Dishwasher -- One Great Read

I am home with the flu bug courtesy of my children.  They spread their bugs everywhere and sooner or later one of them takes me down.  Oh well, perhaps time to read the Christmas present my oldest daughter gave me (who doubles as the leading suspect for making me sick).  The book she bought me was written by Pete Jordan entitled,  Dishwasher:  One Man's Quest to Wash Dishes in All Fifty States.

I must confess that it is very well written and an interesting story to boot.  It provides insights to all of us who teach or are managing foodservice operations today from the perspective of the dishwasher.  One of my favorite passages early on is when Jordan cites commentary from a master dishwasher who states, "Dishwashers are the least-respected restaurant workers...yet the most important."  And according to the master dishwasher, "...cooking was too much responsibility.  But as employees with massive egos, cooks needed constant flattery.  Anytime a cook offered him something to eat or taste, Jeff always gave the food the highest of marks -- regardless of what he really thought.  A rave review boosted the egos and kept the eats coming."

There are more gems throughout but the author and his book are an authentic depiction of life lived in the dishroom.  Right down to when the author is told at one restaurant that "You gotta love your baby...You gotta keep her shiny and happy...Ya gotta caress Baby and give her a kiss."  And then he was asked to "Go on, kiss Baby."  Of course, the author thought his new boss and trainer were nuts for asking him to love the Hobart.  That was until the Hobart went down during lunch and backed him up on dishes for hours.  Soon thereafter he had a newfound respect for Baby and kept her shiny and clean!  I am sure that any of you reading this work back of the house you can relate.

I cannot recommend this book higher than those before it for students to read and discuss at school.  It is a refreshing perspective and a great read as I indicated earlier.  Check it out for yourself; if you are a true foodie you will find it difficult to stop turning the pages.  Check out a YouTube video of the author's hilarious interview on the Letterman Show: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5N1O-GH4-4A