Bryan LaForge

I've been in ATL for months now and noticed the frequent movement of chefs and cooks between kitchens. Speaking to fellow chefs reveals a common concern - the unreliability of the labor pool. Whether it's employees not showing up on time or the dreaded Friday night no call, no show, it's a recurring issue. It seems like this culinary challenge is prevalent in every city, but Atlanta, known for its vibrant restaurant scene, appears to struggle more. Is it the demanding guests, the owners, or the different chefs that contribute to this issue? I've even come across a manifesto discussing this phenomenon. What really troubles employees and causes this constant turnover in the restaurant industry? That’s on my mind … ATL thoughts ? #RestaurantIndustry #AtlantaDining #ChefLife #CulinaryChallenge

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Implementing work-life balance initiatives requires leaders to actively model these behaviors themselves, showing that it is possible to excel at work while also enjoying a fulfilling life outside of it. #chefs #chefslife #chefsjobs #chefschellange

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I think most of us, aren't born with a skill or a gift that directs you in that career direction. So my approach get in to the workfoce. "life is all about how you handle plan B" #hospitality #leader #team work #atmosphere #Amazing #place #mangeTime #searching #workforce #life #career

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Today is National Eat More Fruits and Vegetables Day! Eating an abundance and variety of fresh fruits and vegetables is key for a healthy diet. #ChefsForSeniors #PersonalChef #MealsForSeniors #HealthyEating #PersonalizedMeals

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In the dynamic realm of food supply, it’s crucial to remain agile and responsive to market shifts. However, amidst this adaptability, never compromise on the essence of your culinary vision. Upholding unwavering standards ensures the integrity and excellence of your offerings. At Noah’s Ark Catering, we embrace innovation while staying rooted in our commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and taste. Our journey is defined by a fusion of tradition and innovation, where each dish reflects our passion for culinary artistry. Remember, success isn’t just about following trends; it’s about staying true to your ethos and crafting experiences that resonate with authenticity. Stay focused on your mission, innovate with purpose, and let the quality of your craft speak for itself. As you navigate the intricacies of the food industry, may Tuesday bring you clarity, creativity, and the fulfillment of your aspirations . 🌺♥️😘🙏🏼

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The Enchantment of Fine Dining: Elevating the Culinary Experience Imagine stepping into a world where every ingredient is a gem, meticulously sourced for peak freshness and flavor. This is the heart of fine dining, where quality reigns supreme. Techniques like sautéing, braising, and sous-vide, perfected across the globe, unlock flavors and textures with surgical precision. Think about the magic of the Maillard reaction, creating complex, mouthwatering tastes that seduce the palate with each bite. Now, let's talk about culinary creativity. It's the bridge between tradition and innovation, conjuring dishes that surprise and captivate. Weaving cultural heritage with cutting-edge methods, chefs craft masterpieces like fusion sushi or molecular gastronomy wonders. Every plate is a visual spectacle, artfully arranged to mesmerize not just the taste buds but the eyes as well. But we both know fine dining is far more than just food; it’s an immersive experience that envelops guests from the moment they arrive. The ambiance of the dining venue—its lighting, décor, and overall atmosphere—sets the stage for a memorable evening. Every detail is meticulously planned, from the elegant table settings to the curated soundtrack, ensuring a seamless and captivating experience. Service and hospitality are the heartbeats of fine dining. Picture staff who strike the perfect balance, like Goldilocks—attentive without being intrusive, making guests feel like royalty without hovering. The seamless choreography of service, led by seasoned professionals like you, ensures that every moment flows effortlessly, allowing guests to revel in each exquisite bite and sip. Beverage pairing is an art unto itself, with sommelier-selected wines or cocktails that elevate each dish to new heights. These thoughtful pairings transform the meal into a harmonious journey, where every sip complements and enhances the culinary creations, leaving the senses in a state of bliss. Fine cooking is a global art form, a dazzling display of dedication to excellence in ingredients, technique, presentation, service, and ambiance. This shared pursuit of culinary perfection connects cultures, creating a universal language of food that brings people together. Every fine dining experience becomes a celebration of the senses, a testament to the power of extraordinary cuisine to enchant, captivate, and unite. So, whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, remember this: fine dining is about crafting an experience where every detail counts. It's about creating moments that linger in memory, where food, service, and ambiance come together in perfect harmony. That's the magic we aim to deliver, every single time. #culinary #foodies #glenmoorcountryclub #wedgesalad #dining #foodandbeverage #clubchefs #cheftravissmith #americanmasterchefsorder #cheftravissmith.com

