Food & Beverage

It’s a new era for chefs… Calculators and pads of paper are a thing of the past. In today’s commercial kitchen a chef must be computer savvy. Integrating food math into excel programs have made our lives as chefs a little easier.  Inventories, food costing , order guides, prep lists, cleaning schedules, employee schedules and even seating charts are all worked into an excel format. Some are simple; others more complex.  Basic sheets with formulas for costing, robust workbooks to […]

Those of you who have never been involved in the hospitality industry have likely never considered the stress on family that can come for those of us who have selected a career in a field which prime time literally matches traditional family time. Dinner service interrupts a time of day that is usually reserved for family. And, in the hospitality industry, weekends and holidays almost always create a conflict between work time and family time. But, my passion is food; […]

You might embrace my philosophy in your kitchen! What is your favorite dish to prepare? In my position as executive chef at The Oaks the above question is the one I most frequently hear from members and guests.  And, my answer is always the same:  “The next item that goes on our menu.” Growing up in a family of thirteen children I was amazed how my mother could create dishes that we all enjoyed.  And, at the same time, she […]

Use my “Boy Scout “system to host, and still be able to enjoy these events. Every year, here at The Oaks, among our most popular events are our special “Holiday Buffets”.  On Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day and Thanksgiving we host upwards of 600 guests. Yes – 600 guests going through the buffet line! And, as executive chef, it’s my responsibility to make certain that the guest experience is exceptional from the arrival of the first patron to the time that […]