Andre has been working with his boss, Chef John, for over 12 years at the Hole in the Wall Gastropub in New York. They have multiple locations around New York. Andre has always been John’s well-rounded and driven sous chef (assistant chef). Recently, John wanted Andre to do some of his administration work. Andre is a quick learner when it comes to scheduling, ordering, and managing the budget. John is very smart when it comes to delegating his tasks to his protege. Andre doesn’t mind the hard work. But he senses something is going on with John because he’s giving him most of his jobs. 

One day, before the restaurant opens, Andre went to John’s office for a meeting. Andre knocked on his door and entered. “Something on your mind, kid?” John asked. Andre nodded. “Yes, Chef. I want to ask you. Why are you doing this to me?” John looked confused. “What are you talking about, Andre?” “I’m doing all your tasks as a sous chef, and I’m not getting paid. I don’t mind at all. But what are you trying to do?” John smiled. “It’s about time you get it, kiddo,” he said. “A couple of months from now, I will be retiring as a head chef. Someone has to run this joint. That’s why I want you to take my place.” Andre is shocked. “M-me? In a few months?” John nodded. Andre shook his head. “I–I-I can’t. I can’t do it.” John is confused. “What do you mean you can’t do it?” he asked. “You’re already doing some of my work.” “I know. But I’m so worried that I may not be good enough to lead and run this whole place. Plus, there are other people here who are more equipped than I am.” “Who else can be better than you?” asked John. “There’s Bruce! He’s our go-to guy for this kind of job.” John shook his head. “Absolutely not, kid! I’m not trusting any of our line cooks to take care of this joint that I’ve built for 15 years. I want you on for this one.” Andre stayed silent.  John nodded. “It’s the old impostor syndrome, I see. How about this? I’m currently coaching you on these tasks right now. Let’s keep it going for a little longer to see if you’re still into it. I’m by your side until I officially retire, but I’m very confident you’ll do great.” Andre groaned. “Fine. Let’s keep it going.”

Two weeks have gone by, and everyone in the kitchen knows that Chef John is going to retire and Andre is taking his place. They’re both sad that he’s leaving, but also hopeful that Andre will be a great fit. After their busy Friday day shift, Andre sat down with John for a meeting and mentoring session. John pulled up his computer with Andre’s file. “So, how does it feel?” said John. “It looks like you handled yourself very well back there during dinner service. Calling out orders, handling constant problems, and customer complaints.” “Yeah, I guess so,” Andre said. “Honestly, you see me run the pass so many times, it’s nothing to me.” “Because you’re prepared for it and you know almost every outcome to every problem. What happens if you don’t know what you’re doing? Like those multiple times years ago, where you bite off more than you can chew?” John pulled up Andre’s file on his computer. He reads it to him

Friday, July 14, 2023

“Andre bit off more than he could chew. It was a busy Friday night, and there was a party of 12 people. Andre was getting swamped with tickets and forgot to communicate with the kitchen staff to cook 8 steaks. They only have 6 steaks. The order can’t be fulfilled. So he sent a part of the order that could be fulfilled, leaving a few guests on that same table hungry.  He panicked and searched the kitchen for 2 more steaks but couldn’t seem to find any extras. He told the waiter to tell the customer that we’re out of steaks and if they would like anything different. The waiter told the customer and came back. The customer was not happy about it and was getting a bit rowdy. I have to step in and help resolve the conflict by suggesting a dish and a free alcoholic drink to make them feel better. He was less angry and accepted the offer.”

“See,” said Andre. “What did I tell you?” John turns off his monitor and looks at Andre. “What I’m seeing is that you only acted based on what you knew then, not on what was to come.” Andre looked very confused. “What do you mean by this?” Andre asked. “Are you excusing my actions?” John shook his head.  “Excusing is not the part of this training, Andre. Only accepting them. Your motivation and their consequences are more complicated than you let yourself believe.” Andre nodded his head. He kind of gets what John is talking about. “Very good, Chef,” John said while walking out of his office. “Come. There’s still much work to do.”

