05/25/2024
We've gone through plenty of changes in the few years since opening, but one thing that has been consistent since day one- Family Meal. It's the most important meal of the day. Everybody that cooks takes a turn cooking family meal. Maybe not day 1, definitely day 2. It becomes something I have watched them take real pride in. I've seen them check the schedule to see if the servers with allergies are working, so they can make something everyone can eat or a restriction dish for one. Even the front of house staff snags a day here and there to feed everyone some spread of deliciousness they stirred all their love into.
When we decided family meal was something we wanted to always do, it was with a few things in mind. Connection- eating a meal with someone changes things. We're not strangers here. Food insecurity- you'd be surprised how many people came to work hungry or might not get a hot meal that day otherwise. And you'd likely be surprised at who it is carrying that weight around with them. Creativity and confidence- whether you're a chef that came from somewhere or you're still a student, if you're cooking at Dory, you're making family meal out of things you find around. Pressure's on. Because you're feeding the other cooks too, and they're not afraid to tell you if it was nasty.
We're grateful for the bowls full of conversation starters, the tears of gratitude over leftovers, the who made it better, and the meals brought from home. Feed your staff. Somewhere along the way it will feed your soul.
