Keep You Posted
Welcome to the Lavish Roots "Keep You Posted" (KYP) page! This weekly resource is designed to help managers and team members collaborate effectively. Previously known as the "Weekly Preshift," the KYP page provides updates from Lavish Roots department directors where they share culinary history, team member spotlights, reminders on resources, company-wide focuses, and more. Keep your team posted and motivated every step of the way! You can translate this page using the translation tool. Tap the button that says “English >” and then select your language.
Contributors
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Tawna Oliphant
Director of Hospitality & Guest Experience
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The Safety Team
All Regions
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Chef Evan Garrard
Partner, Corporate Executive Chef
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Chef Jeff Zanatta
Chef de Cuisine
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Meagan McKinnon
Chief of Staff
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Sarah Dorfler
Creative Director
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Chef Aimee Graham
Regional Pastry Chef
March 2025, Week 1
Theme of the Month: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Rationale: March is about mastering communication skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to handle guest concerns with professionalism and grace.
Safety Message
SURPRISINGLY HEAVY - Silverware Caddies Can Easily Be Overloaded
One item that tends to be overloaded is the blue silverware caddies that get run through the dish machines. When moving these around, there is usually reaching, stretching, lifting, and twisting involved. In combination with the potential for these to be overloaded, this can very easily lead to injury. When loading the blue silverware caddies, please make sure to not fill them all the way. This will help avoid injury for both our DMO and FOH teams..
Hospitality Message
Active Listening - The Foundation of Effective Communication
During the first week of March, the focus is on honing the art of active listening. This fundamental skill is crucial in the hospitality industry as it allows our team to fully understand and address guest needs. By practicing active listening, team members can demonstrate genuine attentiveness, making guests feel valued and heard. This not only enhances the overall guest experience but also lays the groundwork for successful conflict resolution and problem-solving.
Culinary
Culinary Science, Curing Salt
Curing salt is a mixture of salt, sodium nitrite, and sometimes sodium nitrate, used to preserve meats and prevent bacterial growth, especially botulism. It is essential in making cured products like bacon, sausages, and ham, giving them their characteristic color and flavor. In addition to preservation, curing salt helps maintain meat's texture and enhances its overall taste during the curing process. One of the items we use Curing salt for is the peameal bacon on our French Canadian.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
March 2025, Week 2
Theme of the Month: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Rationale: March is about mastering communication skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to handle guest concerns with professionalism and grace.
Safety Message
SURPRISINGLY HEAVY - Heavy Lexan Containers
Lexans are also commonly overloaded. These are filled with all kinds of product of varying weights and density. Please refer to the Lexan Weight posters around the cafe spaces. While these containers are meant to hold a large amount of product, we still need to be aware of how much we are loading into them, as well as pay attention to where these containers are placed when loaded. When lifting, most lexan containers will require a team lift and a cart to move safely.
Hospitality Message
Empathy in Hospitality - Understanding and Connecting with Guests
In the second week, delve into the power of empathy in guest interactions. Understanding and connecting with guests on an emotional level fosters a deeper sense of trust and rapport. When guests feel that their concerns and feelings are acknowledged, it creates a positive and memorable experience.
Pastry
Pastry, Chemical Leavening
Baking powder and baking soda are considered "chemical" leaveners. While they are natural products they differ from organically producing leaveners like yeast. Activated by moisture and heat, they produce carbon dioxide gas which provides the leavening effect. And, unlike yeast, they are "quick acting" and require no wait time to work. Though most people purchase ready made baking powder, it is easily made by combining soda bicarbonate and cream of tartar. Baking soda on its own requires an acid in combination with the moisture and heat. In addition to leavening, baking soda promotes browning in baked goods - and in items like ground beef and steaks! One of its signature uses is as a key ingredient in Irish Soda Bread - maybe this month is the time to try some!
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
March 2025, Week 3
Theme of the Month: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Rationale: March is about mastering communication skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to handle guest concerns with professionalism and grace.
Safety Message
SURPRISINGLY HEAVY - Precariously Stacked Dishes
Some injuries can occur from dishes being stacked too high. When they are stacked too high, they can easily fall, or become too heavy to move safely. Please make sure that when you are putting dishes away or bringing them to the dish rooms, that they are stacked evenly and properly. If there is a high stack on a top shelf, it is safer to pull the entire stack down, with help if needed.
Hospitality Message
Conflict Resolution Techniques - Navigating Guest Concerns with Grace
The third week of March is dedicated to awareness of conflict resolution techniques. This vital skill equips team members with the ability to address guest concerns or issues with professionalism and poise. By employing effective conflict resolution strategies, team members can turn potentially negative situations into opportunities for guest satisfaction. This not only preserves the reputation of our hardworking and talented team, but also showcases the team's commitment to exceptional service. What beneficial conflict resolution techniques have been helpful to you as a hospitality professional?
Culinary
Culinary Geography, Fish Sauce
Fish sauce varies between countries in terms of ingredients, fermentation process, and flavor profile. In Vietnam, fish sauce ("nước mắm") is made primarily from anchovies and salt, resulting in a slightly sweet, rich, and umami flavor. In Thailand, fish sauce ("nam pla") is also made from anchovies but tends to have a stronger, saltier taste, while in the Philippines, fish sauce ("patis") often includes a mix of fish types and has a more pungent, briny flavor. We most commonly use Vietnamese fish sauce in our cafes.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
March 2025, Week 4
Theme of the Month: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Rationale: March is about mastering communication skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to handle guest concerns with professionalism and grace.
Safety Message
SURPRISINGLY HEAVY - Overloaded Trash Cans
Trash cans in the kitchen, especially the compost bins can get very heavy, very quickly. We all need to make sure that we are emptying the trash freqently to make sure it does not get overloaded. When moving heavy trash cans around, the best practice is to bring the hand truck or cart to the full can. Dragging cans around the kitchen can lead to back or shoulder injuries, and damages the cans, potentially allowing garbage juice to leak around the kitchen.
Hospitality Message
Proactive Communication - Preventing and Managing Concerns
During the final week of March, shift the focus to proactive communication. By anticipating guest needs and concerns, team members can take preemptive measures to ensure a seamless experience. This approach minimizes the likelihood of conflicts arising in the first place. By fostering a culture of proactive communication, our team can create an environment where guests feel well-cared for and valued.
Culinary
Culinary History, Ramen
Ramen originated in China, where it was known as "lamian" (hand-pulled noodles), and was introduced to Japan in the late 19th to early 20th century. It became widely popular after World War II, when Japanese chef Ando Momofuku invented instant ramen in 1958, revolutionizing its accessibility. Over time, ramen evolved in Japan into numerous regional varieties, each with unique broths and toppings, cementing its status as a beloved national dish.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
March 2025, Week 5
Theme of the Month: Effective Communication and Conflict Resolution
Rationale: March is about mastering communication skills. Practice active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution techniques to handle guest concerns with professionalism and grace.
Safety Message
SURPRISINGLY HEAVY - 22 Quart Cambro Containers
22 quart cambro containers are one of the most commonly used vessels in our kitchens. We keep everything from soups to veggies to smoothies in them. The weight of these containers varies greatly depending on what is inside. When lifting these, your hands will be close together, making it difficult to efficiently use arm and upper body muscles. Lift with your legs! This will help avoid strain to your shoulders and your back. Be sure to use a cart whenever possible, even for short distances!
Hospitality Message
Communication as a Hospitality Standard
Effective communication in hospitality is the backbone of exceptional guest experiences and seamless operations. Whether it’s front-of-house staff anticipating guest needs, kitchen teams coordinating meal execution, or leadership aligning on service standards, clear and timely communication prevents misunderstandings, improves efficiency, and fosters a culture of teamwork. A well-informed team delivers consistent service, resolves issues proactively, and ensures guests feel valued and heard. In an industry where details matter and every interaction shapes the guest’s perception, strong communication isn’t just a skill—it’s the key to creating memorable experiences and driving long-term success.
Culinary
Pastry, Mechanical Leavening
The most common mechanical leavener in baking is an egg. When whole eggs are added to a baked good, they expand and trap steam which causes the product to rise. Eggs can also be separated to use only the whites which, when whipped, provide a stable structure to expand with steam. If you've ever creamed butter and sugar and slowly added eggs, you're using a mechanical leavener.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
February 2025, Week 1
Theme of the Month: Cultural Sensitivity
Rationale: February is dedicated to cultural sensitivity. Expand your knowledge about different cultures, customs, and traditions to ensure every guest feels respected and valued.
