Mise en Place: Episode 3 – Culture Shift

There's no doubt that putting Episode 3 of Mise-en-Place together was a challenge, because its featured elements were recorded in late February, before the world changed, especially for all of us in the restaurant industry.

Regardless, this episode discusses a very necessary change needed in the career path of all professional cooks: a shift away from the overheated, overworked 'macho' kitchen culture (epitomized by Gordon Ramsey et al) to one that welcomes diversity and supports a healthy work/life balance. 

Chef/host Robert Belcham explores this topic with Toronto-based trade journalist Ivy Knight, who hosts a series of travelling seminars titled The Industry Sessions, which has culture shifting and related 'upgrades' as its primary goals.  Bringing another and more personal approach to eliminating 'bad-ass chef culture' is Vancouver chef/restaurateur Trevor Bird, who joins Robert along with his colleague Josh Gale.

And while Cooks Camp 2020 remains a go, there may be even more urgent need for the participation of Mind The Bar, a Vancouver-based organization created to help foodservice and hospitality staff find timely information and support with mental health and other workplace issues. Jonny Bridge talks about what his team will bring to camp.