Sep 6 2013

If you can’t stand the heat……


“If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.” ~ Harry S Truman.

Whilst on our Rhine cruise, we were given the opportunity to tour the ship’s galley. The first thing that struck me as I walked in, was how very hot it was in there. No wonder our chef’s face was so flushed.

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This huge cauldron of what was destined to be potato soup, was bubbling away like crazy, and I couldn’t get too close to it because of the intense heat.

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There was lots of peeling and chopping going on, and there didn’t seem to be much space to work in.

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I wondered how long it took to peel this mountain of potatoes, and was glad I didn’t have to do it.

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With a hundred and eighty passengers to feed, there was no time for slacking, but I did get a smile from this guy.

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In here where they were busy making the desserts, it was rather chilly.

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They were always delicious and beautifully presented.

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They even found the time to make my Mom-in-law a birthday cake.

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All the drinks were stored under lock and key, so no drinking on the job.

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I was disappointed that there wasn’t  much else to see, apart from these jugs and dishes,

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and this hob and oven, which is far less fancy than mine.

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I guess all the perishable food was out of sight in the massive refrigerator and freezer. I left that kitchen wondering just how they managed to come up with all the different and totally delicious dishes for three full meals a day for so many people. They certainly did deserve the applause they got on our last night aboard.

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. I may not be around for the next few days, as my laptop has to go to the ‘Apple Hospital’. It needs a keyboard transplant, as I’ve worn out some of the keys. Too much blogging, I guess. 🙂

89 comments on “If you can’t stand the heat……”

  1. No such thing as too much blogging 🙂 Thanks for the peek into the ship’s kitchen. I would go mad. I can’t stand it when people come into my kitchen. They can sit on the other side of the work space, drink wine and chat, but that’s where they must stay! 😀 We have a friend who was a chef on a navy sub – that would do my head in 😆

    PS – your MIL didn’t teach PT at Penzance Primary School in Durban, by any chance?

    • Hehehe….. I agree with you. I just wish I had more blogging hours in the day. Hubby is allowed in my kitchen because he does all the peeling and chopping for me. 🙂
      No, my MiL has never worked since she got married in 1933, and a more unlikely PT teacher I couldn’t imagine. 😆

  3. Not the best post to view at twenty to six in the evening on an empty stomach AD, now my planned supper seems so ordinary 😦

  4. Geez, Adin! Why are bothering them!? Ooops I need to calm down. Ahihihi … 😀 😉
    Part of what I do here in Japan is do checks for safety stuffs, and I have to go in the kitchen every week. I always get a Konichiwa coupled by a bow by at least one of the crews.
    Darn those are delicious looking food!

  7. With only about a dozen galley slaves, it is amazing that they keep all that moving!
    Imagine producing those masterpieces on a route where Rock ‘n Roll happened!

  8. That is truly amazing. How organized that crew mist be to feed so many, 3 times a day. That kitchen really does run like a well-oiled machine. Thanks for this glimpse behind the curtain.

  10. We take so many things for granted. Ordinarily we would hardly spare a thought for the kind of responsibility chefs would have in large Cruise ships where more than 5000 people need to be catered for on a 24X7 basis.

    I therefore need to acknowledge you for this post which did make me ponder on the above aspect.

    Great post!

    Shakti

    • This is so true, Shakti. The people behind the scenes really do deserve our recognition for all their hard work. I was so glad that this was the case on our cruise. Everyone was brought out on the last night, so that we could all show our appreciation. 🙂

    • Thanks, Madhu. Yes it was all ship shape and sparkling clean.I wonder what it looked like a couple of hours later as they prepared for the Captain’s Dinner?

  18. They deserve the applause, certainly looks like hard work. Hope “Apple Hospital” finds a cure for your laptop:-). Have a great weekend AD.

    • Thanks, Dallas. Apple service is great. Only took a few hours to replace the whole top cover, keyboard and track pad. They also gave me a new power supply. All under warranty. I’m a fan for life. 🙂

  21. I’d rather prefer being in the cool side where the desserts are made for sure AD. 😆 I can’t stand the heat and take my hat off for that chef and everyone in that hot kitchen for sure. Great shots and thanks for sharing. 😀 *big hugs*

    • Thanks so much, Sonel.:) I was shocked at how hot it was in that kitchen. It was like being right next to a furnace. I have great respect for those chefs. Hugs back to you. xx

  26. Thank you for sharing this. I have been wondering the same how they manage to do this. In away, it is amazing (I assumed the taste is not compromised).

  27. Interesting, I was almost once working on a cruise ship as I was in the hospitality business. Nice of them to let you have a look and take pictures. I would have loved to be in the desserts kitchen…… hmmmm and they all look gorgeous.

  28. Pretty cool that you got to go behind the scenes.
    And- how nice of them to make your mil a bday cake 🙂

    Don’t have to tell me twice to stay out of the kitchen. Especially after having go up in flames once already!

  29. Amazing that you got to take a tour of the kitchens. I’m also astounded at the small space they manage to work in. You do have the most delightful adventures. The cake for MIL was a wonderful touch.

    • Yes, I was thrilled to get a look at the galley. My MiL was so surprised when they brought the cake in after dinner. We were all stuffed, but had to have a piece each. 🙂

  34. Those guys must work so hard! I might go work on the ships, but it will not be in the kitchen, that I can guarantee 😉
    have a good weekend AD!

  36. I thought the kitchen would be much bigger for some reason. But it is amazing that they can whip up all those tasty dishes in such a small space.

  37. prima cosa ancora complimenti per la nonnina…certo mi sono persa la festa del compleanno durante le mia vacanza, ma appena posso andrò a rivedere i vecchi post, poi, da persona attenta e sensibile quale ti sto conoscendo hai giustamente voluto rendere omaggio a coloro che lavorando rendono più belle e serene le nostre giornate di svago, bravissima!
    a presto Ventis

    first thing again congratulations for the granny … sure I lost birthday party during my vacation, but as soon as I can I am going to review the old posts, then, by careful and sensitive person who I’m knowing you have rightly wanted to pay tribute to those who worked on the most beautiful and serene make our days of fun, very good!
    See you soon

  38. Looks like a big production. They must be working round the clock since they serve that much food for that many people. Thanks for the tour 🙂

  40. That was an interesting tour in the kitchen ! … Incredible that they are able to cook all this food for so many guests, on such a small place … // Maria 🙂
    Ps / Good luck at the ” hospital ” / Ds

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