Safety Message
Hand washing - S.O.P. linked here. Please post.
Frequent hand washing can help keep both you and the food you make safe. Be sure to wash your hands between tasks to reduce the risk of cross contamination and illness. Wash each time you enter the kitchen, or after touching door or hot box handles. Changing gloves and washing hands is especially important when working with potential allergens, such as shellfish or nuts.
Hospitality Message
Researching Cultural Practices
This February, embark on a journey of understanding by delving into the rich tapestry of global cultures. Take the time to research and familiarize yourself with various cultural practices, customs, and traditions. Whether it's the etiquette of greeting, traditional clothing, or customary gestures, knowing these details allows us to interact with guests in a manner that is respectful and considerate of their cultural background. This knowledge empowers us to create an inclusive environment where every guest feels acknowledged and appreciated for their unique heritage.
Culinary
Culinary Science: Umami Origins
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was discovered in 1908 by Kikunae Ikeda, a professor at the School of Science's Department of Chemistry at the Imperial University (now called The University of Tokyo). Ikeda's discovery of umami was initially inspired in the spring of 1907 by a bundle of kelp brought home by his wife, Tei, intended for use in preparing dashi cooking stock—a central ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
Team Member Resources Message
Tax Withholding
With tax season upon us, please take a look at your tax withholding and ensure your withholdings are accurate. To view or change your tax withholding, please go to Paycom > Payroll > Tax Setup. If you have any questions, please contact AskHR@meta.com.
February 2025, Week 2
Cultural Sensitivity
Rationale: February is dedicated to cultural sensitivity. Expand your knowledge about different cultures, customs, and traditions to ensure every guest feels respected and valued.
Safety Message
Safe Lifting, Moving, and Storing - Dish Storage
We have a ton of dishes that we use in each kitchen. It is important that these are well organized and not stacked too high, whether clean or dirty. When putting away clean dishes, be sure that they are stacked to a reasonable height, within reach of other Team Members and not at risk of falling over. The same goes for dirty dishes stacked on carts or brought to the dish room.
Hospitality Message
Adapting Communication Styles
In February, let's focus on adapting our communication styles to accommodate different cultural norms. Pay attention to nuances in language, tone, and non-verbal cues that may vary across cultures. For instance, some cultures value directness while others may prefer a more indirect approach. By being mindful of these distinctions, we ensure that our interactions are sensitive to the preferences and comfort levels of our guests. This adaptability fosters an atmosphere of inclusivity, where every guest and co-workers feel heard and understood.
Pastry
Rosewater
Rosewater is a flavoring made from two, simple ingredients - rose petals and water. Freshly harvested rose petals are either distilled or simmered to extract the delicate flavor. It is used throughout the Middle East and South Asia in sweets and desserts like baklava, milk puddings, and cakes. Before the widespread use of vanilla, rose water was also used in early American recipes for cakes and pies. The Shakers of the Northeast, for instance, used it to flavor apple pie. Have you tried foods flavored with rosewater?
Team Member Resources Message
Tax Withholding
With tax season upon us, please take a look at your tax withholding and ensure your withholdings are accurate. To view or change your tax withholding, please go to Paycom > Payroll > Tax Setup. If you have any questions, please contact AskHR@meta.com.
February 2025, Week 3
Cultural Sensitivity
Rationale: February is dedicated to cultural sensitivity. Expand your knowledge about different cultures, customs, and traditions to ensure every guest feels respected and valued.
Safety Message
Safe Lifting, Moving, and Storing - Spa Water Dispensers
When full of ice, water and fruit, these containers can become really heavy. For set up, you should place your fruit and ice in the dispenser and fill several 8-quart containers with water. Transport all items on a cart, then place the spa water dispenser on its base. Next, fill the dispenser with water from the smaller containers of water. And make sure to drain the spa water container before removing to clean for the day. When used in this way, we can prevent painful injuries and avoid the need to team lift the containers.
Hospitality Message
Recognizing Cultural Holidays and Celebrations
Dedicate this month to recognizing and acknowledging significant cultural holidays and celebrations around the world. Take the initiative to learn about key dates, traditions, and the meaning behind these cultural festivities. By doing so, we can extend our warm wishes to guests who may be celebrating these occasions during their dining experience. This thoughtful gesture not only showcases our cultural awareness but also demonstrates our genuine respect for the diverse backgrounds of our guests, making them feel valued and appreciated.
Culinary
Culinary Science, Koji
Koji is a type of mold, specifically Aspergillus oryzae, that is used in traditional fermentation processes in East Asian cuisine. It plays a crucial role in breaking down starches and proteins into simpler sugars and amino acids, enhancing the flavor and texture of foods like soy sauce, miso, and sake. The process of inoculating grains like rice or barley with koji mold is essential for creating the distinctive umami taste in these fermented products. It is also Japans national fungus!
Team Member Resources Message
Tax Withholding
With tax season upon us, please take a look at your tax withholding and ensure your withholdings are accurate. To view or change your tax withholding, please go to Paycom > Payroll > Tax Setup. If you have any questions, please contact AskHR@meta.com.
February 2025, Week 4
Cultural Sensitivity
Understanding Guest Expectations
Rationale: February is dedicated to cultural sensitivity. Expand your knowledge about different cultures, customs, and traditions to ensure every guest feels respected and valued.
Safety Message
Continuous Improvement
Most times when we prep proteins and veggies, we place the prepped product into a Lexan container. These containers vary in size and can get incredibly heavy when full. Often, these containers will exceed 60 pounds. Be sure to ask one of your teammates for help when moving heavy items. When placing items into the walk in, keep the heaviest items in the “power zone,” between your waist and shoulders. And always ask for help when removing these heavy containers from storage. Please refer to the new posters around your kitchens to see the potential weight of filled lexan containers.
Hospitality Message
Embracing Culinary Diversity
In February, let's celebrate the diversity of world cuisines by exploring and embracing different culinary traditions. We showcase a variety of international dishes on our menu daily that reflect the multicultural nature of our guests. This not only provides a delicious culinary journey but also pays tribute to the diverse backgrounds of our guests. By showcasing these culinary delights, we create an environment where guests can savor familiar flavors from their own heritage or embark on a culinary adventure to discover new tastes, further emphasizing our commitment to cultural sensitivity and appreciation.
Culinary
Culinary History: Chopsticks
There are several types of chopsticks, each designed for specific cultures or purposes, including the Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese styles. Chinese chopsticks are typically long, straight, and blunt-tipped, made from materials like wood, bamboo, or metal, and are used for both cooking and eating. Japanese chopsticks are often shorter, with pointed tips, and are commonly crafted from wood or lacquered materials, while Korean chopsticks are usually made of metal, flatter, and have a distinctive shape to suit the unique eating style in Korea.
Team Member Resources Message
Tax Withholding
With tax season upon us, please take a look at your tax withholding and ensure your withholdings are accurate. To view or change your tax withholding, please go to Paycom > Payroll > Tax Setup. If you have any questions, please contact AskHR@meta.com.
January 2025, Week 1
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
Understanding Guest Expectations
Rationale: Start the year by delving into understanding guest expectations. Take time to familiarize yourself with common preferences and anticipate their needs to provide exceptional service.
Hospitality Message
Welcoming
As we start the new year, it’s essential to refine how we welcome our guests to ensure we not only meet but exceed their expectations in our cafes. Take a moment to evaluate where and how your team is offering greetings. Are they primarily coming from the "greeting station," or are team members actively engaging with guests at every touchpoint? Remember, greetings are the first impression of hospitality, and should be offered at every opportunity to create a positive and inviting experience.
Safety Message
2024 Safety KYP Recap
Happy New Year from the Safety Team! Over the next few weeks, we will be going over the last six months of Safety Messages. In June, we discussed the importance of using proper kitchen call outs. SHARP, BEHIND, CORNER, and HOT are all important phrases to use to keep ourselves and others safe. During July, we went over some basic first aid steps for cuts and burns, as well as ways to avoid injury. August was all about moving through the cafes with heavy and awkward items, and the importance of using carts when available.
Culinary
Culinary Science: Umami Origins
Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was discovered in 1908 by Kikunae Ikeda, a professor at the School of Science's Department of Chemistry at the Imperial University (now called The University of Tokyo). Ikeda's discovery of umami was initially inspired in the spring of 1907 by a bundle of kelp brought home by his wife, Tei, intended for use in preparing dashi cooking stock—a central ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
Team Member Resources Message
W2’s
As we enter into the new year and approach the distribution of 2024 W2's now is a great time to ensure all your contact information is accurate. This means home address, phone numbers, email address, emergency contact number, etc. You can edit this information by logging into your Paycom account.
