changing demands, curve balls, and peculiarities of cooking and serving spaces, you are prepared to succeed in any hospitality setting. Consider that you are positioned to be the industry’s “Next” big thing.
Thanks. We'll look you up if we're ever in India....
ReplyDeleteGreat Article Jon..Have a cool Summer!john mega
ReplyDeleteHey! Thanks, Chef!
DeleteIt is all too easy to focus on the specific challenges we have in life. Whether in business or in life, each of us can point to some particular hardship we face. It is equally easy to spend all of our energy dwelling on these challenges, and therefore it is necessary for us to, every once in a while, remind ourselves to focus on the positive and be our own cheerleaders. Good leaders do this for their employees on a regular basis, but who is doing it for the business owner? We too need the occasional pat on the back. Today I am thankful for your post reminding us caterers of the outstanding way we rise to our daily challenges to provide meaningful experiences to others.
ReplyDeleteAs the illustrious Mahatma Gandhi said, “Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words. Keep your words positive because your words become your behavior. Keep your behavior positive because your behavior becomes your habits. Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values. Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.”
Wow, that's beautifully put! I'm glad my cheerleading resonated with you so strongly!
DeleteSmart and very well stated post. I look forward to reading more of them!
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