I started my new job at the Senior Center yesterday working four hours a week in the Cafe. The upstairs Cafe is attached to the big main kitchen, where the hot lunches and delivered meals are prepared by "Chef Francisco" and his crowd of kitchen volunteers.
The Cafe operates somewhat separately, selling sandwiches, cookies, breads, soup, salads, drinks etc. It's an extensive lunch menu, considering the Cafe volunteers must prepare and serve everything, while keeping the place reasonably clean.
Honestly, at 8:30 am, it was like walking into Hell's Kitchen in need of Gordon Ramsey. The Senior Center had been closed for a week, and it looked like a bomb had gone off. The entire Cafe (which technically doesn't open until 9) was already jammed with people wanting (no, demanding) their coffee and snacks. The other volunteer said this never happened before.
Not knowing how to find a single a thing, I was instantly overwhelmed. Thinking what have I done? But the capable, unruffled (not to mention, very kind) volunteer trainer soon had things started and the regular customers placated.
WHERE is the SUGAR? I WANT some ice water! IS there decaf COFFEE yet?
Goodness, what happened to "please and thank you?" Although happy to say, the majority of customers were nice. For instance, the German language group (with their sweet old world manners) has their weekly meeting in the Cafe. A Latino group held a large, noisy party in the big dining room. The place was hoppin'.
They say it's good for us to try different things. I know my way around food and home kitchens, but haven't worked in a restaurant for 50 years. Apparently, customers haven't changed much since then, so I'll soon get the hang of it. I might actually even enjoy this once I learn the ropes.
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