What it's Like to be a Line Cook at a Top-Rated NYC Restaurant | Bon Appétit

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  • Опубликовано: 29 окт 2024

Комментарии • 1,6 тыс.

  • @curran18
    @curran18 6 лет назад +1857

    I wish Bon Appétit would make more videos like this. Bringing the viewer into the life of those cooking professionally. From a real perspective. Maybe one video is a food truck owner and the hardships they face, or a culinary student going through school, or a another line cook at a different restaurant. Something to bring the realness of the industry to the masses. Brad is great and all, but people should see how it really is.

    • @selalewis9189
      @selalewis9189 6 лет назад +10

      Curran Leeds Agreed.

    • @eighty9
      @eighty9 5 лет назад +5

      Yup

    • @leod.7163
      @leod.7163 5 лет назад +6

      I can only partially agree. Though it would be great to see a series being made about different line cooks etc, I must say that what we see on f.e. It‘s Alive is something comletely different from cooking in a restaurant and I don‘t think that you can compare the two.

    • @ye9524
      @ye9524 5 лет назад +1

      Curran Leeds yeah but it would be good if they also show a more amateure restuarant with no stars

    • @evanharris7696
      @evanharris7696 5 лет назад +2

      Bon Apetit pays their employees minimum wage

  • @zekekooy4710
    @zekekooy4710 3 года назад +268

    I Googled Ms. Nana Wilmot and she opened her own restaurant finally! I hope she's able to earn a liveable wage and continue to succeed

  • @SelimxBradley
    @SelimxBradley 6 лет назад +3121

    She seems like a great person. I hope she feels that fulfillment one day.

    • @CBebs
      @CBebs 6 лет назад +5

      We're All Thieves hopeing to be fulfilled one day isn't the choice of words I would use. Hypothetical question, why can't you be fulfilled always?

    • @iankrasnow5383
      @iankrasnow5383 6 лет назад +22

      Fulfillment is a process; it's not something you achieve one day. Life is a struggle and this woman is living it to the fullest.

    • @CBebs
      @CBebs 6 лет назад +2

      Ian Krasnow I commented above

    • @Questchaun
      @Questchaun 6 лет назад +9

      Ian Krasnow this woman can't pay her rent. STFU.

    • @iankrasnow5383
      @iankrasnow5383 6 лет назад +1

      Yeah, sounds pretty stressful.

  • @itypethetruthnobshere8975
    @itypethetruthnobshere8975 6 лет назад +965

    15 bucks a hour while a typical date there cost about 200 bucks.... you know a restaurant is expensive as hell when its $$$$ on yelp. They should pay them a lil more

    • @joselynm5634
      @joselynm5634 6 лет назад +24

      Supreme Bape at least 20-25 an hr at least if not a little more! But that's NY

    • @liqurmeup
      @liqurmeup 6 лет назад +24

      Its an internship, the skills she is learning are extremely valuable. That's how fine dinning kitchens work.

    • @jinny8801
      @jinny8801 6 лет назад +42

      and that's why everyone is leaving lol

    • @yoshioka5469
      @yoshioka5469 5 лет назад +35

      Yeah it's hard doing 40 hrs a week is 600 bucks a week and so it's like 25-28 thousand a year that's like nothing my mom makes 42 thousand a yr and she works at a nail salon not the best restaurant in New York

    • @Usenabt
      @Usenabt 5 лет назад +7

      issue with restaurants is that costs have to be super tightly controlled, wind can blow in a different direction and suddenly your restaurant is tanking. Its not a fun business to own or work in, at all, unless your passionate about it.

  • @stormbob
    @stormbob 6 лет назад +4842

    $15/hr for the second-highest line position in a fine dining restaurant in NYC is an insult. Hell, minimum wage for a business that size in NYC is $13. The Le Coucou management should be ashamed.

    • @AllanMurmann
      @AllanMurmann 6 лет назад +252

      stormbob sorry dude but thats the true of all restaurants... most of them is around 9.5/hr

    • @WTFnecktatto
      @WTFnecktatto 6 лет назад +78

      Shes the 3rd position, if not 4th

    • @Searrows
      @Searrows 6 лет назад +183

      You should also realize that working in a restaurant like that is akin to graduate school for a cook. If you're fresh out of culinary school and you want to open a place of your own you need to learn how the pros do it

    • @MistaMahoney
      @MistaMahoney 6 лет назад +752

      "You should also realize that working in a restaurant like that is akin to graduate school for a cook."
      You should also realize that restaurants need steady staff that's paid a living wage and given time off to actually live their lives instead of going into work before the sun comes up and leaving after it goes down. Some people want to have their own spot, sure, but the vast majority of the skilled laborers in this industry need a job where they can be supported because if they're not there the food simply does not get made and the place simply does not get cleaned. It's the service industry, not the servant industry.

    • @stormbob
      @stormbob 6 лет назад +607

      Wow. A lot more pushback to this comment than I expected. This woman (and all of the cooks at all restaurants) produces a product for her company, which the company then turns around and sells for high prices. The product (the food) would not exist without her. She should be paid accordingly, as should everyone working at every job everywhere. $15/hr in NYC is not enough money to live on, and her employer should be ashamed.

  • @treyolathecrayola2433
    @treyolathecrayola2433 6 лет назад +2366

    She’s a damn badass. I hope she’s able to get her restaurant

  • @1338-c9s
    @1338-c9s 6 лет назад +697

    My bro works as a doorman in nyc making 24$ an hour. Not including tips and bonus’. I would be pissed making $15 an hour working as hard as her.

    • @Jay-eb7ik
      @Jay-eb7ik 5 лет назад +30

      She could leave and find a better job, but the on the job training and experience won't be the same.

