Banquet working at the Casino I hear ”Hey Jillie,” Chef would say with all sorts of innuendos. He was white-haired, old, tall, and missing some teeth. ”Your Fire-roasted meat is ready, honey.” Naturally shy and a private person, I had finally learned that Chef’s love to tease! ”You have the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.” He would yell across the kitchen and stare at me all the way out the kitchen door.
At 20, I would have scoffed. But at my age it was like shots of B-12. After having been hit sideways and falling. I had been afraid of change when Nick left. Because I had built my life around him. Yet, I was having the time of my life all through Culinary School and Banquet Serving. It did not matter whether old or too young. Everyone was up for fun!! And honestly, some of the best parts of Culinary is the flirting! It is an intimate environment making food and being part of a team. Everyone is in the same rhythm and same goal. You become family very fast. And a Chef isn’t a Chef if he doesnt cuss or flirt in the same breath at all the girls. And like all the male Chef’s I met. They had easy smiles, but also faded quickly.
I actually learned to flirt. I loved it! When it was just one other Bartender and me. We poured. And then a crowd would slow down. And we could talk. Some just wanted to talk about there age or college or parents or just to talk shit. And at almost every shift, I would get a big hug. And not often did I see the same person again.
The Casino was the only venue that forbade eating anything. And in our long dinner shifts, it seemed really unfair. We could drink pop. But no eating. No one really knew his name. We all just called him, Chef. ”Here”, he said in his best I like you voice.” He would hand me sliced scallops or prime rib in foil and told me to stand by the locker where no one could see me eat. So, having a Chef that liked you, paid off big time with treats.
One night he wanted to know if we could get together after work. A party was going on and I realized I had accepted way too many treats. ”You just wish,” I yelled at him. And waved goodbye. As I took off my apron and headed out the door. My shift over!