How Culinary Internships Can Get You a Job

How Culinary Internships Can Get You a Job

by | Aug 24, 2016 | Career

It’s been said that you can’t get a job without experience, but you can’t get experience unless you have a job. So, what do you do about this? Take an internship! This is even true about culinary internships.

Benefits of an Internship

You’re probably wondering how culinary internships can get you a job. Well, to begin with, as a culinary intern you’ll learn many new techniques for cooking and baking in the “real” world (outside the classroom). You’ll also learn speed, organization, time management, and perfect your knife skills while working on the line during service.

Regardless of what path you see your culinary career taking, your internship time spent in a professional kitchen is invaluable to your career. For instance, personal chefs must understand how to set up a kitchen, private chefs must learn how to act quickly, and a test kitchen chef must learn to think on their feet while creating recipes.

Sometimes accepting an unpaid internship and working at another job while interning pays off with bigger returns than if you’d accepted a paid internship.

Considerations When Pursuing an Internship

Having some idea of where you want to see your career go is the first step, and a very important one, in deciding where you should seek out an internship. It’s also important to think about what city you want to spend most of your life living in. While moving to a big city for an internship is fun, moving away from there afterwards may prove difficult.

This is because one of the main points of doing an internship is creating contacts and networking. If you do this someplace, you may find they don’t have contacts available in the city you actually want to live in. Simply put, good local references are more beneficial than all your great skills and techniques combined.

When interning in a small, chef-driven place you get to work directly with the chefs and line cooks.

Another important consideration is the environment you wish to do your internship in. When interning in a small, chef-driven place you get to work directly with the chefs and line cooks. This doesn’t always happen in big restaurants, where it’s easier to ignore you.

It’s also important for you to consider whether you can afford to take an unpaid internship. Sometimes accepting an unpaid internship and working at another job while interning pays off with bigger returns than if you’d accepted a paid internship. If you feel as though you can keep up with everything, then you’ll look as though you’re truly dedicated to your profession. Of course, only you can decide this.

One other thing you’ll want to do before choosing where you’ll do your internship is to actually spend time reading about the restaurant. You not only want to lookout for what employees are saying about the restaurant and its work environment, you also want to learn what diners are saying about the food, service, atmosphere, and chef.

Working every station looks good to potential employees as they recognize you have basic experience in various areas of the kitchen.

 

Getting the Most out of Your Internship

In the same way you must take some time to consider whether the internship is right for you, it’s also important to stay on your feet while working an internship. This is a time during which you can do some really great networking. Get to know the line cooks, servers, and other restaurant staff. They’re all an important part of the team when you’re working in a kitchen as a chef.

Some people sincerely believe small, successful restaurants are where you’ll find the best internships because you’re expected to actually do some work. In fact, by the end of your time there, you’ll probably have worked every station. This looks good to potential employees as they recognize you have basic experience in various areas of the kitchen.

Remember, you don’t want to take an internship at a big restaurant just so you can have its name on your résumé. Make sure it sounds as though it will meet your expectations. Instead, accept an internship at a restaurant where you think you’ll be happy (you never know until you start working there). It should also be a place that challenges you so you have a great opportunity to build your skills.

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Easy Ways to Turn First-Time Customers Into Regulars

Easy Ways to Turn First-Time Customers Into Regulars

by | Aug 19, 2016 | Business Toolkit, Management

Regular customers are the heart of your restaurant business. They’re the ones who come in over and over again, sharing information about your restaurant with others and encouraging them to eat there, too. Turning first-time customers into regulars is a profitable way to encourage further business at your restaurant. 

Build Opportunities to Reconnect

Customers come into your restaurant for a relatively short period of time. While they’re there, you want to do your best to build a relationship with them. That includes:

  • Using multiple opportunities to discuss specials, take their drinks, and share information about special events.
  • Making sure each table knows the server who is responsible for taking care of them.
  • Making eye contact, staying friendly, and chatting with customers, even on a busy night when it’s hard to keep up with everything.

Make It Memorable

Your town is filled with restaurants. Turning your restaurant into the place people want to visit, whether it’s for a Friday night date or a mid-week stop on the way to another activity, means making each visit memorable. There are several strategies that can help you make your restaurant stand out from the rest.

  • Send them off with a souvenir, whether it’s a business card, a pen, or a copy of your menu.
  • Make the last bit count: the perfect after-dinner coffee, the ideal dessert, or a final interaction with the customers.
  • Do something special. Set your restaurant apart by offering a signature dish like no one else’s, creating a unique ambiance, or offering a different kind of special.
  • Make sure that it’s obvious where customers are. Set your restaurant’s name in their minds so that they’ll remember where that perfect dish they’re craving came from!