    • @coledemchuk9931
      @coledemchuk9931 4 года назад +9

      i just started as a line cook and i’m already making 14$ an hour

    • @ieattastyfood
      @ieattastyfood 3 года назад +2

      Most restaurants give raises when they see how good someone actually is, they have to to keep the good ones around somehow. Otherwise most would quit.. I gotta 3 dollar raise within 6 months.

    • @jarednil69
      @jarednil69 3 года назад +6

      But how much fun is it to stand at a door all day every day? Regardless if you talk to people going by. You're still stuck there standing.

    • @romainsavioz5466
      @romainsavioz5466 3 года назад

      @@Jay-eb7ik 🤦🏻‍♂️

  • @mcintyredeanna
    @mcintyredeanna 6 лет назад +278

    Keep working for your dream, girl! Show them what you are made of. You've got this!!!

  • @HKKetoRecipes
    @HKKetoRecipes 6 лет назад +66

    Truly tip my hat to her and everyone else who are integral pieces of the food industry. Hope that they can find more success and happiness in life.

  • @elizabethanrose
    @elizabethanrose 6 лет назад +324

    My mother owned two restaurants and worked in the industry more than 40 years. My step-father who died last year worked in food up until he died in his 80s. My sister went to Johnson & Wales, my nephew to Le Cordon Bleu. One of my closest friends since we were kids is Toba Garrett, master cake maker (I am mentioned in her first book). I literally grew up in this industry, staring out washing dishes. I have many, many chef friends. I love to cook but hate the industry. It is a thankless job. I have cooked literally for thousands, but still prefer to think of them as close friends, so no pressure there. In order to survive in this industry, I guess, you have to see everyone as your close friends or family lest it burn you out. Great story, my heart goes out to her.

    • @WTFnecktatto
      @WTFnecktatto 6 лет назад +7

      Tonessa West Crowe would you do it differently if given the chance or do you still believe doing what you love is the best descion?

    • @Palmhoejnielsen
      @Palmhoejnielsen 6 лет назад +21

      Its an unforgiving job yes but the rush, ill tell you the rush of a good service, tickets flying out of the machine thats what makes me going. you have to be a little psyco too work in this industry :)

    • @elizabethanrose
      @elizabethanrose 6 лет назад +12

      Mike, I prefer to share my passion of food with friends and family. Yes, I believe in doing what you love and I also believe that if any part of it is burdensome, you can change the game to fit you. I have opened my home for the last 40 years to so many folks, your head would spin. That is my joy. As I am sure you know that food industry is as fickle as the movie industry. And the burden is always on the underlings who work many hours, whose feet hurt from standing, whose exhaustion is immeasurable. My reward, as any cook, is the satisfaction and smile on the faces of those who eat what you have shared.

    • @thevillagehiddeninthehood1573
      @thevillagehiddeninthehood1573 6 лет назад +4

      Tonessa West Crowe im trying to get into Culinary arts school its always been my dream but ive seen so many negative comments about it and im conflicted because i have a 2 year old daughter to take care of but i love to cook since i was 9...can i ask you is it really worth it should i even try?

    • @elizabethanrose
      @elizabethanrose 6 лет назад +16

      Chris, you have to love the restaurant business. I have friends who were formally trained chefs and who no longer want to cook. It is a particular type of person who can withstand the hours. If you love to cook and you love service then it is worth it for you. My step-father loved cooking and was only happy when he cooked. He once was a chef at Gillette. He would rather be cooking than anything. I learned so much from him. I was recently asked to be on Chopped. I would only do so, if I could take one or two of his knives with me. I would feel his presence. So yes, if you love it go for it and never forget your dream. That is the prize your eye should be on.

  • @wakajumba
    @wakajumba 6 лет назад +36

    Chefs are some of the hardest working people on the planet. Major props.

    • @piedadsaiz
      @piedadsaiz 5 дней назад

      And many of them very toxic and abusive

  • @DiscountPotato
    @DiscountPotato 6 лет назад +579

    I really like this video. I would so want see a series based on line cooks from different restaurants.

    • @PKToysoldier
      @PKToysoldier 6 лет назад +11

      Not about line cooks, but check out Chef's Table on Netflix. It has the same half and half mix between being a documentary style about the cooks as well as the restaurant and food itself, but the main focus is on the chefs and what motivates and inspires them.

    • @Wyndamn
      @Wyndamn 6 лет назад +2

      EXACTLY!!!

    • @Roboboy
      @Roboboy 6 лет назад +19

      What I like about content focused on people like Nana vs the people who have already made it (Chef's Table) is what she's really getting to at the end: racial issues across industry and profound examples of how generational wealth really lends white men advantage in ways that people like Nana don't have access to advance their own careers. This format is really great at getting to the heart of these issues without feeling so incredibly contrived like an hour-long mini-doc in each episode of Chef's Table. More please!

    • @cardion411
      @cardion411 6 лет назад +4

      Perfectly put, DigitalSciGuy. Perfectly put.

    • @JE-eb2tn
      @JE-eb2tn 6 лет назад +2

      How is generational wealth portrayed in this video? I didn't see any of that. I didn't even see a "white" man advantage either. I did however see that all line cooks, regardless of gender or race, having to work long hours while being grossly underpaid. She has the same access to advance her career as anyone else in that restaurant. They even show that she was promoted to right under the sous chef. What you just said was completely wrong with regards to this video.

