A BIG DAY FOR US APPRENTICES
Back in the late 70s, the World was a different place. Christmas was also very different to what it is today. Christmas was different back then. It was not so commercialised and it was a true family get together, have nice food and celebrate Christmas, plus catching up with each other. I use to love it. We abolished presents and we bought something for Christmas dinner, like Christmas cookies, a cake, chocolates for everybody to share. I still remember it like it was yesterday.
In my apprenticeship as a Chef, I was part of the team, mainly all the other apprentices, to prepare a big buffet for 200 people. The guests was all the hotel staff, with spouses. That one time a year, the hotel would treat all the hotel employees to a staff Christmas party.
So we all started nice and early on that morning, preparing and cooking for the buffet. All had to be ready at 6pm. One of the Chefs would help us and watch us during our preparation and cooking time.
We had a 3 course buffet, different salads, sea foods, smoked fish, pates and terrines, sliced continental meats, 2 different soups, bread rolls and butter for your entrees, then the next section of the buffet was the hot food and all main course dishes like: different steaks, fish, meat sauce dishes, vegetables, rice, pasta with a choice of 3 different sauces, stews and curries, roast potatoes and seafood.
Once all the guests had enough to eat, we had to clear the buffet, and get the dessert buffet set up. A tea and coffee station, cakes, tartlets, different creams, fruit salad, sliced exotic fruits, pastries, ice cream, whipped cream, cookies and chocolates, and not to forget, the traditional cheese platter, about 5 different cheeses, with nuts, dried fruits and savoury crackers.
Al beverages where also provided including red and white wine, spirits, beers, soft drinks, fruit juices hence some of us got badly drunk..
32 NATIONS, ALL RELIGIONS AND EVERYBODY WAS THERE
We had staff from 32 different countries around the World. Everybody came, no matter what religion backgrounds they had. We celebrated Christmas with Muslims, Buddhists, Hindu, Christians, Jewish and all other religions I did not mention. The Christmas party was also a great opportunity to get to know everyone and make new friends. I was fascinated about other cultures and religions and I made many great friends myself.
During the staff party, the General Manager had a speech thanking us for the great effort and support. After his speech, he called us apprentices, all by name to come to the front facing the audience. He then thanked us and praised us for the great job we did with the buffet.
There are some moments missing in my mind about the staff parties. Been young and tough, i thought that I can drink a bottle of Gin by myself. So as you can imagine, I was so drunk, that when I got home, I carried my bicycle up to the first floor where we lived, and woke up next morning with half my clothing still on mixed in with my pyjamas. My bicycle was right next to me half in bed too.
The next day we all had to go to the General Managers office. He gave us a present and a card and thanked us personally and wished us a happy new year. We apprentices had to work very hard, but it was appreciated and noted.
On that note I like to thank you all for reading and following my story and I like to take this opportunity to say a very happy Christmas, God bless and a very happy new year to you and your loved ones.
My next edition will come out around the 7th of January 2017. Remember to enjoy life and great foods.
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