January 2025, Week 2
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
Understanding Guest Expectations
Rationale: Start the year by delving into understanding guest expectations. Take time to familiarize yourself with common preferences and anticipate their needs to provide exceptional service.
Hospitality Message
Anticipating Needs and Preferences
Outstanding service begins with a deep understanding of our guests’ needs and preferences. By familiarizing yourself with important details—such as dietary restrictions or personal preferences—you can make thoughtful, proactive accommodations and offer tailored recommendations. This not only demonstrates our commitment to guest satisfaction but also elevates the overall experience, making each visit memorable.
Safety Message
2024 Safety KYP Recap
Hope your New Year has been safe so far! September was all about Emergency Procedures and what to do if someone is badly hurt. It is vital that the area is made safe from additional hazards and a manager or safety team member is informed of the situation. In October, we went over the importance of slip-resistant footwear and keeping our floors clean and dry to avoid slips and falls. During November, we talked about keeping ourselves healthy and avoiding cross contamination by using gloves appropriately and sanitizing our stations and tools.
Pastry
What is yeast?
he yeast that we use in our kitchens is commercially produced by combining heat, sugar, water, and time. Though it is commercially made, it is created through natural bacteria that must be cultivated to grow. Once the basic ingredients have had time to mix and rest, they will create a paste that is manipulated to create yeast cakes, or dried to create powdered yeast. This product is made in large scale stainless steel tanks. Yeast is an essential element in a popular bread of the season - King Cake, Rosca de Reyes, or Bolo Rei. Ask a team member if they've tried one!
Team Member Resources Message
W2’s
As we enter into the new year and approach the distribution of 2024 W2's now is a great time to ensure all your contact information is accurate. This means home address, phone numbers, email address, emergency contact number, etc. You can edit this information by logging into your Paycom account.
January 2025, Week 3
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
Understanding Guest Expectations
Rationale: Start the year by delving into understanding guest expectations. Take time to familiarize yourself with common preferences and anticipate their needs to provide exceptional service.
Hospitality Message
Customizing Service Interactions
We know that every guest is unique, and not everyone responds the same way to a greeting or conversation. Being mindful of non-verbal cues can make a significant difference in ensuring our guests feel comfortable and respected. By paying attention to these cues, we can create a space where guests engage with us at their own pace. For example, some guests may simply nod or give a slight bow when greeted, and may show signs of discomfort—such as avoiding eye contact or quickening their pace—if approached too loudly or too assertively. Recognizing and adapting to these subtle signals helps create a more personalized, welcoming experience for each guest.
Safety Message
Watch Your Step!
Uneven floors and walkways can be hazardous! We all need to take special care when moving in and out of walk-in coolers and freezers and cart wash rooms. We should also pay close attention if and when we need to move between buildings. Uneven side walks and driveways can easily catch a toe, a heel or a cart. It's also real cold out, so watch for ice! Keep your eyes open!
Culinary
What is Dashi?
Dashi is a traditional Japanese broth, used as the base for many Japanese soups, sauces, and dishes. It is typically made by simmering ingredients like kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), or sometimes using dried anchovies or shiitake mushrooms. Dashi is known for its umami flavor, which enhances the depth and richness of Japanese cuisine.
Team Member Resources Message
W2’s
As we enter into the new year and approach the distribution of 2024 W2's now is a great time to ensure all your contact information is accurate. This means home address, phone numbers, email address, emergency contact number, etc. You can edit this information by logging into your Paycom account.
January 2025, Week 4
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
Understanding Guest Expectations
Rationale: Start the year by delving into understanding guest expectations. Take time to familiarize yourself with common preferences and anticipate their needs to provide exceptional service.
Hospitality Message
Continuous Improvement
How do we keep improving in this service environment? While we don’t always need to actively solicit guest feedback, we still gain valuable insights from sources like the Culinary Feedback pages and audit reports. By leveraging these tools and fostering strong relationships with our guests, we can make thoughtful adjustments to the guest experience without directly asking for feedback. This ongoing process of learning and adapting helps us continually enhance the service we provide.
Safety Message
Beverages in Kitchens
All beverages should be kept away from food prep areas. If we have open cans or bottles sitting on or under prep tables, they can easily be knocked over and potentially contaminate food or tools. We should also avoid having glass containers in our kitchens, like the apple juices or the Martinelli’s bottles, this goes especially for the dish areas. Glass and wet areas do not mix well! The best practice is to pour your beverage into a water bottle that has a lid.
Culinary
Culinary Science: Umami Rich Foods
Umami, the fifth basic taste, is primarily found in foods rich in glutamates, such as tomatoes, mushrooms, and aged cheeses. Ingredients like soy sauce, miso, and fish sauce are also known for their high umami content due to fermentation processes that enhance these compounds. Other sources of umami include seaweed (like kombu), dried fish (such as bonito flakes), and fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut.
Team Member Resources Message
W2’s
As we enter into the new year and approach the distribution of 2024 W2's now is a great time to ensure all your contact information is accurate. This means home address, phone numbers, email address, emergency contact number, etc. You can edit this information by logging into your Paycom account.
December 2024, Week 1
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
End the year by reflecting on the strides we've made in providing exceptional hospitality. Share your successes and insights with your colleagues, and let's start the new year even stronger.
Hospitality Message
Celebrating Achievements and Milestones
In the first week of December, let's celebrate the achievements and milestones we've accomplished throughout the year. Take the time to acknowledge the collective efforts and successes of our team. Reflect on moments of outstanding service, positive guest feedback, and any special projects that made a significant impact. By commemorating these achievements, we not only honor our hard work but also inspire a sense of pride and motivation among our colleagues, setting the stage for an even stronger year ahead.
Safety Message
Cut Gloves
Wearing a cut glove can greatly reduce the risk of injury while using a bladed object. While they are not perfect, they can protect your fingers and hands from harm. Please make sure to use your cut glove whenever you are using something sharp. Keep track of your cut glove and keep them clean!
Pastry Message
Tempering
Tempering is the process of adding hot liquid into egg to prevent scrambling AND a technique to gently heat chocolate to provide shine and stability. While there are 2 different kinds of tempering, both of them require a close watch of temperature. Gradually adding hot liquid allows you to increase the temperature of the eggs without overcooking to incorporate them into soups, sauces, ice creams and custards. Proper tempering of chocolate uses heat to stabilize cocoa butter, resulting in a snappy product that is more resistant to breaking and melting. Remember this technique when making egg nog or chocolate treats this winter for your family!
Team Member Resources Message
TBA
December 2024, Week 2
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
End the year by reflecting on the strides we've made in providing exceptional hospitality. Share your successes and insights with your colleagues, and let's start the new year even stronger.
Hospitality Message
Sharing Lessons Learned
Insights from Hospitality Excellence During the second week this month, encourage open discussions among the team to share valuable insights gained from our experiences in providing exceptional hospitality. Each member brings unique perspectives and lessons learned from their interactions with guests. These insights can be invaluable in refining our approach and further enhancing the guest experience in the future. By fostering a culture of shared learning, we collectively elevate our standard of hospitality excellence.
Safety Message
Slips, Trips, and Falls
These are a very common source of injury in our kitchens and cafes. Wearing proper non-slip footwear can help mitigate the risk of slipping and falling. Like cut gloves, the non-slip shoes are not perfect. We all need to be diligent when working in the kitchen, and make sure we keep floors and walkways clear of debris and liquid.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocabulary , Korean 'Jang'
In Korean cuisine, jang (장) refers to a category of fermented pastes, typically made from soybeans, that are essential to many traditional dishes. Common types of jang include doenjang (fermented soybean paste) and gochujang (fermented chili paste), both of which are used to add depth of flavor and umami to soups, stews, and sauces.
Team Member Resources Message
TBA
December 2024, Week 3
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
End the year by reflecting on the strides we've made in providing exceptional hospitality. Share your successes and insights with your colleagues, and let's start the new year even stronger.
Hospitality Message
Setting New Goals for the Future
As we approach the end of the year, it's a perfect time to set new goals and aspirations for the future. We encourage the team to brainstorm and articulate your vision for the upcoming year, focusing on areas where we can further excel in hospitality together. These goals could range from enhancing specific service offerings to exploring innovative guest engagement strategies. By collectively setting our sights on new objectives, we pave the way for continued growth and advancement in delivering exceptional hospitality.