Your customers should know what to expect every time they walk through the door of your restaurant.

Keep the Experience Constant

Your customers should know what to expect every time they walk through the door of your restaurant. If your food is excellent one time and so-so the next, it’s hard to encourage customers to keep coming back. Excellent service should always be paramount. There are several ways to encourage this consistent experience for every customer, every time.

  • Specifically train each new employee who comes through your restaurant. Make sure they know exactly what’s expected. When realistic, allow them to shadow another employee who is already in their position.
  • Create clear guidelines and directions to ensure that each process is easy to follow. When possible, write them down so that employees can reference them when they need them.
  • Discuss proper tone and attitude with regards to customer service. Young people, in particular, may struggle to speak respectfully simply because it’s something they’ve never been taught.

As you work to increase your repeat customer base, you’ll find that your restaurant flourishes as never before. Your customers will love finding out what you’re offering next, checking out your new dishes, and coming back for their old favorites time and time again. Your serving staff will get to know those regulars, making a better experience for everyone.

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Is Teaching Butchery the Secret to Keeping Good Chefs?

Is Teaching Butchery the Secret to Keeping Good Chefs?

Ultimately, it may seem like a risky move at first but investing in your people is the best way to show them that they are valued. Both inexperienced and experienced chefs will always benefit from cultivating new skills and directly applying them – whether it is butchery or something else.

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Making Restaurants Sustainable: Some People You Should Know

Making Restaurants Sustainable: Some People You Should Know

Sustainability is a critical issue in our world as we anticipate almost 10 billion on the planet by 2050. But how will we feed all those people without depleting our resources? A few leaders in the U.S. and other countries are tackling this issue in bold in new directions. Meet some of them!

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Tips for Effective Body Language During An Interview

Tips for Effective Body Language During An Interview

by | Aug 17, 2016 | Career

When it comes time to interview for that next job, be ready to impress your future employer with not only stellar answers but also effective body language. With only a limited amount of time to prove yourself during the interview, it’s crucial that you use your body to convey your confidence and know-how. And here’s how.

Stay positive

Your body language follows your mind. If you’re thinking negative thoughts, your body will consciously create negative energy. Instead, stay positive inside your head, and your body language will respond with confidence.

Also, if your mind is thinking positive thoughts, you’re more likely to smile. When you smile, the room will glow, especially if the room has bad lighting.

Sit up straight

A third of all job hunters have bad posture. Practice sitting upright in a chair. Slouching interviewees look like insecure people who aren’t confident in their skills.

If you’re thinking negative thoughts, your body will consciously create negative energy.

Practice a firm handshake

Since first impressions are crucial within the first 10 seconds of meeting someone, your need to perfect the handshake. All good handshakes have between 60% and 75% pressure. Don’t go 100%, but don’t be lazy and give 50% effort. Find that Goldilocks medium, and you will do great!

Make reasonable eye contact

You don’t have to stare into your interviewer’s soul, but you should at least make some eye contact with your interviewer. If you need to look somewhere else when you’re talking, look up, not down. You don’t want to look down often because the top of your head is not what companies are looking for.

Reduce nervous ticks

These habits might include playing with your hair, biting your fingernails, or crossing your arms. Have a friend tell you (in a nice way) which of your habits they notice so you don’t repeat them during an interview.

Stay positive inside your head, and your body language will respond with confidence.

React to their body language

Do your research on the company to get a sense of their business. Once you’ve done your research, read their body language during the interview. If they look puzzled, elaborate on one of your answers.

If the interviewer gets excited or their eyes light up, give them a couple more details, then let them ask you more questions. This keeps them involved in you, which is your only goal at the interview.

Less is more

Talk less and gesture less. The more nervous you are, the more talkative you become. Go over your strong points and say less. This keeps the interviewer on their toes. You will notice quickly if they’re interested in you or not, and most of their interest is in your body language.

Calm down on style

You’re not applying for a famous designer. Your business-casual style shouldn’t stand out. Don’t go overboard, but don’t look like a slob. Stay in the middle when it comes to style. Force the interviewers to like you for your brain, not for your clothes.

Reading the body language of your interviewer keeps him or her involved in you, which should be your only goal at the interview.

Don’t stress too much about the results

If you’re nervous about the interview, it’s usually because you a) are not prepared or b) believe that this job will solve all of the life’s problems. After reading this guide, you will become prepared, so don’t worry about preparation. But if you think this job will solve all of your problems, remember that this is just one of many opportunities that will come your way.

When it comes down to it, the entire package, from speech to posture to movement, is analyzed during the interview. So, leave the nerves at the door, remember a few of these tips, and be yourself!

