roots culinary: March 2012

A Time & Place In Appalachia Living

Food is only part of the story.

Here you'll find a look inside professional kitchens—the food, the people, the systems, the challenges, and the small things that can make a big difference.

Written from the perspective of a chef who has spent decades working in kitchens ranging from Michelin-starred restaurants to mom-and-pop operations, and who is still learning every day.

The kitchen is where all of these things meet—and that is what this journal is about: the work, the craft, the people, and the systems behind good food.

Explore the Journal

Four Ways Into the Kitchen

Stories, ideas, lessons and observations from a life spent working in professional kitchens.

Free Kitchen Tool

What Is 1% Worth to Your Restaurant?

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Kitchen Operations

How the kitchen works.

Workflow, organization, food cost, inventory, preparation, communication and the systems that keep a professional kitchen moving.

Chef's Perspective

Lessons from the line.

Experiences, lessons and observations gathered through decades of working in professional kitchens.

Food & Technique

The craft of cooking.

Recipes, ingredients, techniques and the details that turn good food into memorable food.

The Barnhill Journal

Looking at kitchens differently.

Thoughts on leadership, kitchen systems, the restaurant industry and the journey toward culinary consulting.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

GETTING VERY EXCITED!

RED IS SEXY

THE OLD FREEZER

THE OLD STOVE

POLISHED BRASS

ANOTHER NICE PIECE OF BRASS

NEW STEPS TO THE KITCHEN

Sunday, March 18, 2012

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Ch ch ch Changes . . . .

I'm sorry that the name of the blog keeps changing. It's a work in progress, like any other culinary project. Stay tuned! There will be food.

Friday, March 16, 2012

THE KITCHEN IS STILL UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND IS REALLY BEGINNING TO COME TOGETHER. THERE IS STILL ALOT OF WORK TO BE DONE BUT WE ARE SEEING PROGRESS. I AM NEW TO THE REMODELING WORK SO I HAVE A HARD TIME ESTIMATING THE TIME TILL COMPLETION. BEFORE MAY FOR SURE. I AM READY TO START COOKING, I DO KNOW THAT!

WAITING ON THE PLUMBER SO THAT WE MAY FINISH NEW WALL IN COLD SIDE

WITH THE NEW WALL IN THE WALKIN, IT FEELS AND LOOKS LIKE YOU ARE IN A SAUNA.

CHARLIE PUTTING ON MOISTURE PROTECTION. THE WOOD IS BEAUTIFUL.

FINAL COAT ON INSIDE OF WALKIN DOOR. THE HARDWARE FOR THESE DOORS IS BRASS. I CAN'T WAIT TO PUT IT BACK TOGETHER. THE WALKIN WILL LOOK LIKE GIANT PIRATE CHESTS.

roots culinary