Burgers, Beginnings, and 5 Stars... :)~

I finally started my new job on Wednesday!!!!... I didn't want to blog about it until I actually put in real hours.....We have had 3 staff meetings....but no real paid hours yet...... I have been waiting since mid March, when I had my first interview with them. Three days later they called back and said I had the job. They thought they would be open, by the latest, for Mother's day....But every week when I called to check on the progress.... there was always some new delay. I've never had to wait this long to open a restaruant....Very frustrating!!!....But opening and working for a 5 Star chef is gonna look mighty nice on the old resume!

This is going to be the 7th restaurant that I have been hired specifically for the opening of the business....It's what I do...It makes for a lengthy resume...... but I love it!!!......I go in... Get them organized... Set up an empty kitchen the way I want it.... Help create the menus...and if I like the people I stay for a couple of years....The max I have ever stayed at one place is 3 yrs. It just gets boring for me, and I get the itch to open a new one....I like a challenge..... of any kind!

I love seeing the place evolve, and knowing that I have been a part of it. I got to help in the kitchen design again. They were having problems fitting things, so I suggested some different equiptment, and a more efficient set up. They measured spaces, and totally went with my idea!!!...

So we will be cooking next week for the staff. Training them to actually know the menu....
Woo Friggin' Hoo!!!... I hate when they haven't a clue what they are serving....I had suggested, in our kitchen staff meeting, that we have daily tastings of specials, and an initial overall tasting for the servers. The Chef, and owners totally went for it!!!..... It really boosts sales when they know what the food tastes like!!!.....and the more food they sell...the more money in my pocket as well... :)~ .......

I'll be keeping with the grillin' theme for awhile......here are some ideas for burgers....and they aren't just made from beef either......CHECK IT OUT!...
Sorry there are no pictures...Blogger is having problems.....

Salsa Burger
2 lbs. ground beef
1/3 c pincante sauce
1/3 c shredded cheddar cheese
S& P to taste
Combine ingredients in large mixing bowl. Form into 6 patties,
and refrigerate for 2hrs.

Turkey Burgers
2 lbs ground turkey
1 onion diced
1 red pepper diced
1 tsp minced garlic
S & P to taste
Cheese of choice to melt on top if desired.

Start with a very hot pan to cook the onions. You want to caramelize the onions. That is bringing out the natural sugars in the food. Once they start to brown a bit turn the heat down, and add the diced peppersand garlic, and continue to sautee until tender.
cool and add to ground turkey. Form into patties, and refridgerate for 2 hrs. before cooking.

Thai Tuna Burger
1 1/2 lbs. fresh tuna steaks, minced
1/2 c dry bread crumbs
1/4 c finely chopped green onion
1/4 c grated carrot
1 TB minced fresh ginger root
1 TB chopped fresh cilantro
1 tsp sesame oil
1 TB ketchup
1 TB Tamari or soy sauce
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 egg, beaten
sesame seeds
black sesame seeds
Combine all ingriedents in a bowl. Form into patties, and coat with a mixture of the sesame seeds, and refridgerate for 1 hr. before cooking. Make sure you coat the grill with oil or non stick spray before you put the burgers on.

Mushroom Burger
1 1/2 lbs beef
1/2 lb ground pork
1/4 lb. fresh mushrooms, finely chopped
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 TB Worcestershire sauce
1 TB roasted garlic
S & P to taste
CHeese of choice if desired......I personally reccomend Grueyre for this one.
Put all ingredients into a large bowl and combine well. Form into patties and refridgerate for 2 hrs. before cooking.