Safety Message
Proper Lifting
At Lavish Roots, it is our policy that no one lifts more than 40 pounds alone. Please ask for help lifting heavy objects, even if you are moving things a short distance. Use a cart whenever possible, and be sure to use your proper call-outs when carrying things through the kitchen.
Culinary Message
Culinary Science, Maillard Reaction
The Maillard reaction is a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that gives browned foods their characteristic flavor and color. It occurs when proteins and sugars are subjected to heat, resulting in the formation of new flavor compounds and browning of the food's surface.
Team Member Resources Message
TBA
December 2024, Week 4
Theme of the Month: Reflecting on a Year of Hospitality Excellence
End the year by reflecting on the strides we've made in providing exceptional hospitality. Share your successes and insights with your colleagues, and let's start the new year even stronger.
Hospitality Message
Expressing Gratitude and Looking Forward to the New Year
In the final week of December, let's wrap up the year by expressing gratitude for the contributions of our team members. Take a moment to thank colleagues for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to hospitality excellence. Share your excitement and anticipation for the year ahead, reinforcing the collective spirit that drives our success. By ending the year on a note of gratitude and positivity, we set the tone for a new year filled with even greater achievements in hospitality excellence.
Safety Message
Spatial Awareness
Kitchens are loud, sharp, wet, and hot places with lots of folks moving around quickly. It is very important to be aware of where we are, where we are going, and who is around us. Keeping our workspaces organized and our walkways clear can help mitigate several kinds of injury. Use your kitchen callouts! Let people know what you are doing and where you are going.
Culinary Message
Culinary History, Hummus
Hummus, a blend of mashed chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, is a traditional Middle Eastern dish with deep roots in Levantine cuisine. While its exact origins are debated, it is widely associated with the culinary traditions of countries such as Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine.
Team Member Resources Message
TBA
November 2024, Week 1
The company-wide focus this month is: Gratitude and Exceptional Service
Rationale: As we approach the holiday season, let gratitude guide your service. Show appreciation to guests and colleagues alike, and continue to provide service that exceeds expectations.
Hospitality Message
Cultivating a Culture of Gratitude in Hospitality
In the first week of November, we emphasize the power of gratitude in creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere. Encourage our team to express sincere thanks to both guests and colleagues for their contributions and presence. Recognizing and appreciating the efforts of others fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens the bonds within our hospitality community. By cultivating a culture of gratitude, we set the stage for a warm and inviting environment that resonates with all who enter our cafes.
Safety Message
Cold and Flu Season
Fall is here! This means there will likely be an increase in cold and flu. The best and most important way to avoid getting sick is to wash your hands often and thoroughly. Drinking water can help you avoid getting sick and can speed up recovery if you do fall ill. Eating balanced meals can also help with immune system function, giving your body what it needs! Be sure to exercise regularly and try to get on a regular sleep schedule. All these things together will help fight off fall and winter sickness! Stay healthy, stay safe!
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Indian Tadka
Indian Tadka refers to the tempering technique where whole spices like mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and curry leaves are briefly fried in oil or ghee to release their flavors before being added to dishes such as dal or vegetable curries. This process enhances the aroma and taste of the dish, adding layers of complexity to Indian cuisine.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
November 2024, Week 2
The company-wide focus this month is: Gratitude and Exceptional Service
Rationale: As we approach the holiday season, let gratitude guide your service. Show appreciation to guests and colleagues alike, and continue to provide service that exceeds expectations.
Hospitality Message
Anticipatory Service: Exceeding Guest Expectations
During the second week, we delve into the concept of anticipatory service. Encourage our team to proactively identify and fulfill guest needs before they are even expressed. This level of attentiveness and foresight demonstrates a commitment to providing a seamless and exceptional experience. By consistently exceeding guest expectations, we not only elevate their dining experience, but also create a lasting impression that leaves a positive mark on their memory.
Safety Message
Proper Glove Use
Disposable gloves are an important tool to prevent cross contamination, but only if they are used properly. It is important to change gloves between projects, whenever you touch dirty dishes, trash cans, or door handles. In our dish rooms, we must wash our hands and change our gloves when we move from the dirty dish section to the clean dish section. Gloves should always be worn when working with ready to eat foods.
Culinary Message
Meet Andy Vo Cook 3 at Building X!
Andy shares a little about himself and his tenure at Lavish Roots. "My name is Andy, a Vietnamese American born in Seattle. A little bit of my background, my first job was at a small mom & pop bbq restaurant in Burien. Everything I learned from there sparked my interest into the industry. Following that I became a sushi chef for about 3 years, before entering culinary school at Escoffier. I started at Sodo and really enjoyed and grew in my experience there. As I progress in my career with Lavish Roots, I've moved to Building X to contribute my experience and culinary "chops" to the team at the Grail. My style of cooking can be a little freehanded and unconventional, but I attribute that to how my late grandma cooked. I wouldn’t be where I am without her and especially everyone I’ve met at Lavish & Sodo. The learning and growth has felt exponential, it could only get better from here on out. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for the future.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
November 2024, Week 3
The company-wide focus this month is: Gratitude and Exceptional Service
Rationale: As we approach the holiday season, let gratitude guide your service. Show appreciation to guests and colleagues alike, and continue to provide service that exceeds expectations.
Hospitality Message
Acknowledging Milestones and Special Occasions
In the third week, our focus turns towards celebrating the milestones and special occasions of our company, team, and guests. Encourage your team to take note of significant events, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or achievements, and find thoughtful ways to acknowledge them among your team. This could involve small gestures like personalized notes, complimentary treats, or room decorations. By adding these personal touches, we create a sense of celebration and making all who enter the cafe feel truly valued and cherished during their day.
Safety Message
Spatial Awareness
Keep an eye on your surroundings! Injuries may be avoided if we are aware of who and what is around us as we move through the kitchens. This also applies to when we are moving carts of product between buildings, or cleaning. Using our proper kitchen callouts, and making sure we can see over the items we are transporting can help keep us safe.
Culinary Message
Culinary Science: Osmosis & Brining
Osmosis is the movement of water molecules across a semipermeable membrane from an area of lower solute concentration to an area of higher solute concentration. This process continues until equilibrium is reached, balancing the solute concentrations on both sides of the membrane. Osmosis is the science behind why we brine proteins, most commonly chicken, to enhance flavor and seasoning.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
November 2024, Week 4
The company-wide focus this month is: Gratitude and Exceptional Service
Rationale: As we approach the holiday season, let gratitude guide your service. Show appreciation to guests and colleagues alike, and continue to provide service that exceeds expectations.
Hospitality Message
Reflecting Gratitude: Staff Appreciation and Recognition
As November draws to a close, we shift our attention to staff appreciation and recognition. Take the time to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication, and contributions of your fellow team members. This could involve recognition ceremonies, awards, or simply expressing gratitude for their efforts. By reflecting our gratitude towards our colleagues, we foster a positive work environment and inspire a collective commitment to providing exceptional service. This culture of appreciation is a cornerstone of our hospitality ethos and contributes to the overall success and reputation of our establishment.
Safety Message
Sanitizer
We use a sanitizer solution to disinfect our dishes, utensils, and work surfaces after they have been cleaned. This solution is most effective when it is in a specific range. Each dish room should have a roll of sanitizer test strips. To use the strips, tear off a small portion, about an inch or two long, move the strip through the sanitizer bucket or sink after changing for ten seconds, then compare it to the colored PPM gauge on the plastic package. The sanitizer should be between 150 ppm and 400 ppm. Please be sure to test the solution each time it is changed.
Culinary Message
Culinary History: Vanilla
Vanilla was first cultivated by the Totonac people or Totonec people of ancient Mexico. The Totonac people are an indigenous Mesoamerican population with pre-Hispanic origins who live in east-central Mexico. They used vanilla to flavor their chocolate drinks. Then, after being introduced to Europe by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, vanilla spread globally and became a popular flavoring for a variety of sweet and savory dishes.
Team Member Resources Message
Punch Change Requests
If you are submitting a punch change request, please clock in first and then submit a request to edit the time. Using Punch Change Requests as a means to clock in will not be allowed.
October 2024, Week 1
The company-wide focus this month is: Creating Memorable Experiences
Rationale: October is all about creating unforgettable moments. Seek opportunities to surprise and delight our guests, leaving them with cherished memories of their experience with Lavish Roots.
