Amazing Oppotunity Just Fell into my Lap

[Avangarde]

I don't usually share personal stuff here but this is pretty big for me. After being a career chef for 8 years I decided to take a break and do some casual cooking in a pub as I lost my cooking mojo and couldn't find much inspiration. After letting 2 and a half years pass the fire in my belly reignited and I was keen to get back on track. I started to experiment with some new ideas I had been meaning to try to see if the creative flare was still there, the results were promising. I continued with this for a couple of months until the most amazing thing happened. A rather wealthy individual contacted me saying he was starting a new business, he was aware of my work from when I was head chef in a popular cafe a few years ago, and wanted me to be his Head Chef. I couldn't believe the timing and saw it as a sign for the path I should follow. I went down to the new place for a meeting and assess the potential before I commited to anything, I was over the moon with what I saw. Everthing was to be started from scratch, there was no kitchen, and there was no staff. I was to be given full creative control including designing a brand new kitchen to my specifications. Everything was perfect, so I accepted the possition. I am currently writing a menu, meeting with food and culinary representitives and about to look into staffing. It's a lot of work but good god I am having the time of my life, life is great.

Hope you don't mind me sharing.

 

[Ahura Mazda]

That is fantastic and I hope to one day be able to come dine in your restaurant. Please post it once it opens.

 

[SuBe]

GREAT! I don't know what Oppotunity is, but I assume its similar to "Oppurtunity". You will do great and often you will be rewarded for risk like this.

I was given a few years ago an Oppurtunity to be work for a Cigar Manufacturer. I jumped in with two feet and have been loving my life ever since. The People you meet, the influence you have: No one got you here but yourself through you own drive. Congratulations.

 

[Knightsaber Priss]

That is so awesome! I'm so happy you've rediscovered your passion and it's lead to something much bigger and hopefully more satisfying for you. I just wish I could visit the restaurant you'll work at and pay my compliments to you plus my congratulations in person.

 

[Avangarde]

GREAT! I don't know what Oppotunity is, but I assume its similar to "Oppurtunity".

Whoops.

I'm pretty keen to get a website going to help with advertising, once it's done I'll be sure to post it.

 

[logan_weapon_x]

GREAT! I don't know what Oppotunity is, but I assume its similar to "Oppurtunity".

I'm assuming you know you spelt it wrong as well?

 

[SuBe]

I enounciate my "U"'s.

 

[simplysuperhero]

Congratulations! What will be on the menu?

 

[logan_weapon_x]

I don't usually share personal stuff here but this is pretty big for me. After being a career chef for 8 years I decided to take a break and do some casual cooking in a pub as I lost my cooking mojo and couldn't find much inspiration. After letting 2 and a half years pass the fire in my belly reignited and I was keen to get back on track. I started to experiment with some new ideas I had been meaning to try to see if the creative flare was still there, the results were promising. I continued with this for a couple of months until the most amazing thing happened. A rather wealthy individual contacted me saying he was starting a new business, he was aware of my work from when I was head chef in a popular cafe a few years ago, and wanted me to be his Head Chef. I couldn't believe the timing and saw it as a sign for the path I should follow. I went down to the new place for a meeting and assess the potential before I commited to anything, I was over the moon with what I saw. Everthing was to be started from scratch, there was no kitchen, and there was no staff. I was to be given full creative control including designing a brand new kitchen to my specifications. Everything was perfect, so I accepted the possition. I am currently writing a menu, meeting with food and culinary representitives and about to look into staffing. It's a lot of work but good god I am having the time of my life, life is great.

Hope you don't mind me sharing.

What country will it be in?

 

[Lobo]

Great news man!

 

[Avangarde]

Congratulations! What will be on the menu?

I want to make use of the great local produce we have, seafood is a top priority, along with Australian beef and lamb. I also want to incorporate Aussie flavors with European cuisine, stuff like Bush Tomatoes, Wattleseed, Alpine pepper, and Lemon Myrtle. It will be quite unique, but styled in a mainstream fashion that way people wont be deterred from trying something unfamiliar to them.

 

[Avangarde]

What country will it be in?

Adelaide, Australia.

 

[logan_weapon_x]

Adelaide, Australia.

That's going to be a bit far for me to take the wife for a night out

 

[SapphirePrima]

That's so cool.

 

[Marx]

Congratulations Avangarde! That's great!

 

[Dew k. Mosi]

I enounciate my "U"'s.

 

[simplysuperhero]

I want to make use of the great local produce we have, seafood is a top priority, along with Australian beef and lamb. I also want to incorporate Aussie flavors with European cuisine, stuff like Bush Tomatoes, Wattleseed, Alpine pepper, and Lemon Myrtle. It will be quite unique, but styled in a mainstream fashion that way people wont be deterred from trying something unfamiliar to them.

In "the States," I think this is referred to as "fusion" though it sounds ambitious (which I can imagine makes it fun for you). Would you label your upcoming menu mainstream for Aussies or would it be called something different (like neo-mainstream)?

 

[Avangarde]

Neo-mainstream would best describe it, a lot of traditional dishes with a lot of Australian influence.

 

[Hotwire]

Congratulations.

I will say this, though. I had an awesome job land in my lap a few years back. It was doublt the pay I was making at the time, I was able to travel to Hawaii, Guam, and all over the U.S.. Everthing was great. Until about a few years ago. New management started treating everyone like crap, bullying everyone, and the pay dropped. Through the floor. My first year, $50k. This past year, barely $30k.

I'm not trying to rain on your parade, just saying, be cautious.

 

[Hotwire]

Neo-mainstream would best describe it, a lot of traditional dishes with a lot of Australian influence.

Can you share a menu item with us?

 

[knowsbleed]

Congrats Avan! Hope you don't season anything with any of your "special" spices.

 

[Bnightwing]

Wow you know how awesome I would love this?

 

[Ace of Knaves]

Very cool. Good luck

 

[Anita18]

That sounds so great! Congrats!

And yeah, Australia's a bit far for me too. But good luck even if most of us will never have the chance to check it out!

 

[Nirvana]

Living my dream. Truly awesome. You'll have to post some pics when the construction is underway.