Kitchen staffs and service staffs have symbiotic relationship. Not only both parties need to speak the same language, they need to respect each other. Yet, there are always newbies and idiots in every kitchen.

“Chef, can I get some cookies?” asked a newbie service staff.

“Ok. Wait.” Busy with orders, Chef gave a short, crisp answer.

After waiting for a while, the newbie felt neglected. Aha, there’s the cookie box. The newbie moves towards it.

“What the f*** are you doing? Who the hell do you think you are? F*** off!!”

Service staff should never enter the kitchen without permission (especially during service). Yes, you may know where things are stored. Yes, you may think that you are doing chef a favour by helping out. Yes, the customers out there is very fussy and can’t wait any longer.

No, no, no. Please learn to read the mind of Chef. “Ok. Wait” means “I get your order. I am busy. I will get it for you.” If you need something really urgent, say “express”. In Chef’s mind, the act of helping yourself with the cookie box means “You think I am deaf? You think this is a buffet? You think you can do a better job than me?

Ego aside, in fact, kitchen runs on precision and timing. Trespasser ruins the smooth flow. You may see the cookie box. You may not know which box to serve first. You may not notice a hot tray coming through on your way reaching the box. You may take and go without putting it back in place or worse, leaving an empty box without notifying the Chef that it needs replenishment.

Trespassers in kitchen are perceived as dangerous hazards. Chef is constantly working under high pressure. An uninvited intruder is just the easy target for Chef to let go all the stress. You may end up waiting longer just to listen to the Chef dumping all the F word to you, and the next time you want something else, some Chef will purposely delay and let you wait even longer. Remember, it is just that simple: when it is ready, chef/cook will pass it to you or ask you to pick up. Full stop.