Hospitality Message
Personalized Welcome and Guest Recognition
During the first week of October, our primary focus will be on providing a personalized and warm welcome to our guests. Encourage our team to use guests' names and make them feel genuinely valued from the moment they step through our doors. Recognizing returning guests and acknowledging their previous visits adds an extra touch of thoughtfulness. By creating this personal connection, we lay the foundation for a memorable and delightful experience that sets us apart.
Safety Message
Slips, Trips, and Falls
Some of the most common sources of injury in any kitchen are slips, trips, and falls. We are constantly moving around in the space and not always watching where we step. It is very easy to come around a corner and not see that little bit of oil, or onion skin, or little puddle of water on the ground. Keeping our floors clear of spills and debris can help keep us all safe.
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Braising
Braising is a cooking method that involves searing food at high heat and then slowly cooking it in a covered pot with a small amount of liquid, such as broth or wine, at a lower temperature. This technique tenderizes tougher cuts of meat, infuses flavors deeply, and results in a moist and flavorful dish.
Team Member Resources Message
Clock in Reminder
Please make sure you are clocking in at your scheduled start time, not before and not after. Some locations have many people starting at the same time and a line may form at the timeclock, do your best to be on time and if need be, you can submit a punch change request to reflect the time you arrived and were ready for work. Ready for work means in your uniform and ready to begin your shift at your scheduled start time.
October 2024, Week 2
The company-wide focus this month is: Creating Memorable Experiences
Rationale: October is all about creating unforgettable moments. Seek opportunities to surprise and delight our guests, leaving them with cherished memories of their experience with Lavish Roots.
Hospitality Message
Surprise and Delight: Elevating the Guest Experience
In the second week this month, consider the concept of "surprise and delight." Encourage our team to find creative ways to go above and beyond guests' expectations. This could include unexpected amenities, special treats, or unique touches tailored to individual preferences. These unexpected elements of hospitality have a profound impact and leave a lasting impression. By infusing these surprising moments into their cafe experience, we elevate the overall guest experience and transform it into a cherished memory.
Safety Message
Clean it Up!
If you see a spill or some debris on the ground, please clean it up immediately. It does not matter if it is your mess or not. Cleaning these messes can keep everyone else safe. One of our worst injuries that we have had in the last years was caused by one small piece of cucumber. Falls are especially dangerous because they can cause lasting harm to our Team Members.
Culinary Message
Culinary History: Jamacian Cuisine
Jamaican cuisine evolved from a blend of indigenous Taino ingredients and techniques, combined with African, Spanish, British, and Indian influences brought by colonizers and enslaved people. Over time, these diverse elements fused into a unique culinary tradition known for its bold flavors and distinctive dishes like jerk chicken and ackee and saltfish.
Team Member Resources Message
Clock in Reminder
Please make sure you are clocking in at your scheduled start time, not before and not after. Some locations have many people starting at the same time and a line may form at the timeclock, do your best to be on time and if need be, you can submit a punch change request to reflect the time you arrived and were ready for work. Ready for work means in your uniform and ready to begin your shift at your scheduled start time.
October 2024, Week 3
The company-wide focus this month is: Creating Memorable Experiences
Rationale: October is all about creating unforgettable moments. Seek opportunities to surprise and delight our guests, leaving them with cherished memories of their experience with Lavish Roots.
Hospitality Message
Curating Exclusive Experiences
Curating exclusive experiences for our guests can be as simple as giving a new guest a tour of the café and highlighting our various amenities, tailoring options to meet the preferences expressed by guests, or taking action in response to unsolicited feedback. Our guests notice and reflect our behaviors and efforts, and building connections is a team endeavor that enhances the overall guest experience.
Safety Message
Oil and Grease
Oil is slippery! Oils and grease are in many of our products and equipment. A slipping hazard that is commonly missed is the oil that dribbles out of the fryer filters. After you clean out the fryer, make sure you wipe up any potential spills from the filter and from in front of the fryers. It is also important to clean any grease spills when using ovens and stovetops.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocabulary: Roux
Roux (pronounced Roo) is a mixture of flour and fat, traditionally butter, cooked together and used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and gravies. It serves as a base for many classic French sauces and provides both thickening power and flavor to dishes.
Team Member Resources Message
Clock in Reminder
Please make sure you are clocking in at your scheduled start time, not before and not after. Some locations have many people starting at the same time and a line may form at the timeclock, do your best to be on time and if need be, you can submit a punch change request to reflect the time you arrived and were ready for work. Ready for work means in your uniform and ready to begin your shift at your scheduled start time.
October 2024, Week 4
The company-wide focus this month is: Creating Memorable Experiences
Rationale: October is all about creating unforgettable moments. Seek opportunities to surprise and delight our guests, leaving them with cherished memories of their experience with Lavish Roots.
Hospitality Message
Responding to Guest Feedback
Our guests' feedback serves as our compass, guiding us in providing a memorable café experience. Taking a proactive approach to addressing the evolving needs, desires, and observations of our guests is essential for maintaining exceptional hospitality. This approach lays the groundwork for open communication and strong connections.
Safety Message
Clean as You Go
If we clean as we go, we can keep our kitchens cleaner and safer. This also helps with clean up at the end of the day. Please be sure to do frequent line sweeps, especially before and after services. During service, everyone needs to move quickly, so if we have a clean floor beforehand, it is less likely that someone will slip on something.
Culinary Message
Culinary Science: Broccoli & Broccolini
Broccoli originated in the Mediterranean region, with its cultivation dating back to ancient Roman times. It was developed from wild cabbage varieties through selective breeding by the Romans and later spread throughout Europe, gaining popularity in other parts of the world. Broccolini, a hybrid vegetable, was developed in the 1990s by the Japanese company Sakata Seed, combining Chinese broccoli (gai lan) and broccoli. It was introduced to the U.S. market as a milder, tender alternative to traditional broccoli, with a more delicate flavor and edible stems.
Team Member Resources Message
Clock in Reminder
Please make sure you are clocking in at your scheduled start time, not before and not after. Some locations have many people starting at the same time and a line may form at the timeclock, do your best to be on time and if need be, you can submit a punch change request to reflect the time you arrived and were ready for work. Ready for work means in your uniform and ready to begin your shift at your scheduled start time.
October 2024, Week 5
The company-wide focus this month is: Creating Memorable Experiences
Rationale: October is all about creating unforgettable moments. Seek opportunities to surprise and delight our guests, leaving them with cherished memories of their experience with Lavish Roots.
Hospitality Message
Group Reflection: Sharing Circle
As an individual, what actions are you taking in your café to enhance the guest experience? Can you share the most positive guest interaction you’ve had while working with Lavish Roots?
Safety Message
Fancy Footwear
Every Team Member is required to wear slip resistant footwear when they are working in our cafes. Each year, Lavish Roots will provide a $50 credit to purchase new footwear. Sometimes the slip resistant tread on the bottom of your shoes can get filled with debris. You must make sure that this tread is cleaned out often so that it remains effective.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocabulary: Chile vs. Pepper
"Chile" and "pepper" are often used interchangeably, but they can refer to different things depending on context. "Chile" typically refers to the spicy fruit of the Capsicum species, commonly used in cooking for its heat and flavor, while "pepper" can denote both the spicy varieties from the Capsicum family and the milder, pungent spice derived from black peppercorns (Piper nigrum).
Team Member Resources Message
Clock in Reminder
Please make sure you are clocking in at your scheduled start time, not before and not after. Some locations have many people starting at the same time and a line may form at the timeclock, do your best to be on time and if need be, you can submit a punch change request to reflect the time you arrived and were ready for work. Ready for work means in your uniform and ready to begin your shift at your scheduled start time.
September 2024, Week 1
The company-wide focus this month is
Body Language
Rationale: Body language, whether intentional or unintentional, plays a crucial role in how we communicate with others. This month, we will focus on becoming more aware of our own body language and how it impacts our interactions with guests.
Hospitality Message
Welcoming Posture
A welcoming, open stance is a powerful tool in hospitality, conveying warmth, attentiveness, and professionalism without saying a word. To achieve this, stand with your body facing the guest and keep your arms relaxed at your sides, signaling openness and readiness to assist. Pair this with a genuine smile, one of the most effective forms of non-verbal communication, and maintain appropriate eye contact to create an inviting and welcoming atmosphere.
Safety Message
Emergency Procedures
During First Aid training, the very first thing that we are trained to do in the event of an emergency is make sure the scene is safe. If someone is badly hurt, we must first remove all hazards. In our kitchens, these can be fire, water, electricity, chemicals, or sharp objects. It is very difficult to safely provide First Aid if an injured person is still in a potentially dangerous situation.
