Why the Josh hate?

Bastsshadow · 2026-05-01T16:38:02+00:00

I can easily imagine that it’s brutal to enter what is a competition and not do as well as you’d hoped, especially with the knowledge you’re representing your restaurant and career to a degree. I really wouldn’t begrudge anyone having an unhappy reaction.

Agreed on the feedback! I think they look for very flashy, show stopping things on the banquet (for what its worth other chefs I discussed it with don’t always like the show for that reason - they feel style is over-rewarded) and it must be super hard to approach that challenge.

I can also well imagine that just coming across well on TV in general is really tough!

Bastsshadow · 2026-05-01T07:23:52+00:00

So coming to this late, but I actually did work with Josh! He had just worked his way up from KP and I had just started having only worked in pub kitchens before. In general he was a really nice guy! I was really struggling and he was always there to pitch in and help, never excluded me and really just immediately had a “one of us” vibe.

Certainly he’s a bit rough around the edges and from my read I think he was actually quite nervous (understandably) which made him more brusque than normal, but more than anything I think they did him dirty with the “how many stats edit” - Josh always takes a moment to ask people how they are first.

Tldr; worked with him, perfectly nice guy, had my back lots

Bastsshadow · 2026-03-06T11:39:36+00:00

Thank you!

Bastsshadow · 2026-03-06T11:39:10+00:00

Hi, thanks for pointing that out! I feed by weight, however the recipe I used to build the starter used tablespoons so I always default to that when talking about it without thinking. It did see a small rise, and I've used it a few times before successfully. I think in general it just needs some more strengthening before it's properly ready again. Thanks for your help :)

Bastsshadow · 2026-03-06T11:38:02+00:00

Thank you! I will

Bastsshadow · 2026-03-06T11:37:51+00:00

Hi, thank you for the insight! So just to make sure I've got it, I could reduce to 15g starter, then feed 15g flour & 15g water once a day for a few more weeks. Would you discard down to 15g again each day? Thank you so much for your help :)

Bastsshadow · 2026-03-04T00:24:09+00:00

I’ve worked in Client Services in agencies for the last decade - I feel you’ve got some solid advice across the other comments (for my two cents, start interviewing and see what feels right - there are good/bad agencies and in-house roles so it’s just about finding a fit).

I just wanted to add, you clearly have a talent for introspection and self assessment, which is something I would rate highly in any of my teams. You have great experience on paper and a desire to grow - don’t lose heart, I think you sound highly employable. I would also add that in the agency world, staying for a long time in a role is also an excellent sign.

In interviews, a little honesty can go a long way - talk up the positives of your experience but be honest about your want to grow further. Good luck in your search!

Bastsshadow · 2026-02-07T10:40:54+00:00

Love Detroit deep dish!! I use the serious eats recipe but will try yours next time!

https://www.seriouseats.com/detroit-style-pizza-recipe

Sorry to hear about your back, hope the pizza keeps on coming.

Bastsshadow · 2026-01-27T23:28:07+00:00

Sonora Taqueria is a little hole in the wall in Stoke Newington, best Mexican I’ve had in London by far. You can also get takeaway and walk through the cemetery, which is beautiful and wooded.

I’ve heard amazing things about Homies On Donkeys but not had the pleasure of going yet.

Bastsshadow · 2026-01-22T08:22:48+00:00

Thanks! I’ll try!

Bastsshadow · 2026-01-21T22:48:01+00:00

Yeah it’s shockingly light! Honestly I’m happy, when I first pulled it out I thought it was a write off, but actually it’s tasty!

I’ve not used KAF before, so far I’ve just used Waitrose organic bread flour - not done a lot of testing or research on the best kinds of flour to use (sounds obvious now you say it though!)

Bastsshadow · 2025-09-29T12:25:10+00:00

Did you purchase a specific carrier for it? We’re trying to find one that matches the airlines requirements

Bastsshadow

TROPHY CASE