I'd never really thought about if I had a chance to go back to being a chef let alone running a kitchen in a global COVID climate. But after being left on unemployment and days running out an opportunity I'll never forget fell in my lap. The OCD and leader in me kicked in first, shortly followed by the creative process. What began as something to pay the bills became my 5th child. Now bigger picture, what did we do before the pandemic? How could we have just taken all that freedom and ability to enjoy outside the home for granted? Well I know I wasn't expecting anything for one and two WE'RE ALWAYS SO BUSY! Doesn't matter what you do from high powered executive to stay at home mom, getting out with your friends and/or spouse and loved ones has become harder than ever if not impossible. Should we forget about that time we need or just make compromise? Or is there a way to get the best of what we want and need and stay within safe boundaries? I took some time to think and explore that sentiment before a close friend called me in a panic one morning. " Robin, I'm in a bind. Please I just need help I'll do anything, pay anything" Naturally I was concerned at first but his voice eased as I reassured him I'd make sure I was there for him. "I want to rearrange my patio(enclosed) and setup a date night, an absolutely perfect night for (her). I don't care what it takes but I don't want to go out and I don't want to cook, but I don't trust strangers in my home." Of course, I'm a chef, 10+ years of having my red seal and feeding a family of six, 4 course date night with some elegance and wines is a peace of cake! But... What about every other couple/family/young person? How would THEY get the same enjoyment and possible experience from something like this? Catering is pretty unnecessary for 2 people, with COVID obviously strangers aren't a great choice, so how do you just have date night?! Reality is flexibility is everything; Information, protocols and details change daily. Planning can be almost impossible, but don't give up... Look for resources around you! You'd be surprised whos hiding in your friends group that would be more than willing to trade a date night help! Maybe even double date or group to save money and planning! While having a personal chef you know very well come in your home and shop, prep, cook, serve and clean is nice... It's not necessarily real for every situation or lifestyle. Be your own personal chef! Make the kids cook! Go for a picnic! Be creative but never forget the time you need! Keep in mind... Chef's Google sh*t too! Recipe ideas, plating, menus.... Take advantage of our most abundant resource in this isolated social climate. Now the other hand...when we're NOT on lockdown. I'm running, I'm usually even running with a laptop in one hand and tongs in the other. While I'm falling asleep or driving my kids I'm imagining new menu items or changes or things I need to do once I'm back at the restaurant. It can be all consuming, but not only does it give me an outlet, my kids love saying "My Moms a Chef!" The hours are tough, that's the nature of the business but being able to share my craft with people and especially now that they've been cooped up for weeks/months is more rewarding. But the economy is struggling. More and more businesses are downsizing and closing; restaurants are in the forefront. Will we be stuck with chain franchises and drive thru? What's the future of the #localbusiness? My town is used to the 'feast and famine' model: we're so busy we can't keep up from May to October, then slow as a sloth the rest of the year and winter. Majority of business are used to that and already have things in place to protect them. But start off last spring with major closures and then restrictions throughout summer and fall? They've slowly been dwindling, closing and rebranding or selling. It's scary. It's intimidating. It's infuriating! Do we blame the people for not supporting local? The big chains for crushing small business? In my opinion we work smarter not harder. AIO - Adapt, Improvise, Overcome. Find a niche, focus, perfect it, execute and excel. Be something different yet familiar. Comforting yet new! While fear is discouraging looking to my team and sticking together to continually serve the amazing people of our small town is something I never knew I'd appreciate like I do. I have a dream management team to work side by side with and we've created an amazing umbrella of employees I wouldn't trade for anything (besides maybe more paid vacation ;) ) The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails - William Arthur Ward. Like the waves of our lake and as the quote speaks about is how we can see whats happening, but instead of letting it just happen to us like a victim we can 'adjust the sails' and move forward. Go out and eat an Appy when you can, and bake a cake at home when you can't. Romantic dinner on the patio one weekend and concerts and hotels another. We never know what's next but whether you're trying to enjoy food and the industry or work within it, it's a day by day that we must take in stride and focus on the good everyday. Robin is a Red Seal and Pastry Chef from St Lucia and educated in Central Alberta. She is the Head Chef at The Driftwood in Sylvan Lake, a Caribbean inspired relaxation destination. With great beachside views and even better vibes, she strives to create new flavours and inspiration that excites the tastebuds of the locals and visitors to the town. When she's not behind the line, she's cooking with her 4 beautiful daughter's or taking them to see the world, one new flavour at a time. Robin Rattink
Sylvan Lake Alberta
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