That’s right, modern technology has even caught up in the kitchen. A contemporary chef today uses a computer every day for things like; Develop and change recipes, plan menus, order ingredients from vendors, take food orders from waiters and waitresses, do nutritional analysis on your menus, manage your food inventory and costs, schedule kitchen staff, and email information to other chefs.

You don’t have to have a master’s degree in computer programming, but understanding some programs like Microsoft Word and Excel can go a long way. Simple daily restaurant tasks like daily specials, inventory, and par sheets are done with ease if you can apply this knowledge. In most circumstances, this little extra knowledge can also earn you extra money in your paycheck. Owners and General Managers will reward this experience in your salary, monthly or year-end bonuses if you apply it and earn money for the establishment. My first example is a special sheet of the day, which better than the chef can convey his passion for today’s featured dishes. Printing recipe books and making daily prep lists and inventory lists for the cooks at each station will help make the chef look better and the cook crew more organized and efficient.

Now I like to go a little further and have started to implement more technology using the computer to create and update the website and also make training guides in MP3 audio files to train staff. Another one of my favorite uses of the computer is to record my menu items and specials in an Excel spreadsheet. I list the main ingredient first, then the nature of the beast. In an Excel sheet, this list can be saved constantly and then sorted alphabetically so when I need an idea for an ingredient, I’ll go to the file and see what’s worked in the past and it’s a quick way to come up with an idea.

Also in the past, many chefs, in addition to their knives and cookware, dragged their favorite cookbooks to work for recipes for savory and baking-related items. Forget it!!!!! Now you can use the Internet to cross-reference a recipe, or simply bring a floppy disk, CD, or memory card loaded with these essentials. Everything is in the palm of your hand, you better spend some time organizing a few hours at home so you don’t have to struggle at work. It’s like the French Philosophy “Mise en Place” in the Kitchen, things in their place, systematize your accumulated knowledge in the kitchen and you’re on the Super-Highway!!

Chief Chris Albano