Monday, November 21, 2011

The Prep List

When a young chef or civilian cook asks me what the hardest part of cooking professionally is, my answer almost alway gravitates to back to the prep list. A seasoned chef can tell much by the way another chef manages and manipulates a prep list. Sloppy, partial prep list that only looks at the immediate next meal = a sloppy unorganized chef who will always be surprised when something goes wrong. A chef's prep list which is meticulous and well thought out conveys a technician who understands the organization and determination required to be a top chef.
Even though I have been out of the day to day kitchen routine, I still get the opportunity to put the pencil down and work my knife. Last week, I had the opportunity to be in the kitchen while my chef (my chef...how can one 'have' a chef?) is on vacation.

My prep list for the day:

  • 270 potato scallion cakes, large
  • 260 potato scallion cakes, small
  • 1 gallon slow roast tomato relish
  • 3 gallon walnut pesto
  • 3 gallon tomato-vodka sauce
  • 10lb garlic sausage
  • 15 lbs orrechiette
  • 15 lbs cavatappi
  • 10 lbs shredded Pecorino
  • 2 gal Grilled Tomato Salsa
  • 1 gallon Southwest Flavored Bean Purée
  • 2 quarts Roast Pepper Relish
  • 50 lbs Hickory Smoke Brisket
  • 150 Peppercorn-Garlic Rubbed Pork Tenderloin Steaks
  • 120 seared fresh Salmon Fillet
  • 2 gallon Green Peppercorn Sauce
  • 3 gallon Roast Shallot Vinaigrette
  • 18 lb Herbed Compound Butter
  • 10 lb cut and fry Tortillas
  • 2 quarts Bourbon BBQ Sauce
  • 12 lb Crumbled Chevre
  • Cheese Display for 280
  • Vegetable Display for 400
  • 2 quarts Parmesan Peppercorn Dip
  • 2 quarts Roast Red Pepper Dip
  • 200 Spanikopeta
  • 700 Ginger Glazed Meatballs
  • 48 lbs of Green Beans

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