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Sautéing
Sautéing is a quick cooking method that involves frying food in a small amount of oil or fat over high heat in a shallow pan. It allows for rapid cooking while preserving the food's natural flavors and textures, often resulting in a deliciously caramelized exterior. The word saute in french translates into 'to jump' or 'jumped up', hence the style pan movement when sauteing.
Team Member Resources Message
Uniform Reminder- Pant Requirements
Black kitchen approved pants are required. Various print designs and colors are not permitted. Jeans, pajamas, yoga pants or shorts are prohibited. Pants will be worn correctly to the waist and not to be tailored to be fitted. Pants should be hemmed from the bottom for safety reasons.
September 2024, Week 2
The company-wide focus this month is
Body Language
Rationale: Body language, whether intentional or unintentional, plays a crucial role in how we communicate with others. This month, we will focus on becoming more aware of our own body language and how it impacts our interactions with guests.
Hospitality Message
Attentive Listening and Mirroring
Attentive listening is essential in any setting and plays a crucial role in hospitality. Non-verbal cues are key indicators of active listening. Simple gestures like slight head nods convey understanding, while leaning forward shows genuine interest. Pausing before responding demonstrates that you are carefully considering the guest’s words. Additionally, mirroring or subtle mimicking can indicate that you are fully engaged with the guest. For example, if a guest is relaxed while speaking to you, even in a busy café, you may naturally mirror their calm demeanor. These subtle non-verbal cues not only enhance communication but also help navigate cultural differences, as gestures and postures that are friendly in one culture may be perceived differently in another.
Safety Message
Get Help!
Once the injured person is out of immediate danger, get help! Inform a manager, safety team member, or building security, whoever is closest, of the emergency situation. It is important that someone stays with the injured person while this occurs. Our managers, Safety Team, and building security are trained in basic first aid, so they will be able to provide assistance.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocab: Korean Banchan
Banchan are small, shared side dishes served alongside a main course in Korean cuisine. They’re an essential part of Korean meals, offering a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Banchan are typically served in small portions, allowing diners to sample a range of flavors and create a balanced meal. The variety and number of banchan can vary, but they are generally meant to complement the main dish and provide a burst of different tastes and textures in each bite. A few banchan you may recognize that we serve in our cafes are kimchi, cucumber salad (Oi Muchim), marinated spinach (sigeumchi namul).
Team Member Resources Message
Uniform Reminder- Pant Requirements
Black kitchen approved pants are required. Various print designs and colors are not permitted. Jeans, pajamas, yoga pants or shorts are prohibited. Pants will be worn correctly to the waist and not to be tailored to be fitted. Pants should be hemmed from the bottom for safety reasons.
September 2024, Week 3
The company-wide focus this month is
Body Language
Rationale: Body language, whether intentional or unintentional, plays a crucial role in how we communicate with others. This month, we will focus on becoming more aware of our own body language and how it impacts our interactions with guests.
Hospitality Message
Non-Verbal Cues For Assistance
During your shift, how often do you find yourself responding to non-verbal cues for assistance? For instance, if a teammate looks up from their task and glances around, what is your natural reaction? When someone is slowly browsing the shelves in dry storage, do you interpret it as a leisurely search or a sign that they need help finding something? Throughout the day, we instinctively respond to these non-verbal signals from those around us. This not only helps us anticipate others' needs but also allows us to communicate our readiness to assist. A simple hand gesture, such as a wave or a beckoning motion towards a guest who seems to need help, or an open palm gesture to invite a guest in or show them they’re welcome to help themselves, can make all the difference in creating a welcoming environment.
Safety Message
Emergency Response
If emergency services are needed, there are a few ways to accomplish this. If you hit the red STOP button in your cafe, someone from security will be dispatched to the button location. They can help coordinate emergency services. You can also dial 911. If you call for emergency services yourself, security must be notified so that they can provide building access to emergency personnel. The area around the injured person must be made clear so that emergency services can get to them and render aid.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocab: Pickling
Pickling is a preservation method that involves immersing food, usually fruits or vegetables, in a solution of vinegar, salt, sugar, and spices. This process creates a tangy, flavorful result while extending the shelf life of the food by inhibiting bacterial growth. In our cafes we regularly pickle onions, cabbage, and carrots.
Team Member Resources Message
Uniform Reminder- Pant Requirements
Black kitchen approved pants are required. Various print designs and colors are not permitted. Jeans, pajamas, yoga pants or shorts are prohibited. Pants will be worn correctly to the waist and not to be tailored to be fitted. Pants should be hemmed from the bottom for safety reasons.
September 2024, Week 4
The company-wide focus this month is
Body Language
Rationale: Body language, whether intentional or unintentional, plays a crucial role in how we communicate with others. This month, we will focus on becoming more aware of our own body language and how it impacts our interactions with guests.
Hospitality Message
Expressing Gratitude and Appreciation
Expressing gratitude and appreciation in hospitality doesn't require groveling or obsequiousness. Simple gestures, like a head nod paired with a smile or a slight bow, can effectively convey your appreciation to guests for choosing to visit. Our goal is to enhance the guest experience and build trust and rapport, and showing gratitude helps reassure visitors that they are genuinely welcome in the spaces we care for.
Safety Message
Notify!
Be sure that the proper people on our team are notified of major incidents. This includes your manager and a member of the Safety Team. It is important to inform the proper people so that we may properly report the incident and begin the investigation process. Investigating these incidents will hopefully help us avoid future incidents.
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocab: Chinese Noodles
The first written record of Chinese noodles appreared approximately 250 AD, while noodles found in Chinese archeological sites dates back around 4000 years. Chinese noodles can be made of wheat, buckwheat, rice, millet, maize, oats, soybeans, mung beans, yams, cassava, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and meats such as fish and shrimp. There are upwards of 1200 types of noodles commonly eaten in China today not including the Chinese noodles that have also entered the cuisines of East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, as well as Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Team Member Resources Message
Uniform Reminder- Pant Requirements
Black kitchen approved pants are required. Various print designs and colors are not permitted. Jeans, pajamas, yoga pants or shorts are prohibited. Pants will be worn correctly to the waist and not to be tailored to be fitted. Pants should be hemmed from the bottom for safety reasons.
August 2024, Week 1
The company-wide focus this month is
Wellness and Health Conscious Hospitality
Rationale: Focus on wellness and health awareness. Learn about wellness amenities, healthy dining options, and the effects of positive energy on hospitality.
Hospitality Message
Well-being at work starts with cultivating a positive workspace.
Positivity and negativity can spread through any space with the persistence of a mosquito on the hunt. A positive mental attitude fosters an environment of open communication, recognition, appreciation, and an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued, promoting well-being. Conversely, negativity focuses on perceived limitations and hinders opportunities for professional development.
Safety Message
Rack em and Roll em!
Speed racks are an essential tool in our cafes, knowing how to load and transport them can keep both you, and your hard work safe! When moving speed racks through the kitchen, be sure to turn it 90 degrees so the sheet trays are perpendicular to your body. This will keep the trays from sliding out when you stop moving, or move up a ramp into a walk in or freezer. Take care when loading your racks! Avoid loading heavy items on the top of the rack, as this may cause the rack to tip during transport.
Important Safety Reminder this month on Emergency Procedures
In case of a serious medical emergency in the cafe, follow these steps!
First, make sure the scene is safe! If a Team Member is injured, make sure that the area is free from potential hazards, such as fire, water, or electricity.
Second, get help! One Team Member should stay with the injured person, while someone else goes to the security desk and ask them to call 911. Alternatively, press the red emergency button.
Third, contact the Safety Team! It is important to make the Safety Team and Lavish leadership aware of any major incident.
Significant incidents in our cafes can be scary! One of the best things you can do in such an event is remain calm! If you have any questions about what to do in specific situations, please ask a member of the Safety Team. We are all trained in First Aid and have knowledge to share!
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Grilling
Grilling is a cooking method that involves applying dry heat from below to cook food directly over an open flame or heat source. It imparts a distinctive smoky flavor and appealing char marks to various foods, enhancing their taste and texture.
Team Member Resources Message
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Did you know Lavish Roots has an Employee Assistance Program? This program is designed to help provide support when you need it most - anything from counseling, financial consultations, legal assistance, medical advocacy and much more. All the services are of no cost to you! Reach out to TMR for more information! Additionally, the team member website offers a host of resources under the Community Tab > Health and Wellness that may be helpful in your search!