  • @gravedigger121
    @gravedigger121 6 лет назад +87

    As an incoming freshman at the Culinary Institute of America and a proud Hispanic woman, I needed this!!! Thank you BA, and all the best to you Nana- hopefully I can work for you someday! xx

    • @lunch7213
      @lunch7213 6 лет назад

      Good luck. Only survived a year there right out of HS before trying to literally kill myself. Stereotypically, sounds like you can handle the pressure

    • @santanat.7206
      @santanat.7206 6 лет назад +1

      its a tough industry but i suggest find other means to express you culinary desires and capitalize while you go to school. Money is gonna play a huge factor while working in this industry but mostly from the lack of it. As a creative person, find creative ways to make money doing what you love.

    • @jeydub8541
      @jeydub8541 5 лет назад +1

      CIA . . . most of you don't last a month. I've had a few of you not make it to lunch on day one.
      Good luck.

  • @Wyndamn
    @Wyndamn 6 лет назад +58

    Need more of THIS, not everyone that cooks is a celebrity chef.

  • @Shabla7
    @Shabla7 Год назад +6

    Everything about this woman is fantastic. I hope shes enjoying her journey and finding success!

  • @InfiniteAthletics
    @InfiniteAthletics 6 лет назад +990

    Seems exhausting, but rewarding! Power to you Nana!

    • @purplelad44
      @purplelad44 6 лет назад +32

      you are half right. it is extinguishing. but it is never rewarding.

    • @HeavyProfessor
      @HeavyProfessor 6 лет назад +5

      Infinite Athletics rewarding? How?

    • @InsaneKahuna
      @InsaneKahuna 6 лет назад

      Infinite Athletics probably hell

    • @shabinakhan5914
      @shabinakhan5914 6 лет назад

      Infinite Athletic yaw jjkn l bc dfazs
      live video

    • @sharafatali786ali6
      @sharafatali786ali6 6 лет назад

      Infinite Athletics

  • @toriaa94
    @toriaa94 6 лет назад +14

    Please do more series like this. Really take a look into what it takes to work in fine dining.
    The details of how a restaurant works and flows. Specific positions at well known restaurants! I’m sure your viewers would really enjoy a look into this life.

    • @nocando17
      @nocando17 6 лет назад +1

      Victoria Ho agreed!

  • @keepXonXrockin
    @keepXonXrockin 6 лет назад +796

    15$? That's what I make as an assistant at university, wtf. How can she work at such a highly rated restaurant and earn so little, that's disgusting. Should be paid more than what I get for basically just photocopying and hunting down literature.

    • @matilda6851
      @matilda6851 5 лет назад +21

      Her job is about getting experience to move on and open her own restaurant. That’s why they don’t get paid a lot. It’s New York. How about instead of asking the restaurant to pay her more, you ask the state to lower its cost of living.

    • @zackmiller8153
      @zackmiller8153 5 лет назад +13

      keeponrockin lmfao in Canada minimum wage is $15 everywhere

    • @nicholascecere4335
      @nicholascecere4335 5 лет назад +7

      brother you don’t take in account the owner has to pay rent in nyc, utilities, ingredients, and head chef salary dishwashers waiters matree d then all the line cooks there is a reason

    • @DiegoDiaz-sv1ng
      @DiegoDiaz-sv1ng 5 лет назад +1

      Zack Miller You can’t compare the minimum wages of different countries. Canada taxes are very high compared to the United Stated.

    • @Fatima-zw7cr
      @Fatima-zw7cr 5 лет назад

      @@zackmiller8153 no it's not...

  • @jpnm81
    @jpnm81 6 лет назад +1950

    over worked under paid never appreciated, why I had to find a better paying job.

    • @TurnOntheBrightLights.
      @TurnOntheBrightLights. 6 лет назад +13

      Current cook here, looking for an off-ramp so to speak. What did you get into?

    • @Dave....
      @Dave.... 6 лет назад +116

      Tbh that's most jobs not just cooks

    • @FoodFactz208
      @FoodFactz208 6 лет назад +35

      Dave yea but look from 10 to 1 am lmao cant say thats not alot

    • @Dave....
      @Dave.... 6 лет назад +3

      Arch 9 wait she starts at 10 am?

    • @LangLong
      @LangLong 6 лет назад +11

      In the same industry is hard

  • @LisaMichele
    @LisaMichele 6 лет назад +1999

    Wow! So much passion for $15 an hour.

    • @XplicitStory
      @XplicitStory 6 лет назад +133

      LA Fresh Life I like that chefs are becoming celebrities now and it's becoming more loved. Hopefully one day she'll own her own spot. It'd be nice to see her on chopped. She could use the money

    • @relaxhappysadboy8275
      @relaxhappysadboy8275 6 лет назад +41

      LA Fresh Life for hour? Is that low? Why? Im from Philippines, i converted the rate and its crazy high

    • @shankingpanda4626
      @shankingpanda4626 6 лет назад +92

      JRfoodie lovefun it's quite low for a professional. Consider bartenders get an average of $10-11/H in the US (obv state dependent). An entry level accountant to compare warm $20-25/H so yeah with that much stress $15 is low

    • @Maggotpunk
      @Maggotpunk 6 лет назад +163

      She also lives in New York City, one of the most expensive places to live in America. $15 can barely get you by in NYC. In the part of the country where I live, $15 an hour allows you to rent a small house.

    • @KemoSays
      @KemoSays 6 лет назад +109

      I wouldn't even get up for work for $15 in NYC.

  • @davegray02
    @davegray02 6 лет назад +183

    I'd watch an entire series about her

    • @beastaish
      @beastaish 5 лет назад +3

      Same. Or at least get a follow up. I want to know how much closer she is to fulfilled any/all of her dreams. Does she find the female culinary inspiration she desires? Does she become that inspiration? Family? So many things.

