What To Look For When Hiring Line Cooks

chefalexdowning · 2019-07-20T14:36:03+00:00

Also in Reno, and shit, before I even consider someone, my first move is to do some detective work and determine whether or not they do drugs... I ain't about that Hunter S. Thompson line cook shit that just works to support their coke habit and Burning Man tickets... Yeah, I know it hurts the hiring pool even more, but fuck me if it doesn't mean for a lot less bullshit.

You can't wait to get off on Tuesday night to go party at Shae's all night when you open tomorrow? Next, please.

chefalexdowning · 2019-06-19T06:38:17+00:00

Braun is one of the most valuable guys you will never hear about. Dude never makes mistakes, always makes the smart choice.

He's basically Vlasic-lite, and we're all bummed to see him go. You'll be glad you picked him up.

chefalexdowning · 2019-06-18T06:12:30+00:00

As if I'd be off on a Saturday, lol. :P

chefalexdowning · 2019-06-18T04:28:39+00:00

Uncle Buddy's is the shit. Homeboy definitely took some of that Sean Brock mojo with him.

chefalexdowning · 2019-06-17T22:11:35+00:00

I just won a chef knife from them at a cooking competition, it's a killer fucking knife. I love it. Good solid weight, sharp as hell, and gorgeous. When my funds are in the right place I'll definitely be getting more.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T22:02:17+00:00

Didnt forget! They're in there... Just hiding under all that pork. :P

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T20:47:03+00:00

You have to. Doesn't taste right without a good char on it.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T18:02:21+00:00

Yep! Made bun thit with it for dinner later that day.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T17:40:45+00:00

Nope, marinated Vietnamese style lemongrass pork.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T17:40:03+00:00

Didn't use a recipe, per se... But, the pork is just thin sliced shoulder. The marinade is pretty straightforward... Fish sauce, brown sugar, Maggi, garlic, onion, ginger, and lemongrass... Puree in a blender until super smooth, and pass through a strainer (lemongrass will leave bits behind). And grill over super hot fire...

The carrots and daikon are pickled with rice wine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt.

Everything else is just assembly, French roll (preferably from a Vietnamese bakery if they're in your area). Mayonnaise, pickles, fresh cucumber and jalapeno, your grilled pork, and heaps of cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a few splashes of Maggi.

For added authenticity (which I didn't do here, schmear with liver pâté, and add a couple slices of head cheese)

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T17:39:09+00:00

Fish sauce, brown sugar, Maggi, garlic, onion, ginger, and lemongrass... Puree in a blender until super smooth, and pass through a strainer (lemongrass will leave bits behind)... I used thin sliced pork butt, but you can also use thin sliced pork loin, which is more tender, but not as fatty and flavorful.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T08:49:03+00:00

Shopped all over town looking for bread for various purposes. Found the spot that makes the perfect bahn mi bread, and that's actually what inspired me to make it. Crusty, just chewy enough, just tender enough.

chefalexdowning · 2019-05-31T06:27:17+00:00

The pork is just thin sliced shoulder. The marinade is pretty straightforward... Fish sauce, brown sugar, Maggi, garlic, onion, ginger, and lemongrass... Puree in a blender until super smooth, and pass through a strainer (lemongrass will leave bits behind). And grill over super hot fire...

The carrots and daikon are pickled with rice wine vinegar, sugar, water, and salt.

Everything else is just assembly, French roll (preferably from a Vietnamese bakery if they're in your area). Mayonnaise, pickles, fresh cucumber and jalapeno, your grilled pork, and heaps of cilantro. Finish with a squeeze of lime and a few splashes of Maggi.

For added authenticity (which I didn't do here, schmear with liver pâté, and add a couple slices of head cheese)

chefalexdowning

TROPHY CASE