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Sirvo Says: Where to Find the Best Burger In Colorado

Sirvo Says: Where to Find the Best Burger In Colorado

by | Aug 1, 2016 | IndiNews

Colorado loves hamburgers! This is no surprise due to our western background and the fact that the “Cheeseburger” was invented here in Denver by Louis Ballast at his Humpty Dumpty Drive-In once located on Speer and Federal back in 1935. With the Denver Burger Battle right around the corner, we figured we’d hop around town to see who we thought had the best burgers in town. While there were so many great options to choose from, this is the list of the top ten that tantalized our taste buds the most. 

 

1. Highland Tap and Burger

If you’re going to put the word “Burger” in the name of your restaurant, you better have a great hamburger and HT&B doesn’t disappoint. The most apparent and popular choice is the Shroom Luva: an all natural beef patty, sautéed mushroom blend, Emmenthaler cheese (a variety of Swiss) & white truffle aioli! Pair it with a Stone IPA and you will be full and overly content. This is a great neighborhood spot, with a great staff.

2. Cherry Cricket

The Cherry Cricket has probably made it on every top ten burger list since its inception in 1945. This place is a Denver classic and us natives cannot picture a future without it. With all of the options that have entered town, the Cherry Cricket continues to pack them in and that can be attributed to one thing mainly, their hamburger. It’s easy, start with your choice of meat (beef, bison, chicken, black bean & turkey) and start building. Ever had peanut butter on your burger before, do it here! Oh and the Stuffed Jalapeños for an appetizer aren’t too bad either! P.S. If you’re looking for a job, check out Cherry Cricket’s page on Sirvo to see if they’re hiring.

3. Park Burger

With five Park Burger locations across town, this three time reigning Denver Burger Battle champion isn’t hard to find! While The Royale and the El Chilango are fan favorites, we like The Scarpone: ⅓ beef patty, provolone, crispy pancetta giardiniera & a truffle garlic aioli. Chef Jean-Philippe Failyau has brought elements of his fine dining background and fused that together with a casual burger joint. Great beer selection, atmosphere and concept make this place a legit option.

4. Meadowlark Kitchen

Located in RiNo, which is wrapped in Five Points, resides a hip and delicious establishment run by co-owners Casey Karns and Chef Joshua Bitz. Meadowlark Kitchen is not a burger place, but it has one of the most amazing burgers you will ever have simply called The Meadowlark Burger. Are you ready? It’s a cheddar sauce, candied bacon, an onion ring, poached egg, jalapeño confit all on a house made brioche bun. It’s marvelous and big and worth every bite.

5. TAG Burger Bar

Chef Troy Guard is one of the most recognizable names in the city and has been a major influence on Denver’s food scene. When you’re this big of a name, it makes sense that TAG Burger Bar’s best burgers is called Godzilla. This 2014 Denver Burger Battle People’s Choice Award winner is unlike any burger you will ever have, teriyaki sauce, shiitake mushrooms, butter lettuce, crispy tempura & smoked kewpi. Do it, and see if they’re hiring on the Tag Restaurant Group page on Sirvo! 

6. Steuben’s Food Service

Ladies and gentlemen…Steuben’s famous Green Chili Cheeseburger: a six ounce beef patty, covered with roasted Anaheim chilies, American cheese on a toasted challah bun. This burger has made it on almost every top ten burger list created and has been recognized by some national media outfits as well. Chef Brandon Biederman and Owner Josh Wolkon have provided this city and state with some of the best comfort food in town for the last ten years. Is it an elevated cuisine? Not necessarily, it’s comfort food done right. With all the buzz around their new location in Arvada, don’t forget about the original Steuben’s located in the uptown neighborhood where it all started. And, if you’re in need of a gig, why not check out the Steuben’s page on Sirvo to see their open jobs!

7. Acorn

One of, if not, the best restaurants in town ran by one of the best chefs in town. Chef Steven Redzikowski is becoming a household name with all of the accolades his two restaurants (OAK on 14th in Boulder) have received. Acorn’s Oak Grilled Double Cheeseburger (only on lunch menu) does not disappoint, harissa aioli, Gruyere a side of tater tots and you might as well add either an egg, fried pickle, avocado, bacon or maybe add all of them! Acorn is the place you bring friends or family who is visiting from out of town or where you take that date you are trying to impress, just so you know. Plus, their staff is great so if you’re ready for something new professionally, see if Acorn is hiring on their Sirvo page.

8. The Royal

A family friendly joint in a family friendly neighborhood (Berkeley). The Royal is where to take the kids to get some burgers and floats on a Saturday afternoon. An excellent staff provides you a timely and entertaining experience that will make you want to return every week. We suggest The Royal Jelly: a beef patty with honey-sweetened Habanero jelly, cream cheese, Bib Lettuce, sliced tomato. The Royal is the sister restaurant to Jelly (one of Cap Hill’s best brunch spots) and has been a wonderful addition to the fast growing Tennyson Street food scene.