  • @achyka3802
    @achyka3802 6 лет назад +615

    She works in a restaurant like that but still isn't paid enough to cover her rent sometimes ? thats wack. I hope she gets her own restaurant one day

    • @Knoxus99
      @Knoxus99 6 лет назад +14

      Achy ka It's also the second most expensive city in the United States. I imagine the same situation in California

    • @coughpillbox748
      @coughpillbox748 6 лет назад +4

      Knoxus99 california here, can confirm

    • @TheShpmusic
      @TheShpmusic 6 лет назад +8

      Achy ka $15x40hrs=$600 a week
      160hrs a month =$2,400
      $2,400x12= $28,800. This is your salary for the year.and you not even looking at tax deductions yet.👈👀

    • @wiikillsu2535
      @wiikillsu2535 5 лет назад

      Been there than that and yes it’s true 😪
      Self sacrifice.

  • @empresssk
    @empresssk 6 лет назад +4

    This video story is super accurate. For both life in NYC & working in the restaurant biz. She must really love it cause I got terror in being reminded how much the industry sucks. It barely helped me get through college and I'll never go back.

  • @asmrdreams6397
    @asmrdreams6397 5 лет назад +1

    Nana is going places. Bless her heart and may God help her live her life to the happiest and fullest

  • @wilakt4fud
    @wilakt4fud 6 лет назад +609

    Guts and talent. Hats off, Nana- and to all of you. From Michelin starred down to Waffle House, thanks for what you do.

    • @lyteyear2106
      @lyteyear2106 6 лет назад +25

      wilakt4fud this comment really hit home and means a lot to me personally let alone every other line cook out there. It’s hard work, horrible hours, and awful pay but comments like that keep us going, thank you

    • @staceykannedy7473
      @staceykannedy7473 6 лет назад

      Thank you. Super awesome to see.
      Weneed more people like you in the world.

  • @beccad18
    @beccad18 6 лет назад +6

    This is such a beautiful story! Former NYC pastry cook, now own my own bakery. I'm 31 as well and trying to figure out how to marry my sweet heart, grow my bakery, and start my family all at the same time in the next few years. It's HARD. To think that I have to be here, mothering this bakery while I grow a human and then figure out time to mother that new human.
    Also wow this kitchen is beautiful. I miss the restaurant life so much most times. That camaraderie when you have a good team is unparalleled. That flow of dinner service is such a high, too. Nothing beats it.

  • @zjkingsley7
    @zjkingsley7 6 лет назад +125

    I have had two meals at Le Coucou in past year and a half, and the best dishes were.... THE FISH.

  • @bemyescape84
    @bemyescape84 6 лет назад +2

    As a female line cook in Los Angeles this hit so close to home for me in so many aspects thank you Bon Appétit for sharing Nana's story we need more stories like hers under the spotlight!

  • @devinemery5507
    @devinemery5507 5 лет назад +59

    $15/hr is a DISGUSTINGLY low wage for someone as highly-skilled as her. owners of this restaurant should be absolutely ashamed.

  • @liljohnnotbigjohn
    @liljohnnotbigjohn 4 года назад +2

    This lady deserves all the good things. I hope she goes far.

  • @vze21gwa
    @vze21gwa 6 лет назад +29

    As a kid I thought being a Chef was glamorous, that is until I found out the dark side of things. Chefs can work up to 12 hours a day. It really is stressful being on your feet that long.

  • @embott1
    @embott1 6 лет назад +3

    Huge respect. I really don’t know much about back of house. I just know it’s always hot. And noisy. And the floors are slippery.

  • @Stevzyxo
    @Stevzyxo 6 лет назад +663

    Absolutely horrible that a high end restaurant in NY pays her so little. Actually a huge demotivator for me. They should be embarrassed.

    • @jakexd5524
      @jakexd5524 6 лет назад +10

      Stevzy xo how the world works. Many people work in that field, a business can’t afford to always pay that much. She enjoys here job, and it makes end’s meet. If she doesn’t like it, she can threaten to leave. Find something else to do. Maybe she can start her own restaurant.

    • @nickl5913
      @nickl5913 6 лет назад +1

      They didnt say how much she made just that the average is 12 to 15 in the US. She makes much more in NYC.

    • @TomatoWithARifle
      @TomatoWithARifle 6 лет назад +28

      Nick L it said she she's paid 15 and the median is 12

    • @riotdrone
      @riotdrone 6 лет назад +40

      15 an hour for the kind of work she does and in such a high end restaurant and with nyc cost of living is unforgivable owners should be ashamed

    • @keki4578
      @keki4578 6 лет назад

      For you

  • @mathewchacko7588
    @mathewchacko7588 4 года назад +1

    This video is extremely well done. Loved hearing about Nana's story and I hope she finds that fulfillment wherever life takes her.

  • @enjoylifendsmile
    @enjoylifendsmile 6 лет назад +49

    Excellent video, great story. Would love to watch more content like this!

    • @TheShpmusic
      @TheShpmusic 6 лет назад

      fdostoevsky $15x40hrs=$600 a week
      160hrs a month =$2,400
      $2,400x12= $28,800. This is your salary for the year.and you not even looking at tax deductions yet.👈👀

  • @lexip396able
    @lexip396able 6 лет назад +2

    This is great, I'd love a whole series of her day to day! Amazing

  • @OTL508
    @OTL508 6 лет назад +4

    Lol i feel her, I’m an Asian woman working as a line cook, and it’s not easy but I always tell myself it’s all go the best. And my mind also goes to “how will I have a life once I get married and have a kid? Would I need to quit? How can I work while I’m pregnant?” It’s hard trying to keep up with the men who may have similar dreams to get married and have kids but as a woman who wants that too, we are the ones growing the child. The choices are hard and confusing and unsure

  • @Woodshadow
    @Woodshadow 6 лет назад +7

    You walk in and it is show time. Probably the truest statement. I miss so much about cooking but I don’t miss the pay or the hours.
    $15 an hour as a line cook in NYC? That is insane. I work for an international hospitality company we pay $15 to line cooks in Kentucky. Honestly she seems talented enough that if she has any kitchen management experience I would want to hire her to run any of our kitchens. $45k plus bonuses. Everything made from scratch run your way. It isn’t fancy food but you are making a living cooking

  • @b.b.1989
    @b.b.1989 6 лет назад +39

    The grind!!!

