Tuesday 30 March 2010

I'm A Cafe Owner

Well.....

Weeks of blur have passed.  We're seeing through the fog and REALLY getting organised.  Owning a cafe is nothing like you imagine before you open.  Each day is tiring, because you're not only preparing, cooking and baking food, but you have to put your 'business brain' on, and think of the patrons.  What they would like to eat, what they would like to see, how they would like to feel in YOUR establishment.  Because really, without customers, the business wouldn't be.  It is truly a service, and one that demands a theatre in it's own right.  It doesn't matter what is going on behind the scenes; - as long as the whole, complete experience is 'just right', there lies the reality of it all. 

There have been a few evenings, when the Machinist and I, when all is quiet and clean and scrubbed and packed and swept and mopped, - sit and reflect on all that has transpired.  We tell each other "...we're cafe owners...did you ever THINK this would be?"

And yes, - it's true. 

We pinch ourselves....

We are truly grateful and excited and challenged yet rearing to continue and develop and grow.  The whole experience is so emotionally packed, that you feel like one of the stars on awards night....

"I'd like to thank so-and-so and so-and-so" and "...we're amazed..." and "...it's been an awesome journey..."

Etc. etc.

The Machinist and I are the pie-makers and bakers.  We mix and roll and fill pie pallets and cover them with rough puff pastry.  Our black aprons are lightly dusted with plain and baker's flour.  We do a happy dance when we see the pie tops rise like souffle's through the window of the trusty old pie oven. We also do a lot of high fives, but the tone of the kitchen can change in a minute, resembling a kitchen akin to Ramsey's, if things go wrong. 

Sometimes, the girls pop their heads in and ask "...can you keep it down in here.  We have customers..."

Customers! 

We. Have. Customers.

This weekend is the 'Easter' weekend and we are expecting a lot of passing motorists.  Fish pie is on the menu: a seafood marinara filling boasting a piped mash 'hat', which we will serve with mesclun salad and a wedge from a BIG FAT LEMON.  I will also make some fruit flans and apple pies - nice and plump and runny.

Mmmm....

Right now, though, there is a multitude of ordering to be done, and if I don't fall asleep at the computer, bobbing forward and cracking my head on the screen, I hope to do some paperwork, too.

Oops!  There goes my floppy head!

9 comments:

ADRIAN said...

Congratulations and well done.

Alan Burnett said...

Ah congratulations - I am sure all the hard work will be worth it. I am looking forward to you opening your "pies by post" service.

FlowerLady Lorraine said...

Congratulations - I am excited for you and your DH and the rest of your family too. May you have a wonderful Easter weekend serving delicious pies to many who visit your cafe. They will be so delighted they will spread the word far and near.

FlowerLady

Vera said...

Oh well done you! And Hubs! And family! I love hearing how people try to turn their lives around by having a go at something new. There aren't too many people who have the guts and courage to do this, so you are special people. Hope you have loads of customers over Easter, and beyond.

Ken Devine said...

Hi Helen
I think Vera put it quite well.
Really very pleased to hear of it all coming together after all that hard work. I guess the hard work bit will continue. I was thinking of you all on Thursday.
I hope you keep us updated.

Ken Devine said...

High five!

English Rider said...

Well done all of you. There is a vibrant buzz emanating from your post.

emilyclare said...

Hello dear friend and pie-maker-extraodinaire! there really is a vibrant buzz to this post. And I really cannot wait to drive down for a visit, and a pie..

Millie said...

What a lovely post Helen - it was a joy to read. You are the perfect example of someone who does what they love & loves what they do.
Millie ^_^

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