August 2024, Week 2
The company-wide focus this month is
Wellness and Health Conscious Hospitality
Rationale: Focus on wellness and health awareness. Learn about wellness amenities, healthy dining options, and the effects of positive energy on hospitality.
Hospitality Message
Enhancing the Guest Experience: Wellness Amenities.
Personal well-being and the wellness amenities at your workplace prepare you to offer genuine hospitality. Do you know the benefits provided by Lavish Roots? From the Employee Assistance Program and 401K match to the Maternity Program and pet insurance for those lovable fur-babies, having options that contribute to your health and overall wellness enables you to feel positive and extend genuine hospitality.
Safety Message
It's Hot! Hydrate!
Make sure you are drinking lots of water during these hotter months. The buildings we work in are air conditioned, but you still need to make sure you are hydrating properly. Drink at least three quarts of water each day. While we are hydrating, remember, no open beverages in the kitchen! Water bottles with a lid are okay to use in the cafes, as long as they are kept away from food prep areas.
Important Safety Reminder this month on Emergency Procedures
In case of a serious medical emergency in the cafe, follow these steps!
First, make sure the scene is safe! If a Team Member is injured, make sure that the area is free from potential hazards, such as fire, water, or electricity.
Second, get help! One Team Member should stay with the injured person, while someone else goes to the security desk and ask them to call 911. Alternatively, press the red emergency button.
Third, contact the Safety Team! It is important to make the Safety Team and Lavish leadership aware of any major incident.
Significant incidents in our cafes can be scary! One of the best things you can do in such an event is remain calm! If you have any questions about what to do in specific situations, please ask a member of the Safety Team. We are all trained in First Aid and have knowledge to share!
Culinary Message
Culinary Vocabulary: Korean Banchan
Banchan are small, shared side dishes served alongside a main course in Korean cuisine. They’re an essential part of Korean meals, offering a variety of flavors, textures, and nutrients. Banchan are typically served in small portions, allowing diners to sample a range of flavors and create a balanced meal. The variety and number of banchan can vary, but they are generally meant to complement the main dish and provide a burst of different tastes and textures in each bite. A few banchan you may recognize that we serve in our cafes are kimchi, cucumber salad (Oi Muchim), marinated spinach (sigeumchi namul).
Team Member Resources Message
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Did you know Lavish Roots has an Employee Assistance Program? This program is designed to help provide support when you need it most - anything from counseling, financial consultations, legal assistance, medical advocacy and much more. All the services are of no cost to you! Reach out to TMR for more information! Additionally, the team member website offers a host of resources under the Community Tab > Health and Wellness that may be helpful in your search!
August 2024, Week 3
The company-wide focus this month is
Wellness and Health Conscious Hospitality
Rationale: Focus on wellness and health awareness. Learn about wellness amenities, healthy dining options, and the effects of positive energy on hospitality.
Hospitality Message
Health-Conscious Hospitality: Understanding Our Offerings.
In this day and age, many people are looking to make health-conscious choices regarding their diet. We are fortunate to offer our team members and guests a plethora of options to satisfy various dietary needs. What type of food amenities do you offer in your cafe for those who are gluten-free or vegan during breakfast? For lunch, what can you provide a guest who is on the run between meetings? Being aware of our offerings is an easy way to provide hospitality and strengthen our connections.
Safety Message
Lift It Slow!
When lifting anything, make sure to do it carefully! Take your time! Use your legs! Avoid jerking or twisting motions while lifting. Make sure you have a firm grip on whatever you are lifting. While our policy is that no one lifts anything over 40 pounds alone, we need to make sure we are taking care with all lifts. Some things may be heavier than they seem! An example of this is 22 quart containers of smoothies at the larger cafes.
Important Safety Reminder this month on Emergency Procedures
In case of a serious medical emergency in the cafe, follow these steps!
First, make sure the scene is safe! If a Team Member is injured, make sure that the area is free from potential hazards, such as fire, water, or electricity.
Second, get help! One Team Member should stay with the injured person, while someone else goes to the security desk and ask them to call 911. Alternatively, press the red emergency button.
Third, contact the Safety Team! It is important to make the Safety Team and Lavish leadership aware of any major incident.
Significant incidents in our cafes can be scary! One of the best things you can do in such an event is remain calm! If you have any questions about what to do in specific situations, please ask a member of the Safety Team. We are all trained in First Aid and have knowledge to share!
Culinary Message
What is gelatin?
You may have seen a few desserts at the Pastry Station tagged with Contains Pork/Non-Vegetarian. Confused? One of the stabilizing agents that we use is gelatin – a product derived from animal collagen. Since the primary source is pork bones, it is non-vegetarian (and neither Halal or Kosher). It is odorless, colorless, and most often used in panna cottas at Lavish, but you’re probably more familiar with it as Jell-O. The format that we use is a clear sheet that gets hydrated in water and melted into dairy – but it is also available as a powder.
Team Member Resources Message
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Did you know Lavish Roots has an Employee Assistance Program? This program is designed to help provide support when you need it most - anything from counseling, financial consultations, legal assistance, medical advocacy and much more. All the services are of no cost to you! Reach out to TMR for more information! Additionally, the team member website offers a host of resources under the Community Tab > Health and Wellness that may be helpful in your search!
August 2024, Week 4
The company-wide focus this month is
Wellness and Health Conscious Hospitality
Rationale: Focus on wellness and health awareness. Learn about wellness amenities, healthy dining options, and the effects of positive energy on hospitality.
Hospitality Message
Health-Conscious Hygiene
Health and hygiene in the food service industry are crucial elements of top-notch hospitality, and we set the standard in our cafes. Regular cleaning and sanitization, personal hygiene, food safety, and providing information and facilities for guests to maintain their own hygiene are essential practices for ensuring a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.
Safety Message
Passing It!
Take care when handing items to your fellow Team Members. In most cases, it is best to set something down onto a table or cart so that someone else can lift it on their own terms. If you need to pass something to their hands, it is important to make sure your team knows what is coming their way and how. Take extra care with hot items and do not pass sharps from hand to hand.
Important Safety Reminder this month on Emergency Procedures
In case of a serious medical emergency in the cafe, follow these steps!
First, make sure the scene is safe! If a Team Member is injured, make sure that the area is free from potential hazards, such as fire, water, or electricity.
Second, get help! One Team Member should stay with the injured person, while someone else goes to the security desk and ask them to call 911. Alternatively, press the red emergency button.
Third, contact the Safety Team! It is important to make the Safety Team and Lavish leadership aware of any major incident.
Significant incidents in our cafes can be scary! One of the best things you can do in such an event is remain calm! If you have any questions about what to do in specific situations, please ask a member of the Safety Team. We are all trained in First Aid and have knowledge to share!
Culinary Message
Culinary History: Chinese Noodles
The first written record of Chinese noodles appreared approximately 250 AD, while noodles found in Chinese archeological sites dates back around 4000 years. Chinese noodles can be made of wheat, buckwheat, rice, millet, maize, oats, soybeans, mung beans, yams, cassava, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and meats such as fish and shrimp. There are upwards of 1200 types of noodles commonly eaten in China today not including the Chinese noodles that have also entered the cuisines of East Asian countries such as Korea and Japan, as well as Southeast Asian countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Team Member Resources Message
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Did you know Lavish Roots has an Employee Assistance Program? This program is designed to help provide support when you need it most - anything from counseling, financial consultations, legal assistance, medical advocacy and much more. All the services are of no cost to you! Reach out to TMR for more information! Additionally, the team member website offers a host of resources under the Community Tab > Health and Wellness that may be helpful in your search!
July 2024, Week 1
The company-wide focus this month is
Safety and Security Protocols from the Hospitality Perspective
Hospitality Message
Guest Safety: The Foundation of Hospitality Excellence
"Safety is not an accident." In order to provide a truly exceptional hospitality experience, we have to be intentional about making safety a priority for guests and team members alike. We all have an important role to play in ensuring that safety policies and procedures are being upheld within our workspaces. Attention to details such as clean dishes from our DMO's, accurate accounting of ingredients from our chefs, allergen reporting by our Admins, safe food handling from our pastry teams, safe lifting by our receivers, accurate usage of PPE by our prep and Experience teams, etc. are only some of the ways we each actively contribute to the level of safety we provide within the cafes we tend.
Safety Message
Hobart Mixing Bowls
The large Hobart mixing bowls (60qt) weigh about 40 pounds when empty. Since they’re so heavy we have to team lift them always. When transporting the mixing bowls always use a caddy or cart, and make sure not to stack dirty dishes or anything inside the bowls when taking them to the dish room as they can easily tip over and fall. Be especially careful when washing the mixing bowl, since it can become slippery in the three-compartment sink.