    • @TheShpmusic
      @TheShpmusic 6 лет назад

      ExtrAAOrdinary Brand $15x40hrs=$600 a week
      160hrs a month =$2,400
      $2,400x12= $28,800. This is your salary for the year.and you not even looking at tax deductions yet.👈👀

  • @arsonfly
    @arsonfly 6 лет назад +104

    How?? How does a top rated restaurant pay cooks only $15??

    • @PWCDN
      @PWCDN 6 лет назад +33

      because they're top rated, people flock to work for them cheap so they can put it on their resume and learn the skills. It's a hands on job, if you cook for the best, you learn the best. It's like going to school. That's how the industry works. You don't cook to make money, if you want money, you're in the wrong business. Do construction if you want to make money without a strong educational background. Owners will always make the profits in restaurants and chefs (upper management) are the only ones making a "living" wage.

    • @riotdrone
      @riotdrone 6 лет назад +6

      so what's the pay off then, i highly doubt all these people can open their own restaurants one day and get paid a proper wage with what they're getting paid the whole time they're 'training', let's be real these owners are all rich to begin with, there's no mobility except for an extremely lucky few

    • @Coleman_H
      @Coleman_H 5 лет назад +1

      I wonder how much the chef de cuisine makes... The line cooks are the most important people there. They should be making $1000 a week

    • @jeydub8541
      @jeydub8541 5 лет назад

      Because they are probably paying $20k a month in rent. It's economics 101 . . . pay is what the market will bear.

    • @cordedhornet9739
      @cordedhornet9739 5 лет назад

      Some people forget they get tips... I know an average restaurant some staff walk out with 200 to 400 a night on tips alone so I wonder how much does a high end restaurant staffs walk out of per day

  • @foolish_carpenter3147
    @foolish_carpenter3147 6 лет назад +3

    Ugh it’s tough :(
    Cooked for 8 years and I burnt out, totally washed out.
    Couldn’t do it anymore.
    Working constantly to make rent and bills.
    So little time for anything else.
    The restaurant becomes your family though and I do miss all the great people I met in my career.
    A lot of us coped with drugs and alcohol and were certainly good times, the best times! Wouldn’t trade those memories for the world.
    Hats up off though to the ones still pushing it.
    Have deep respect for this industry.

  • @paceta80
    @paceta80 3 года назад +2

    I love that part when the flow is going and they're speaking their own way of communication during a busy rush. I miss those days.

  • @dontran3263
    @dontran3263 6 лет назад +26

    This video is inspiring and most humbling

  • @bahrram
    @bahrram 6 лет назад +1

    Amazing story! Honest, authentic, and heartfelt. A cooking story with perspective.

  • @JVerschueren
    @JVerschueren 6 лет назад +45

    Can't help Nana out (age difference/different continent), but if my wife had that kind of ambition, I'd be all about that. No reason a man can't hold the family side of things down while his significant other attempts to acchieve excellence in her chosen profession.

  • @lovelornedsouls
    @lovelornedsouls 6 лет назад +22

    I was inspired and depressed out of mind all at the same time WHAT

  • @wyattmcgeorge24
    @wyattmcgeorge24 6 лет назад +4

    line cooks deserve more appreciation /pay . its really not worth it when it comes down to the pay/stress but yet people still have the passion. few people work harder than a good line cook

  • @frankweber7498
    @frankweber7498 3 года назад

    My joy is seeing people light up when they see their order coming to them and seeing that it's made with love for what you do.

  • @yyyannuuu
    @yyyannuuu 5 лет назад +28

    I clicked on this because I saw a Black woman as a cook in fine dining. I love that more of our stories are being shared because visibility is often the seed of many dreams. 💕

    • @SuperElise21
      @SuperElise21 5 лет назад +2

      ayanada06 Agreed ☺️☺️ I love our work ethic.

    • @mariee_e
      @mariee_e 4 года назад

      this is the truth! Watch “premature” if you haven’t. rahsaad ernesto green

  • @MiaMorinarealway
    @MiaMorinarealway 6 лет назад

    Such a raw and real story! THANK YOU!!!! Bartending made me able to relate to her story.

  • @praxton
    @praxton 6 лет назад +8

    "Or be that woman." YES!

  • @paigedyer1230
    @paigedyer1230 6 лет назад

    Keep pushing girl....I'm in this with you...a sister in fine dining...we are a rare breed. When I started I was 37...finding balance is HARD in this business. You have to fight for it!

  • @shirostateira6988
    @shirostateira6988 2 года назад +3

    I resonate with her so much. I'm also a woman of color who is also a line cook. I want a family as well and it's hard being a woman of color in fine dining. Man, I wish I could meet her one day.

  • @AGTsakumis
    @AGTsakumis 5 лет назад

    My favorite BA video, thus far! Absolutely wonderful. Bless Nana and may she be Executive Chef somewhere soon. Talented, committed and charming. Salut!

  • @itsregal
    @itsregal 6 лет назад +237

    Underpaid overworked extremely underappreciated. Why did I choose this job again?