Another two weeks have gone by, and Chef John has taught Andre how to negotiate with their suppliers for better pricing. Andre has some difficulty doing this specific task because he’s not well acquainted with their supplier’s sales management. After their forth week, they sat down and debriefed on what had happened. “Well, that was something,” John said while laughing. “How the hell did you mess up the pricing of beef and chicken? Their two completely different proteins!” Andre is super embarrassed. “I have no idea,” he replied. “I guess I was rushing to get a good price on one of them without knowing we’re getting ripped off on the second one. Thanks for catching that for me.” “No worries, kiddo. That’s what this training comes in handy.” John pats Andre on the back. “If there’s any constellation, you really kept your cool back there. You really have come far from where you started.” “What do you mean?” asked Andre. John sat down and pulled up his file again on his computer. He opened the file and turned his monitor around so they could both see it. “Remember this one?” John asked Andre. He sighed. “Yes, Chef.” John reads his file

Sunday, May 15, 2023

“Andre really doesn’t like Brian in the kitchen because he’s extremely slow on the line and just straight up doesn’t care. One day during Sunday brunch, Brian messed up 6 omelets in a row, and we were very behind. Andre came across the line and began arguing with Brian, and they both went off on each other. I was around the corner watching it all unfold. I have never seen Andre this angry ever. Even I’m nervous talking to him. Andre was so angry that he fired Brian on the spot. He told him to leave the kitchen until he knows how to cook an omelet. I have to immediately jump on the line to help finish brunch service. Also, fuck brunch.”

“That last part was for comedic purposes for HR. Sorry,” said John. “Anyways, what I’m trying to say is that even though this file may portray you as a bad-tempered person, I don’t think you are. You were just inexperienced. And you handled it unskillfully. Emotions and drive anyone off from the right decision. We respond it calmly and with humility. I’ve made my fair share of mistakes. Much more than you. But I never make the same mistake twice. Like myself, you are not so unskillful now as you were then. You are more equipped than ever before with better voices in your head.” Andre stayed silent the entire time and nodded. “I think I know what you’re talking about, Chef,” Andre said quietly. John smiled. “I’m happy that you’re slowly understanding what I’m trying to say to you.”

Another two weeks passed by, and Chef John took Andre to a meeting with all the board directors in The Hole in the Wall Gastropub. It’s one of the few days that they can both wear normal clothing. They were sad to see John go, but they’re both excited to see a fresh face coming in. This wasn’t Andre’s first time meeting with the board directors. He had to cater for a special event for them several times. The directors appreciate Andre for all the hard work he has done and congratulate him for accepting this new role. After the meeting, Chef John and Andre went out for a cup of coffee. John took a large black coffee while Andre got a double-double. They sat down to chat. “Look at you go, kiddo”, John said. “You’re literally the talk of the town. It’s been a while since they all cracked a smile.” Andre shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so,” he said. “But I can’t do this without you. And our team.” John snapped his fingers. “And that’s the reason why you’re so successful!” Andre tilts his head. “What?” he asked. John laid out Andre’s plan. “All along, throughout your journey, your legacy has all been around our team. You’ve been building your team from the ground up! Fresh new faces, high standards, amazing products, positive work environment.” “So you’re saying that all the good things I’ve done will excuse my mistakes?” Andre asked. “Absolutely not!” John shook his head. “I would say that yours and my time here has been complicated. Goodness is not a destination we arrive at, but a practice. We all started as amateur cooks and leaders, but over time, and maybe through costly mistakes, we can overcome these challenges. Yes, you made mistakes that cost a bit to others, and maybe the business. But your passion and commitment to the team and the organization know no bounds”. Andre nodded. “I understand what you mean, he said.” “And…” asked John. “I think I’m ready to step into your role.” John smiled. “Very well. We still have a few more weeks. Let’s try to polish your skills.”

A couple of weeks went by, and Chef John’s last day is tomorrow. Tomorrow, the kitchen crew is throwing a retirement party at a bar. Andre came into his office, which will soon become his office, and unloaded his personal supplies in the office. Chef John knocked at his door. John enters his office one last time, seeing that it’s all of Andre’s personal belongings. “Something you need from me, Chef?” asked Andre. Chef John shook his head. “Please. Call me John from now on. I’m retiring very soon. You got everything you need, kiddo?” Andre stood up and turned to John. “Yeah. I guess so. If I see anything that belongs to you, I’ll mail it to you.” John laughed. “You do know I’m always going to come back to visit you. I’m always here if you need me. I may be retired. But it doesn’t stop me from helping out the younger generation.” “Thanks for everything, John.” John gave Andre a hug. “No problem, kiddo. I’m so proud of you.” He began walking out of the office. “Take care, Andre. Don’t be a stranger.” Andre finished unpacking all of his stuff and sat down on his chair. He took a deep breath and realized he had finally accomplished his dream.