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Brining
Brining is a method of food preparation that involves soaking meat or vegetables in a saltwater solution, imparting moisture and flavor into the ingredients. The salt solution helps the food retain moisture during cooking, resulting in a juicier and more flavorful end product.
Team Member Resources Message
Unpaid Time
Reminder! A doctors note is required for all unpaid time absences unless otherwise stated from TMR. Failure to provide a doctors note will result in disciplinary action. If PTO is available, it will be applied to the absence. Please ensure you are planning accordingly and discussing any future absences with your manager and TMR!
July 2024, Week 2
The company-wide focus this month is
Safety and Security Protocols from the Hospitality Perspective
Hospitality Message
Hygiene Practices: Keeping it Real Clean
Hygiene practices in hospitality are crucial for maintaining a safe and pleasant environment for our guests. As culinary team members, our standards of personal cleanliness, including regular handwashing, clean uniforms and avoiding handling foods while sick, are foundations for other hygienic practices we focus on in a hospitality environment. Those practices include, but are not limited to, food handling, regular attention to cleaning and sanitizing surfaces (including non-food prep/serving surfaces such as walls, handles, floors and table bottoms/legs), and proper disposal of waste. Maintaining high standards of hygiene can enhance guest satisfaction, prevent illness and uphold a reputation for cleanliness and safety. QQ: How often should you change disposable gloves?
Safety Message
I got burned! What next?
First move yourself to a safe location, out of danger of getting burned again. Tell one of your teammates that you were injured! Remove anything that is covering the burned area, then run cool water over the affected area for at least 5 minutes. DO NOT apply ice or very cold water to the burned area, this may cause further skin damage. After cooling the area, loosely cover the burn with a sterile gauze bandage or clean cloth. Wrap the area loosely to avoid putting too much pressure on the burned tissue.
Culinary Message
Team Member Spotlight Iryna Mykhalchuk (RAD - Pastry)
Iryna started working with Lavish Roots in April of 2023 as a PM Pastry Cook at RAD. She has been an integral part of the evening team, preparing breakfast pastries, mixing pizza dough, and setting the AM team up for success. Iyrna began her culinary career at Project Feast after immigrating from Ukraine in 2016. She also graduated from the The Pastry Project Baking Training Program in 2023. She has worked with many Seattle-area chefs and is known for her adaptability, inquisitiveness, and passion for creating beautiful dishes. Iryna's favorite Ukranian desserts are Medovyk (honey cake) and Sour Cherries (nalysnyky). Our team is grateful for her dedication to her craft and easy going attitude!
Team Member Resources Message
Unpaid Time
Reminder! A doctors note is required for all unpaid time absences unless otherwise stated from TMR. Failure to provide a doctors note will result in disciplinary action. If PTO is available, it will be applied to the absence. Please ensure you are planning accordingly and discussing any future absences with your manager and TMR!
July 2024, Week 3
The company-wide focus this month is
Safety and Security Protocols from the Hospitality Perspective
Hospitality Message
Card Safety: Important Non-Verbal Communication
We communicate with our guests in a myriad of ways daily and one of the most important forms of communication in our arsenal is the food card system. This system empowers our guests to make informed choices about their own dietary needs and preferences and is also a transparent accountability system to show we are doing our due diligence in protecting our guests by providing easily decipherable information about common allergens and dietary preferences. Pop quiz: What are the 9 major food allergens recognized by the FDA?
Safety Message
I got a small cut!
Cuts are common injuries in kitchens. If you get a small cut, follow the instructions below! Same as with burns, make sure the area is safe and notify one of your teammates. Put pressure on the wound! This will help stop or slow the bleeding. Once the bleeding has stopped, do your best to clean around the wound, cool water is your friend here. After cleaning, grab an appropriately sized bandage from the first aid cabinet and apply it to the wound. When you are all patched up, make sure to sanitize the area and dispose of any food that may have been contaminated. If you receive a serious cut, ask for help from a manager or a Safety Team member.
Culinary Message
Culinary Technique: Resting Animal Protein
Resting meat after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result. During resting, the muscle fibers relax, preventing the juices from escaping when the meat is sliced, resulting in a juicier steak or roast. The ideal resting time varies depending on the size and type of meat, but generally, letting it rest for about 5 to 20 minutes under a loose foil tent is recommended.
Team Member Resources Message
Unpaid Time
Reminder! A doctors note is required for all unpaid time absences unless otherwise stated from TMR. Failure to provide a doctors note will result in disciplinary action. If PTO is available, it will be applied to the absence. Please ensure you are planning accordingly and discussing any future absences with your manager and TMR!
July 2024, Week 4
The company-wide focus this month is
Safety and Security Protocols from the Hospitality Perspective
Hospitality Message
Emergency Preparedness: A Hospitality Perspective
Over the last few years, we have heard much about emergency preparedness and how to respond, but what does that mean for you in your day-to-day working environment? In a hospitality environment, we want to be able to provide calm and deliberate instruction during an emergency. Your knowledge and preparedness will help your confidence in responding to situations that may arise and allow you to guide our guests in the right direction during an emergency situation. Pop quiz: What do you know of the safety protocols and procedures in your building such as evacuation routes and check points, how to shut off gas in the kitchen, and how to respond to a medical emergency? Who in your cafe is certified in CPR and what is an AED and where do you find one?
Safety Message
Reporting Incidents
It is very important to report all injuries and near misses that happen while working. We want to make sure you get the proper first aid or medical care that you need. Reporting incidents and near misses can help protect our other Team Members from future similar incidents. Always report the incident to your manager within 24 hours.
Culinary Message
Food History: The Seattle Dog
The Seattle dog originated in Pioneer Square in 1989, created by Hadley Long, who operated a vegetarian bagel cart. Long gave into late-night demand for a meat option by adding hot dogs to their cream cheese bagels, which over time evolved to be served on a toasted stadium style hot dog bun most commonly accompanied by grilled onions and mustard or sriracha hot sauce. Seattle dogs can most readily be found near Seattle bars, sports, music, and entertainment venues.
Team Member Resources Message
Unpaid Time
Reminder! A doctors note is required for all unpaid time absences unless otherwise stated from TMR. Failure to provide a doctors note will result in disciplinary action. If PTO is available, it will be applied to the absence. Please ensure you are planning accordingly and discussing any future absences with your manager and TMR!
July 2024, Week 5
The company-wide focus this month is
Safety and Security Protocols from the Hospitality Perspective
Hospitality Message
Team Safety: Hospitality is Not Just for Guests
Team safety takes teamwork and teamwork is hospitality for your co-workers. Team safety helps support an enjoyable and cohesive work environment that and is integral in providing a seamless hospitality experience for our guests. Most injuries are preventable by moving throughout culinary spaces with an intentional focus on safety. "Calling your corners", safe sharp handling, using PPE consistently and correctly, cleanliness and communication prevent accidents and demonstrates care. Accidents often pull people away from the team as the issue and or injury is addressed, which disrupts team dynamics and every team member's well-being contributes directly to the quality of service we provide. QQ (quick question): What is one safety thing you can put more focus on?
Safety Message
Avoiding Injury
Most injuries in our kitchens are avoidable! Using the proper PPE and safe practices can help mitigate the chance of an incident occurring. If we wear our cut gloves, load ovens properly, use proper kitchen callouts and take care when lifting items, we can all do our jobs more safely. Slow is safe! Be methodical and diligent while working in the kitchens and front of house. If ever you see something that could be done more safely or efficiently, be sure to tell your manager, a Safety Team member, or bring it up in a safety committee meeting!
Culinary Message
Food History: Seattle Teriyaki
Toshi Kasahara, a Japanese chef and longtime Seattle resident, is widely regarded as the godfather of Seattle teriyaki. In 1976, Toshi opened Seattle’s first teriyaki joint near the Space Needle. Seattle style teriyaki takes a slight departure from the traditional Japanese method. Fresh ginger and garlic is blended into the teriyaki sauce, which is then used as a marinade to soak meat overnight. The marinated meat is grilled over gas or charcoal and finished with a drizzle of teriyaki sauce.
Team Member Resources Message
Unpaid Time
Reminder! A doctors note is required for all unpaid time absences unless otherwise stated from TMR. Failure to provide a doctors note will result in disciplinary action. If PTO is available, it will be applied to the absence. Please ensure you are planning accordingly and discussing any future absences with your manager and TMR!