    • @RedSntDK
      @RedSntDK 6 лет назад +23

      "Choose".

    • @WTFnecktatto
      @WTFnecktatto 6 лет назад

      itsregal how long have you been a line cook for?

    • @itsregal
      @itsregal 6 лет назад +4

      mike kober 13 years

    • @WTFnecktatto
      @WTFnecktatto 6 лет назад

      itsregal would you change path if you could go back 5 years?

    • @penguinpal6
      @penguinpal6 6 лет назад +26

      I ask myself that same question on a monthly basis and the answer is because i truly love working with food and even when it gets crazy busy and im swamped in tickets, i still love it. its not just a job for me, its my passion. I truly enjoy being on my feet all day and having to work as hard as i can to stay ahead. I like the challenge, i dont want an easy job

  • @msamini123
    @msamini123 6 лет назад

    Wishing you the most success Nana!!!! Don’t give up , you will have days and weeks even months that will exhaust you but remain patient and trust god will give you what you want! You have the personality for it and gaining the skills it takes ! Be strong !

  • @jgmdsn667
    @jgmdsn667 6 лет назад +10

    God Bless You, Nana for your hard work and such dedication to your craft! You make many people, most of whom you will likely never meet, very happy I'm sure, with your skills.

  • @MrKeenun
    @MrKeenun 6 лет назад +1

    Beautiful story, beautiful woman. I hope you find your perfect balance Nana, my mother was a chef too and would sometimes come home at 2am but then she would be up early getting us ready for school and packaging our lunches.

  • @kirbymarchbarcena
    @kirbymarchbarcena 6 лет назад +366

    Cooking in a well-known restaurant is a great privilege...if you can handle the stress that comes with it.

    • @cantikanchi
      @cantikanchi 6 лет назад +5

      It's a powerful American industry that deserves care from the rest of us who enjoy eating! The workers who make it possible need to be recognized.

    • @TheShpmusic
      @TheShpmusic 6 лет назад +10

      kirby march Barcena $15x40hrs=$600 a week
      160hrs a month =$2,400
      $2,400x12= $28,800. This is your salary for the year.and you not even looking at tax deductions yet.👈👀

    • @kaitikemp5821
      @kaitikemp5821 6 лет назад +2

      I work stretching dough and topping assistant and also front counter at the most popular pizza restaurant in my town, line out the door every Friday, tables full for lunch specials tuesday-thursday. It's good money for hard work and coming home covered in flour and working in a good environment every night makes me appreciate my effort when it's rushing

    • @kirbymarchbarcena
      @kirbymarchbarcena 6 лет назад

      Kaiti Kemp Funny how you're covered in flour while on your way home...we'd love to see that one.

    • @kaitikemp5821
      @kaitikemp5821 6 лет назад

      I drive myself home from a pizza shop 5 nights a week, kind of impossible not to be covered in flour 🙄

  • @TimothyEspinosa
    @TimothyEspinosa 6 лет назад +2

    More videos like this please!! I loved this and Nana Wilmot is inspiring.

  • @bboystance514
    @bboystance514 6 лет назад +54

    RESPECT

  • @CBebs
    @CBebs 6 лет назад

    You go girl! You have the right mentality which is a big part of why you are succeeding.

  • @mjcaron1
    @mjcaron1 6 лет назад +24

    Admire her passion...That’s the most important thing...

    • @TheTopSpeedz
      @TheTopSpeedz 6 лет назад

      Chef Mike z y

    • @mjcaron1
      @mjcaron1 6 лет назад

      TheTopSpeedz y. S

    • @SoapinTrucker
      @SoapinTrucker 6 лет назад

      TOTALLY AGREE! Passion, next to character, is EVERYTHING in Life!

  • @6ixCellphones
    @6ixCellphones 6 лет назад

    Keep working hard Nana. Don't worry about what others say or think. You are inspiring!

  • @MickyAvStickyHands
    @MickyAvStickyHands 6 лет назад +20

    A young woman putting her life in order instead of blaming everyone and everything around her. Need more like her.

    • @RoadDawgLife
      @RoadDawgLife 5 лет назад

      @@YhurHurt Taken a chance? Sounds more like taken advantage of.

    • @RoadDawgLife
      @RoadDawgLife 5 лет назад

      Those that are to blame seldom want fingers pointed at them and never accept responsibility for their actions.

  • @wanderfwd
    @wanderfwd 6 лет назад

    She shows passion, i hope she fulfills her dream

  • @johnsmith-xh6je
    @johnsmith-xh6je 6 лет назад +4

    I've been cooking in restaurants my entire adult life, expect: low pay, high stress, poor working conditions,burns, falls, cuts, dont even think about complaining,cuz. there is always somebody waiting in line for your job, go into mgmt. expect more of the same. if you go on salary, double your hours for no extra pay, get lucky and get a good owner they might let you eat free. get good enough you wont go hungry, and you might make a living wage, I.was in restaurant mgmt. for 25 yrs. considering the hours I put in I was the lowest paid person in the kitchen. cool people to work with is a plus. good luck to all you new chefs out there ! just sayin.

  • @alinabaig3398
    @alinabaig3398 6 лет назад

    Yes.... go girl trust me you will get where you want to be. Love how passionate you are.

  • @gulfcitynd
    @gulfcitynd 6 лет назад +4

    Being a linecook is one thing pure stress the hours take their toll and the chaos adds up im been in a kitchen since i was 19 im almost 27

  • @jeffamunoz
    @jeffamunoz 3 года назад

    *Makes me appreciate the food I'm being served at a restaurant and the fast pace coordination that was involved!*

  • @BOOMERANGxbrb
    @BOOMERANGxbrb 6 лет назад +3

    i love this channel so much!