9. West End Tavern

Since 1987, the West End Tavern has been serving some of the best BBQ in Boulder. We suggest starting with the Skillet Cornbread with a whipped honey butter and then for our main course we get the Double Double: a bacon double cheeseburger, smoky mayo, lettuce, tomato & onion. Wash it down with a Ron Burgundy: bulletin bourbon, Leopold Bros Tart Cherry Liqueur, bitters and a house-soaked bourbon cherry. The keywords here were honey, butter, cheeseburger, bourbon. You stay classy Denver and see if West End Tavern is hiring on Sirvo.

10. Larkburger

“One of these things ain’t like the other”, no it is not. Denver is one of the originators of the fast casual scene (ever heard of place called Chipotle?) and it would be a disservice to not include that type of concept on this list. Well that and the food at Larkburger is really good. What do we like best? The Tuna Burger: four ounce sushi grade Ahi tuna steak with wasabi ginger sauce, cilantro, marinated Tamari-miso served in a warm brioche bun. Best thing about this type of place, it doesn’t take forever to get your food and it has a sleek design that compete with most. It’s simply a great, local gourmet burger.

Clearly there are more than ten burger options to choose from in this great city of ours, but these are the one’s we like a lot. Now it’s time for you to check them out, we promise you won’t be let down!

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5 Colorado Beers We’re Crazy About Drinking This Summer

5 Colorado Beers We’re Crazy About Drinking This Summer

by | Jul 25, 2016 | IndiNews

Looking for something to pair with the excruciating heat of summer? How about a frothy, cold, delicious craft beer? Whether you’re planning a car-camping excursion into the mountains, or an afternoon of day drinking at Wash Park, here are five best beers to enjoy for every occasion, courtesy of Thrillist. 

 

New WaveScreen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.19.34 PM

Ratio Beerworks
River North
This RiNo brewery has slowly become a widespread Denver favorite, thanks to its consistently solid beers and killer taproom vibes. Back again for another summer release is New Wave, Ratio’s tart, low-ABV Berliner Weisse, and this year, it’s being released in bottles. Brewed with 300lbs of real strawberries per batch, the bright-pink, effervescent beer is “brewed with patio sessions in mind,” according to the brewery. Grab a bomber while you still can.

 

Heavy MelonScreen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.25.46 PM

New Belgium Brewing Company
Fort Collins
Between its rotating Lips of Faith releases, the Fat Tire 25th Anniversary mixer, and the annual Tour de Fat celebration, our friends over at New Belgium are staying busy this summer. Yet somehow, the brewery still managed to debut a new seasonal beer in Heavy Melon… and it’s a solid summer ale at that. Brewed with melon and lime peel, this crisp, refreshing beer is perfect for patio and summer nights.

 

PriscillaScreen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.29.29 PM

Oskar Blues Brewing Company
Longmont
Frequenters of the Tasty Weasel Tap Room, Oskar Blues’ tasting room in Longmont, will most likely be familiar with Priscilla. While it’s been on draft for a decade, this summer is the first time it’s being distributed in cans. Pouring a straw yellow with a bright nose, the light, effervescent witbier is a little fruity, a little citrusy, and a little tart. Be careful with this one. Thanks to its wildly drinkable characteristics, one beer can easily turn into three.

 

Alternating CurrantScreen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.31.22 PM

Little Machine Beer
Jefferson Park
Little Machine has been slinging suds blocks from Mile High Stadium since opening last October. And while Alternating Currant has been on tap since day one, it’s making its official summer debut in 2016. Approachable and refreshing, this sessionable wild ale offers a distinct, fruity currant flavor paired with the perfect amount of bretty, funky goodness. Perfect for puckering on the brewery’s brand-new patio. 

 

Black Project Wild SaisonScreen Shot 2016-07-21 at 3.37.10 PM

Former Future Brewing Company 
Platt Park
The passion project of James Howat, the owner and brewmaster of Former Future Brewing Company, Black Project has racked up awards for their mixed-fermentation beers. Their latest, a draft-only wild yeast saison being released on July 1, features isolated, 100% coolship-caught yeast from Dreamland — the brewery’s golden sour ale. With notes of cloves, pepper, esters, and a hint of bubblegum, this dry finishing, bright saison is a perfect summer sipper. But be warned: The limited, small-batch deal will move quick.

Check out the rest of the best beer selections on Thrillist!

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Sirvo Says: Let’s Get Pizza!

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Pizza, it’s a classic that everyone loves, but not all can do right. So, we did the research and found the best pizza places that Denver has to offer!

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