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Stewarding Leader: The Next Step Forward As a stewarding leader, have you considered your future ambitions? Do you see yourself as a food and beverage director, or perhaps a director of restaurants? Maybe you're thinking about transitioning to a different role within the industry, like front desk operations or human resources. The first question to ask yourself is: what are you doing to reach these goals? If you feel anxious or doubt your ability to assume these roles or explore new opportunities, remember, you are only limiting yourself. You don’t need to stay where you are. I urge you to actively engage in learning and participate in the fields you are interested in. Volunteer, seek cross-training opportunities, and demonstrate your eagerness by participating willingly. Make sure to express your interests to your leaders. You have the skills and abilities needed to achieve everything you desire. You have access to the same resources and tools as those in the positions you aspire to. However, inaction will keep you in the same position indefinitely. Speaking from personal experience, while I managed to make other opportunities work for me, I often reflect on where I could have been had I pursued a different path. Initially, I believed stewarding was all I could do, not realizing that this perception benefited my leaders and limited my own growth. There's so much more you can achieve, but it requires stepping outside your comfort zone and taking the necessary steps to advance. No one will hand you opportunities; you must seize them, pursue them vigorously, and show your commitment. This advice comes from a place of care and a desire for your success. Some stewarding leaders feel trapped or constrained, often feeling unrecognized or undervalued. Rise above these limiting beliefs, invest in yourself, have faith, and take steps towards achieving your dreams. While you can build a career in your current role, stewarding doesn’t have to be the endpoint. If you want more, go get it. Understand that you possess a fundamental gift—the willingness to serve and support others—a trait many in coveted positions lack. Stand up, brush off the doubt, and dismantle the mental barriers. You are capable of more—it’s your choice. Break free from the chains that bind you and unlock the doors to your new beginning. The power lies within you. What will you do with it? Keep Living!

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Being an executive chef makes me think of what I have done thus far to prepare myself for the role today, ready or not, and how I need to prepapre myself for tomorrow. I believe a lot of us are hardly “ready” when it comes to having life changing experiences. BUT, we could prepare ourselves for them when we have a clear vision in our pursuit, by working backwards. My new favorite way to approach problems or life these days is doing the inversion method - I set goals and reverse engineer the process back to this current minute of me writing this post. If I had to work backwards and teach the 25 year old of myself when I first got a job in the kitchen…I would say to him: 1) read books on different topics other than cookbooks, such as leadership, and history. The knowledge will help you develop entreprenuerial thinking and steer the ship with lessons learned by others. “A chef needs to know how to cook, but more importantly, a chef needs to build a working environemt where people can be chanllenged intellectually and feel their contribution is a part of a successful organization. You need to be able to teach and give examples. Merely showing someone how to cut an onion will only make that person motivated until he or she no longer finds that job challenging.” 2) Save money, pay off debt and work abroad. “I did work abroad for a year in Australia, probably one of the hardest year working as a line cook. The year was hard because I worked insanely amount of hours, and also did not have the money to spend and enjoy the city as much as I’d like. More importantly, I was saving to pay off my debt with my earnings from working in a foreign country. You don’t have to be rich, and ready, but get rid of your debt as soon as possible so you could own everything you earn, and live a fulfilling year working elsewhere.” 3) Prioritize health above all. “I have always loved exercising, and found joy in learning a new sport. I hardly cook for myself, but I eat plenty of fruits and nuts to keep myself well nourished. I am not perfect, but I could reverse engineer the outlook of my health knowing my effort could help with aging, something you would not likely think about until getting up gets harder and harder after a long day of standing.” Do these 3, you will be prepared to be an executive chef one day.