  • @emmadoobs210
    @emmadoobs210 6 лет назад

    Impressed with you NaNa, you can and will accomplish your hearts desire. You can have it all,best wishes to you!

  • @halio8012
    @halio8012 6 лет назад +297

    Such a stressful job. I'm getting ptsd just watching this.

    • @gulfcitynd
      @gulfcitynd 6 лет назад +15

      I live it daily

    • @mw3blckops
      @mw3blckops 6 лет назад

      nicholas danca lol the other day the busboys were telling me if they’d be able to handle the line, I told them hell no and they insisted that it’s easy

    • @che542
      @che542 6 лет назад +37

      This video doesn't even capture the actrual stress tbh.

    • @empresssk
      @empresssk 6 лет назад +12

      It's why I'll never return to the restaurant industry. There's no fulfillment if you're not the chef passionately living out your dreams.

    • @diegom.1510
      @diegom.1510 6 лет назад +5

      bro you dont even know 😑.

  • @halenos
    @halenos 5 лет назад

    You're an inspiration, sis. Chase your dreams! We're rooting for you.

  • @lunch7213
    @lunch7213 6 лет назад +6

    So what's the deal with underwage in great NYC restaurants? I'd imagine even considering the typical expenses of running a kitchen (ordering, waste, electricity, insurance), a place selling bomb food must charge pretty high. Can any other city chefs and cooks confirm the imbalance regarding pay? A prestigious restaurant especially in NYC seems like it should be paying more for a fish position

    • @jeydub8541
      @jeydub8541 5 лет назад +1

      The cost of owning a restaurant is ridiculous amid the volatile government regulation and market fluctuations which directly reflect a restaurant's bottom line, not to mention astronomical rents in major cities.

  • @amberconover3684
    @amberconover3684 6 лет назад

    Props to you Nana! As a recent culinary school grad and line cook I absolutely feel you. There is a lack of women in fine dining. Hoping to be even a smidge as dedicated and passionate as you are! Good Luck Chef 👩🏾‍🍳

  • @allywolf9182
    @allywolf9182 6 лет назад +4

    This is great!! She will be an executive chef soon!!

  • @kierram2067
    @kierram2067 6 лет назад

    You got this Nana! I believe in you. You have such passion and talent. You will get there!

  • @redyumi6441
    @redyumi6441 6 лет назад +123

    A beautiful diversity of ppl working in the kitchen.

    • @KaibaKaioh
      @KaibaKaioh 6 лет назад +6

      Red Yumi what do you mean by diversity?

    • @redyumi6441
      @redyumi6441 6 лет назад +4

      Absolomb there are men and woman of different background working together.

    • @FullOfMalarky
      @FullOfMalarky 6 лет назад +7

      Red Yumi that's cuz it's in nyc

    • @KaibaKaioh
      @KaibaKaioh 6 лет назад +30

      How can you live your life and view people, not as people, but as they are based on the color of their skin or the sex of that person? When i watched this video not once did i view any of them as different. The thought never even came close to crossing my mind. It is just simply odd to me that people dont see others as others. Always a label...

    • @dillanparker128
      @dillanparker128 6 лет назад +4

      For all you hating on the OP. It's just a fact chill the hell out. There's just a mix of different people, inside and out. Coming from 7 years as a line cook.

  • @MonteyCarlo92081
    @MonteyCarlo92081 6 лет назад

    this woman mirrors a lot of what i feel in the restaurant industry just by her facial expressions alone you can tell theres a lot more to the story and in terms of what humbling an experience and journey it is. I gave up nursing months before graduation because I just love the atmosphere of dining.
    i jumped around from spot to spot due to lack of real dining experience and mainly due to the fact that at my "intelligence level" and misconstrued notion on what confidence and arrogance is, and will to perfect that I had honed from nursing school. i come from a very strong military family. so the need to be first was a huge deal. and i found it was tough working with people that didn't have the same devotion and will to do well every SECOND so i got frustrated because I knew deep down ideas I had would work. drinking somehow got a hold of me plus other problematic substances. which came from said lack luster coworkers. and i have my regrets in that area because i gravitate to my coworkes since a majority of your life is spent with them. you begin to pull form them in whatever way.
    after nearly a decade since my decision to go for restaurants. I have to say i'm at an edge of no return as it seems.
    i feel as though, if i can't make it work here. it's a failed mission. and to be quite frank i've failed every mission since I gave up nursing. life isn't cheap in california and to move around averaging no more than 60-100 bucks with just $11+ and hour is a tough gimmick to maintain and still hold some sanity.
    things can happen quick in the restaurant business from a great night to poor night, to getting fired and not being able to land a decent restaurant spot for months and learning how to lie the right way to get ahead. things i never saw myself doing... all to follow a passion or fire to do something you have interest in and to hope it some how works out then to get a dui do the lack of focus and will just complete selfishness with life. why? because this industry is so draining, you lose yourself in many ways good and bad...... so many variables and moving parts with a major deprivation of leadership. throw in the drug scene and it's a hard world to find success in.
    ................ but currently things have turned a corner. working for a billion dollar owned sushi spot/brand, surrounded by confident strong minded individuals has given me a new hope. i know the menu well, but still can improve, i have finally made it to runner. my goal is to reach management some day and to thrive in high places. I hope i will be able to maintain this torch......... idk what else i can do at this point.

