18 Comments
Oct 9, 2023Liked by Wil Reidie

Very late to the party here as I just caught up but, as someone who's spent a large amount of time grilling on a Josper, there's certainly a Dark Art to bread on those. The darkness comes from the 100 you burn before it starts to make any sense.

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This is definitely one of my favourite comments I've had on one of these posts, Dalton. Thanks so much. Here's to Team Josper!

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Oct 9, 2023Liked by Wil Reidie

Hahaha thanks. I think I have a picture somewhere of the temperature gauge on the front reaching 800f/425c when I was firing it up. Truly one of a kind cooking experience.

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16 parts and you’re only getting stronger at this style of memoir. Enjoyed the characters in this one. Also, I’ve made it a habit of listening to your main pieces and I think you’re also improving from a VO perspective. Strong work here amigo great job

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Thanks a lot. I had a bit more time to really think about and consider this chapter. I think it shows. I pretty much know now how many chapters I have left and I think understanding that is starting to help. Anyway, thanks again for reading. Glad someone is listening to it as well! 😉

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I think as chefs we all can smirk at the most obscure situations. I’m really not sure many others understand. I was describing dying a pastry chef green to someone recently. It all seems quite matter of fact to most chefs, but the sheer horror on their faces as I told how he was tinged verdant green for three days made me realise that chefs have a particularly grotesque sense of humour.

I wouldn’t have it any other way.

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When I tell people I miss the kitchen days of my youth, I mean the banter. Not the grill and fryer burns up and down the arms, not the days so long on the feet that the arches scream, not the gallons of sweat or the grease smell that a thousand showers at 1,000,000° can’t wash out... it’s always the people, the ones with impeccable timing who can dish and take and it don’t mean nothing.

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I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for this.

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Kitchen banter is truly missed in my life, as I cook alone. Thanks again Will, beautifully read too.

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Thanks. I miss it so much too. More than ever now I'm revisiting it by writing this newsletter.

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Sep 14, 2023Liked by Wil Reidie

Laughed out loud and also winced at this 😅

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This is the biggest compliment I could wish for, thank you Nicky. And thanks for reading.

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Well-written - great stories that stimulated my memories - some good, and like you, some very, very funny!

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You certainly do! I just recommended you so others can get to know you. I have a teenie amount of subscribers but their smart enough to read a great pieces!

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Sep 14, 2023Liked by Wil Reidie

I love love love your writing . I also love food. I’m also anxiety-stricken getting ready for a long trip and trying to deal with and figure out Substack. I will return. Thank you for this!

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Thank you very much. Really appreciate you reading. Good luck with your trip! Hope it's for a fun occasion!!

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Damn! You survived intack and with humor! This piece has forced me to feeling I owe you to move up to a paid subscription just to get rid of my PTSD for a being a short order cook in a tiny diner

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Pat! Thank you so much. Can't tell you how much your support means to me. So glad I have other line cooks reading.

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