Life at Bubby's
Our friend and consultant, Paul, calls it the “turnstile of trouble”. We call it hell!
What I am referring to is the ongoing employee turnover. Just when we are starting to feel that someone is a part of the family, and that they are trained enough for us to turn our attention to something else, they leave! People go to travel, complete schooling, become actors, or simply try something new.
So, now I find myself being the “bake-off” baker on Sundays and Mondays. I was so uptight about this situation that I could not sleep the first night. Starting at 4:15 instead of the “normal” 5:00 a.m., I found myself waaaay ahead and loving it (the baking). I leaned a lot about the processes we use, and I modified some of them. The improvement in various goods is remarkable.
Anyway, feeling more confident and with five hours sleep, I started only 15 minutes early on Monday. Again, a great experience and opportunity to improve things. The croissants and pies are incredible now (before they were simple very good to great).
I went in early today to work with Shirley, the regular bake-off person. Tomorrow I will arrive at the same time as she does. We’ll get this down even more…
“New” stuff:
Bread Pudding made from challah with wild blueberries and cranberries; served with homemade creme fraiche and caramel sauce
Pumpkin Custard served the same way!
We brought back the Apple & Blue Cheese croissant.
Apple Yums: apple strudel filling in a folded over pie pastry. This flakes so beautiful in a hot convection oven… yummy.
The Fruit Crumble presented with our Vanilla Bean Ice Cream continues to please.
Sundays are now Oat Bread on the bread schedule. Organic flour is the way we go now in all our breads. The Oat Bread is 50/50 stone ground and white and whole rolled oats. Lovely toasted or plain with butter and jam.
Our stainless steel travels mugs are taking off. Leak-proof with handles and optional carabiner, they are appealing to active people. We are selling them for $4.07 above our cost – and we throw in any coffee of your choice!
I must apologize for not posting any new photos… I am a little behind in this area of my responsibilities: 85 – 90 hours a week is not enough time!