Kitchen cleanliness (was Re: [Sca-cooks] Leaving the site cleaner than we found it

[Gorgeous Muiredach]

>The really disturbing thing about this was that we'd been told that
>there was a decent kitchen on-site because "there is a catering company
>that operates from that kitchen".

You know, that falls right into one of my pet peeves.

People don't realize that to be a cook (professional or not, I'm talking
about feeding "the masses") is a job where you have people life's in your
hands.  This is a responsibility not to be taken lightly.  I wish the
restaurant/feast going public recognized that and appreciated that a bit
more.  I especially wish that the professionals recognize that a LOT more.

That being said, I've had looong discussions with my Health and Hygience
agent when I was running kitchens, and it comes down to this:  You could
have a roach infested, grimy and disgustingly dirty kitchen and you'd be
able to operate a perfectly safe kitchen.  *I* wouldn't want to work in it,
but it's doable.

However, a dirty kitchen is probably a good sign that the food handlers
don't have a clue about proper food handling such as keeping temperature
where they should be at, not cross contaminating, etc.

I would also have to say that the number of "caterer" out there that
operate without a clue as to what they are doing is mind boggling.

This may not gather much support on our list, but...  I really believe that
anyone preparing food for a group should have a license of sorts, including
for SCAdian feasts.  It shouldn't have to be complicated nor expensive to
get, but at the minimum have finished a class on proper food handling would
be good.

Just a rant...


Gorgeous Muiredach the Odd
Shire of Forth Castle
Meridies
mka
Nicolas Steenhout
"You must deal with me as I think of myself" J. Hockenberry