"BEHIND"

The number of pots, pans, plates, containers, gadgets and everything else in between during service is staggering. Each item is used only once, for a single purpose, and imediately discarded for washing. There is no such thing as re-use for a different task, they go straight to the washing team. I love these folks who are at the rock bottom of the totem pole. I believe they are hourly workers but they are there at every service, always smiling, always ready and never complain. The only word, a single word, that comes from them is " ... behind ... " which is sacred in kitchen lingo. It is short for ' ... watch out, I am behind you'. One may be carrying a plate, a knife, a pot or anything at all and this word is a direct but effective warning to the person in front. Whoever started it should be medalled.  This is almost  universal now, at least in most English speaking pro kitchens.

Back to the washing team, all you see is the removal of used items, and replacement by clean ones, without pause, and without fail. We know they are there, negotiating their way through narrow and slippery passages because you always hear "behind, behind, behind" .... They are the unsung heroes, without them the entire assembly line would be paralysed. I want to put faces to that magic word, "behind". The picture shows two infectious smiles, from two willing teammates with the best work ethics, whom I like to recognize.

Hats off to you, my new found friends, on a job very well done ... I am all "behind" you!