(My two girls at the Antipasti Section which is my favourite section)
How do I begin? This is my long overdue post that I have been meaning to finish so I can share to people and inspire them through my journey.In December 2014, I arrived in Sydney for another leap of faith. Throwing myself into the wind always fascinates me and gives me indescribable excitement -- Not knowing what would the result be, I just brought with me my big desire to finally live in my dream place to settle, Australia! Along with the big hope for it to materialise... and it DID!t
(Rita Sadik - Jamie's Italian Marketing Manager at that time)
One of the attempts exploring what shall I do in this country whether to pursue advertising or cooking? Through my creativity I submitted a deck presentation of my idea of why I want to have some immersion or witness the back door at Jamie's Italian. The Marketing Manager of KeyStone Group was very impressed and gave me the chance in Canberra where it is less busy and more time for the staff to show me things at the restaurant. She was also amazed how a big fan of Jamie Oliver I am so she also invited me to appear on a video promo of Jamie's Italian for Australian kids!
(Video shoot at Randwick for Jamie's Italian promo)
Here is the link of the video:
(Chef Jim and General Manager Liam of Jamie's Italian Canberra)
When I started my experience at Jamie's Italian, I immerse with the Store Manager Liam and Executive Chef Jim on my first day. The succeeding days, I also met a lot of Korean staff (as the head chef is Korean) and some cool Aussie Chefs that taught me valuable knowledge in a big international restaurant operation. To get me by, They lent me chef uniform, apron, daily food and new found friend Chef Stephen who is very enthusiastic about Filipino people.
I heard the word "BEHIND" heaps of times and that is how they alert people in a busy kitchen that someone is behind them so they will be cautious or will give way. This experience allowed me to explore various activities from fish section, inside a freezing walk-in fridge with all the supplies, then carrying big vegetable crates, pasta making and the antipasti section. The way they work in the kitchen plus the training and quality control on food and supplies are pretty impressive, hats off!
(The Pasta Section Chef and new found friend Chef Stephen)
The people in Jamie's Italian Canberra are very passionate and true to the philosophies of Jamie Oliver, one good example is the admiration of Chef Stephen to Jamie as the most humble celebrity chef on the planet and a very hands-on restaurateur to his staff. Stephen and I shared a lot of blurbs and I enjoyed giving a hand in pasta making during this experience.
(Posing and pretending to cook the Famous Osso Bucco)
Jamie's restaurant has taught me a lot of unforgettable preparation and recipes on his signatured dishes that are now part of my repertoire of my favourite dishes to make and to eat at his restaurant. This whole immersion gave me a good glimpse of what he restaurant backdoor is.
(Chef Pavo is the substitute head chef)
Jamie's Italian gave me more reason to one day apply for MASTER CHEF dream. As I continue doing advertising as my profession and I believe it's in my blood and I do believe I have my professional skill and talent on this field as an Art Director that I need to flourish more here in the Aussie land and with inspiring creative people who will believe in my talent.
(My Bagno Selfie with my Chef Uniform)
big hug,
joanie xxx
