Mastering it as a chef is a skill that can take you wherever you want to go. It is not just about cooking! The culture within a kitchen is one of the most diverse. The culinary industry is unique, there are no barriers to entry, bringing with it, people from such various backgrounds, countries, socio-economic, upbringings, problems, no problems, not to mention languages. You name it, it is all there. It is a culture that brings people together, where inclusivity is just part of how we are, an environment where you will see everyone treated equally and fairly. Your work, the food, and the cooking is the only thing that matters.

The key attributes contributing to my success are perseverance, research, and tolerance!

• Perseverance. Stay focused and avoid bouncing around from job to job. Dedicate a minimum of 3 years to a role to gain the depth of skills; from knife control to many other unique techniques. Chefs should take the opportunity to teach others and to learn every day.
• Research. A little creativity goes a long way. There is a scientific and historical element to food that can provide a fresh menu combination. It allows you to also present the ingredients and food the best way. Understanding the origin of a dish demonstrates passion and authenticity that will set you apart from the competition.
• Tolerance. Develop a tolerance for mistakes. There can be a battle between the kitchen and the floor, although it’s essential that you keep communication flowing and accept feedback. When in need of reassurance, look out for the smiles on customers’ faces and know you and your team are on the right track.

Teamwork is everything!

Think of the relationship between the kitchen and the floor like a clock; it will never tell the right time if one cog is missing or out of sync. If the host forgets to greet a customer with a smile or the sous chef forgets to add the extra dollop of salad dressing, it impacts the whole team. To make the clock tick and the whole operation slick, patience and acknowledgement of your team are key. Take the time to listen and understand your team member’s contributions. Everyone is important!

For example, did you know wait staff average between 20,000 and 25,000 steps per day, easily taking a toll on their back and feet! If you understand someone else’s perspective, you learn not just the various operational aspects of a restaurant, but also how to best enhance the efficiency of the team and in turn your own personal success.

This is not an industry that you join for the money or to simply say you have a job. The kitchen becomes your family and a close-knit one. The team spends hours working alongside one another until the last customer has gone home for the night. This creates deep connections that extend beyond the workplace.

Rockpool feels like my home as I have been here longer than any house. My kids have lifelong memories of playing here. It is their second home, rolling trucks along the floor, drawing pictures, playing epic hide and seek, and always finding the secret chocolate stash!

This is the beauty of the industry and Rockpool.

The joys of working in the culinary industry also lie within the uncovering of little surprises that make it more than a job. You have the freedom and creativity to express your love of food, experience incredible relationships and bonding that stays regardless of where your career takes you and encounter a wealth of opportunities that form the perfect marriage between your skills and passions.

The culinary industry will open you up to a wealth of possibilities, but you must be receptive to it and persevere. It is not a given. I started my career at Rockpool 13 years ago; I helped carry the furniture in, placed every chair, delivered the light globes, and spent 3 days with the team watching it all come together. It is unbelievable to witness the vision, passion, and hard work merging and coming together.

Seeking a short-term, quick-reward job in a restaurant will short-circuit your career. You need to be willing, have discipline and dedication to the role so you can make the adjustments as you go and gradually accumulate the knowledge, skills, and interesting flavours!

Even more, the real power comes from utilising contacts. Relationships are the key in this industry, do not burn bridges and always maintain a level of mutual respect.  We are a small country so you never know where someone will pop up next!