Smoking...

As a "chef", I have never really embraced the habit as smoking like most food service workers. I can not stand the smell and I just think it is disgusting. How can I be expected to cook my very best when my taste receptors have been alerted by smoke? How can you cook your very best for me when you are smoking? One thing I did have to accept as a chef is that my workers will smoke breaks. There is just no way around it. I tried at one point to ban smoking all together but everyone was at each others throats and blood was going to be spilled. I had to give in and let everyone start smoking again.

As a food service professional, I do have one simple request of restaurants, food business’s, and their workers...

Please do not stand out in front of your facility and smoke!

If you are a waiter, I do not want to handle my plate after you smoke. If you are a cook, I do not want you handling my food after you smoke. As a food bagger or counter worker at a grocery store, I do not want you handling my items after you smoke. At least, if I do not see you out front smoking, I do not have to know! It is one of the most unprofessional things a business can do to allow their employees to smoke out front of the store, any time of the day!

If I see you or your employees smoking out front of your business, I am much less likely to spend money in your establishment! I am just saying...and not spending...