  • @TiannaHarrison
    @TiannaHarrison 6 лет назад +4

    Respect! Same road

    • @missedmist11235
      @missedmist11235 6 лет назад

      She's been on the road, has the passion and has worked towards it for a while and she's making $15. I guess try it, see if you like the culture (which can admittedly vary kitchen to kitchen), and you find a worthwhile sense of joy on the job then go for it. Also make sure the physical cost is worth it to you. But without that, there's far easier jobs out there for similar and more pay.
      Edit: Compensation is a form of respect, and the industry doesn't respect it's workers. If all you need is camaraderie, fine. But if you want the respect that says you deserve to buy a house and a car, and go on vacation to neat places, and not freak out when there's a sudden emergency that wipes out your checking then look elsewhere, let me know when you find it, I clearly have my own issues.

  • @leegymallari
    @leegymallari 6 лет назад +1

    I used to love cooking and wanted to be a chef but when I became a line cook it changed my perspective. Not worth stress. Line cooks deserve all the respect

  • @NDHatley1
    @NDHatley1 5 лет назад +7

    You're tellin me... a top rated, expensive NYC restaurant can't pay it's line better than $15/hr? How the hell do they even get employees?

  • @hs-uz9cs
    @hs-uz9cs 5 лет назад

    absolutely love her honesty and heart.

  • @failtolawl
    @failtolawl 5 лет назад +5

    Wendy's by my house is paying 14 an hour. And hell, you could probably move up the pay chain faster than her. Sometimes people forget that Culinary art is as financially rewarding as any other art. Butt he fact that she has to live in NYC on that, and probably forced to pay for her uniform and everything else is just shameful. The ratio of price per customer per employee wage of that magnitude is criminal.

  • @thaina2012
    @thaina2012 6 лет назад

    Omg I could listen to her all day. Soothing

  • @jameshan5027
    @jameshan5027 6 лет назад +3

    First word that comes out of her mouth, "Kitchen is Lit" Im ded XD

  • @100forks
    @100forks 6 лет назад +1

    I eat out a lot and am very thankful to people like Nana. I was shocked at the pay being so low, especially in NYC. It does not seem that it would even pay for rent.

  • @Silas-Inservio-Pax
    @Silas-Inservio-Pax 6 лет назад +25

    Wouldn't a 3 star restaurant make a lot of money? 15 dollars an hour doesn't seem to scale with the reputation. Or is there more to it?

    • @uns33n
      @uns33n 6 лет назад +17

      Rick Boon look at the number of cooks. Restaurant margins are razor thin to begin with. Maybe 15 percent. Many Michelin starred restaurants have more free cooks, staige, than paid cooks. It's the only way to make any money. More profit is made on quick turn busy places like chili's or tgif than fine dining restaurants. It's a crazy world and a crazy life. Meanwhile the servers are working half as much and making 2 or 3 times more money easily.

    • @Jackofhearts17
      @Jackofhearts17 6 лет назад +1

      If you get alot of interns you can cut a bit of costs, but for that you need a high caliber reputation, and even their, you need a steady flow of interns to make sure you constantly cut staff costs in the back. Yes, the FOH makes more than us , by alot, im happy to see that many places have begun profit sharing with the BOH

    • @PKToysoldier
      @PKToysoldier 6 лет назад +2

      Interns can't be used to do things you would normally pay someone for, it is illegal to do so. While many businesses get very close to the line, no one reports them which is why there is such a warped perception of what an unpaid internship should be. The internship is for the benefit of the intern to learn, the company shouldn't be profiting from them.

    • @TheShpmusic
      @TheShpmusic 6 лет назад

      Rick Boon $15x40hrs=$600 a week
      160hrs a month =$2,400
      $2,400x12= $28,800. This is your salary for the year.and you not even looking at tax deductions yet.👈👀

    • @shegwin
      @shegwin 6 лет назад

      Toysoldier34 there's 52 weeks in a year dude..

  • @asifsba1
    @asifsba1 6 лет назад

    Omg. More videos like this. This was such an amazing narrative to watch. I would watch a miniseries on this.

  • @RustyB5000
    @RustyB5000 6 лет назад +39

    $15/hour seems like highway robbery. Surely that place could afford to pay them more

    • @joeldiaz5857
      @joeldiaz5857 5 лет назад +2

      Only people making real money in a restaurant are the stupid waiters. It should be the cooks who make the big bucks.

    • @matilda6851
      @matilda6851 5 лет назад

      joel diaz that’s because they get tips...

  • @qreationzwithqia9843
    @qreationzwithqia9843 3 года назад

    I needed this, thank you for highlighting this woman’s story

  • @NoNames789
    @NoNames789 6 лет назад +35

    How can you call it the greatest country in the world if people can't even live of the work they have......

  • @Moises1455
    @Moises1455 4 года назад

    So much passion! I once started loosing it bc I was over working but then I created my own Meal Prep Business and I’m so much happy now!

  • @rosella1066
    @rosella1066 6 лет назад +9

    We should start a go fund me page for her

  • @AajonAnthony
    @AajonAnthony 6 лет назад

    She’s a true inspiration!!! Nana keep going I see your success progressing

  • @cleopatrastarseed8558
    @cleopatrastarseed8558 5 лет назад +5

    She makes 15 per hour and is able to live in New York City...wow

  • @jessicarey8154
    @jessicarey8154 5 лет назад

    Wow what an incredible woman. Graceful in the kitchen, well spoken and very inspiring. Wish we could follow her. Amazing things to come for her

  • @alejandrorivera148
    @alejandrorivera148 6 лет назад +3

    Background music at the beginning really sounds like Runaway by Mars Argo

    • @voosum
      @voosum 6 лет назад

      Festive Husky i thought i was only one who noticed nice

  • @Anonymous-nj2ow
    @Anonymous-nj2ow 6 лет назад

    i admire her, i can only imagine the challenges she's faced. At least doing time at a place like this will open remarkable doors for a person