Ian Rynecki

Work six days as business demands, but always keep one day per week for yourself and your family. As this day is usually one of the slowest all week (Monday-Wednesday) and many other departments tend to work on this day, be polite but firm in telling other employees that it is your day off and you are unreachable. Another great way is keeping a weekly hobby, whether it's hiking or a weekly golf match; if you try to "find a day off when you can," you run the risk of burn-out, which is very real.

Want to learn to cut onions like a chef? Get a 50-pound bag of onions and practice the method taught to you by your chef.

The kitchen staff will come and go over the years, and new cooks will need to learn the same skills you taught the previous cook. Instruction by example and follow-up on new methods will build a well-rounded, respected kitchen.

Being able to adapt to not only in hours worked but also in the changing demands of the business is vital.

I worked for Smokejacks, where we made absolutely everything and sourced about 75% of our produce/dairy/meat/fish within 100 miles of the restaurant. Chef Josh would consistently challenge the kitchen with new dishes and methods. Never broke down a goat before? He made sure to bring one in so the entire kitchen could learn.

When I come across a method or word I do not understand, I search out the cookbook that describes that procedure, then proceed to read and test items in that book. In doing so, I usually find myself out of my comfort zone, which leads to some exciting dishes.

Hands down, they are some of the most important people in the kitchen and are essential to the successful operation of the business. They are my voice in the kitchen if I'm off working with another team.