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“The only receipe is hard work, persistence and belief.” #chefpost #cheftraveller #chefinaction #chefpassion #chefsplan #chefinnovative #chefbelief #chefcreative #chefunited #chefusa #chefraleigh #chefography #chefmodern #modernindian #upscale #finedining #tamashanc #🇺🇸👨‍🍳🏙️☝️

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Leading with Passion: The Art of Kitchen Management 🔥 In my extensive career as an Executive Chef, I've come to realize that leading a kitchen team requires more than just culinary skills—it demands passion, effective communication, and strong leadership. One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is mentoring and guiding my team to achieve excellence. Leadership Insight:Effective kitchen management is about creating a cohesive and motivated team. By fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered, we can deliver exceptional dining experiences consistently. Here’s an experience that stands out in my journey: During a major event catering to 500 guests, my team faced significant pressure. Through clear communication, precise delegation, and maintaining a calm and positive atmosphere, we successfully executed the event without any hitches. This experience reinforced my belief in the power of teamwork and the importance of a supportive leadership style. Key Takeaways for Aspiring Leaders: 1. Communication is Key: Regular and clear communication ensures everyone is on the same page. 2. Empower Your Team: Trust your team members and give them the autonomy to make decisions. 3. Lead by Example:Demonstrate the standards you expect from your team through your actions. 4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Your composure during high-stress situations sets the tone for the entire team. Leading a team in a high-paced kitchen environment is challenging but incredibly fulfilling. By focusing on these principles, we can inspire our teams to reach new heights and create memorable dining experiences for our guests. Excited to share more insights and stories from my culinary leadership journey! 🌟 #Leadership #TeamManagement #CulinaryLeadership #KitchenManagement #EffectiveCommunication #TeamEmpowerment

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Knowledge is power. Information is liberating. Education is the premise of progress, in every society, in every family. -Kofi Annan Menu tests are not the most glamorous or exciting items to create. However, they are a commitment to our service standards. How can we guide our members on a dining experience if we do not know the road to get there? #Servicestandards #Learningtools

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Crispy Skin Scottish Salmon, Onion Subise, Watercress, Fennel, Pink Grapefruit finished with Citrus Gel, Chili Oil - Chef Richard Perez

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Stewarding Leaders: A Heartfelt Tribute to You Embarking on this journey, let the fire of your capabilities illuminate your path. Witnessing the zenith of human potential, driven by relentless determination and unwavering self-belief, is nothing short of mesmerizing. Embrace your potential with all your heart, and watch as you transcend limits you once thought insurmountable. Continue to educate yourself, chase your dreams with fervor, and carve out time for your passions. Work, though often demanding, should not overshadow your ambitions. It is a delicate balance we must strike, ensuring that our aspirations are not sacrificed at the altar of daily grind. In my own journey—through podcasts, heartfelt communications, career endeavors, cherished family moments, continuous education, writing, and speaking—I’ve come to realize that our only true boundaries are the ones we impose upon ourselves. Shanti Fleming once said, “The bad days help you realize what a good day is.” This wisdom struck a chord within me, inspiring a daily commitment to uplift others and brighten their days. Dear Stewarding Leader, your accolades may not always glitter on industry billboards or grace glossy magazines, but your impact is profound nonetheless. The absence of public recognition does not diminish the significance of your contributions. If you ever find yourself questioning your purpose, immerse yourself in your passions, invest in others, teach, coach, and share your unique story. Fulfillment comes from these endeavors, irrespective of external validation. Remember, you are so much more than a title or a paycheck. You are an essential, vibrant force within your organization and beyond. Do not shy away from sharing your gifts with the world; your influence can spark remarkable change for both yourself and those around you. I see you, and I honor you as a true stewarding leader. Your inspiration and dedication have touched my life deeply, and I am certain you have done the same for countless others. Stand tall, Stewarding Leader, and dare to chase after the boundless potential that lies within you. The world is waiting for the magic only you can bring. Thank you. Keep Living!

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