Friday, March 10, 2006

La Dolce Vita

I don't even know where to begin, so I'll just say it like it is.
I'm working in the Raffles Hotel Pastry Kitchen!

For the longest time, I've been wanting to work in a pastry kitchen. I didn't even know who to approach, or even wonder, who'd be willing to take me in. I'm thinking :" Who'd want some guy who hasn't worked in a pastry kitchen before. I've only got an interest and do some baking at home. All I've got is experience in a hot kitchen (that is, hot food cooking)."

Well it turns out, Raffles Hotel Executive Pastry Chef Kevin Curry, was willing to take me in. I managed to talk to him at the Chocolate Indulgence Event, and he said he'll take a look at my CV, but he couldn't make any promises.

Well, I got a sms from him last saturday, and started wednesday.

It's such an amazing opportunity and I thank God for the doors opened.
It's only been two days, but I've seen and learnt so much already. My eyes have opened to the world of pastry productions.

I work 8 hours a day during the weekdays, but for today, I thought I'd stay on and learn more.
I was learning more about the production for the restaurants that I'm attached to, but Chef Kevin roped me in to help for some event in the evening.
I missed dinner, but in all the rush, being hungry wasn't even on my mind.
Here's some of the desserts that we brought up in trolleys to some store room, and started plating them. This one was plated for the organisers. Funny story, the organizers requested for a dessert platter, and the big acrylic trays were brought out. We laughed and breathed a sigh of relief when they said there was only two of them.

I worked a little over 12 hours today, and stood for 11 hours. I'm dog tired, but having the time of my life.

Here's to the sweet life.
Cheers.

13 comments:

Haalo said...

Congratulations on following your dream. It's amazing when you do something you really love, even when it's hard you wouldn't want to be doing anything else.

Nicholas said...

Thanks!
Yes! It's great that I can dive into what I enjoy doing right now, especially in this "waiting period", before I enlist into the army.

Anonymous said...

hey bro! haha.. you got the "job" aye!! well.. i guess you're like getting paid for your hobby! Just remember to have fun while there =)

Nicholas said...

hey man, yea I got it!
It's only been 3 days but I've had loads of fun.

Christine said...

Awesome! Congrats, and I will live vicariously through you.

Anonymous said...

Nicolas,

I was just in Singapore last week! That's too bad I didn't know or we could have met up. I even went to the Raffles Hotel, it looks gorgeous and I hope you have a great time working there. Best of luck!

Nicholas said...

Christine: Thanks!

Anita: If I had known, I would have loved to take you around Singapore!
Oh well, if you ever do drop by again, just let me know! And yes, just walking around Raffles Hotel evokes feelings of that lovely old-world charm.

Anonymous said...

Stay with it you won't regret it. You are getting a chance to do something most never dream of. Congrats!

Joycelyn said...

hi nicholas, congratulations! sounds like you're having a blast ;)

Nicholas said...

Hi J! And thank you!
yes, I'm having a blast alright! So much so that I haven't even got time for myself these days. But it's all worth it eh.

the baker said...

wow, congrats! amazing... you must be over the moon... i know i would be, if i was offered a job there as a pastry chef.. haha. all the best yea...

Nicholas said...

Hi Cheryl! Yea thanks. I am over the moon indeed. Sometimes when I walk by Raffles Hotel, I think to myself: "whoa, I work here." But I am getting over that. Maybe, one day, I will. :)

Anonymous said...

Hey, Nicholas! Congrats -- Pastry was a dream of mine, too! In fact, I worked with Kevin Curry when he was at the Ritz in Philadelphia. If you see him, tell him Amy said way to go!!

Keep it up!
Peace,
Amy