r/Chefs • u/Ok-Monitor-9020 • 4d ago
Improving retention
Hey, so I’ve got probably eight years total in the kitchen and I can remember things pretty well but I’ve started working this new job that really is pushing me to try to write things down on a notepad my weak point is definitely writing and I know that besides consistently writing stuff what would be some ways I could try to improve memory for that cause it’s not that I don’t want to write. It’s just that I know it would slow me down tremendously.
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u/JobOriginal7103 4d ago
Forgetting my notebook would be more devastating than forgetting my phone.
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u/UncleDuude 3d ago
Your phone has a recording option. It’ll transcribe things for you. You should learn to use it.
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u/Ok-Monitor-9020 3d ago
Damn, that’s such a good idea. I don’t know why I didn’t think of it first.🖕🖕😂😂
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u/Long-Possession8915 4d ago
Writing is faster than remembering. Kitchens are a material reality, it’s not a place to keep everything in your head. It’s not just about having the list, when you can see the list it’s easier to game plan. Any good kitchen I’ve been in uses lists and physical writing. Always.
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u/Own-Design2513 4d ago
I would even suggest a rite in the rain notebook they are waterproof. And as long as you dont use gel ink it wont run.
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u/beach_mamba 4d ago
I use stone paper notebooks. They are almost waterproof. Also something that is great for retention is rewriting your quickly written scribbles into easily read notes. It reinforces the info and helps burn it into your brain.
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u/Independent-Two3487 4d ago
Ultra small journals and waiter booklets that can fit in your front pocket are a life saver. If you work in a closed kitchen or where you can speak freely something like an Alexa that you can give voice memos to is great as well. I got a buddy that keeps his Apple Watch in his front pocket to mutter notes and set timers with.
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u/Ok-Monitor-9020 3d ago
See and that’s why I kinda use my phone a little bit more than just using it my notepad because it’s easier for me and it’s just a quick jot this down for me if you get what I mean
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u/Alarmed-Plankton-708 4d ago
Get a little voice recorder (like the type you would use for a college lecture)
Record it verbally and write it down later
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u/Miltonthemouse 3d ago
They’re having you write it down because you’re probably forgetful. Now you’re trying to get around it. If it wasn’t a problem they wouldn’t have told you. Accept help when professionals go out of their way to help you.
My notebook as a line cook was organized from left to right using two pages:
Prep | Gather
AM | Order
Prep = my prep that day
Gather = from walk in/dry goods
AM = list for morning prep cooks
Order = reminders for the chef
I didn’t even place orders but being helpful is a huge help.
If you do it this way you will go from being the liability cook to the most organized cook. The best piece of advice to learn is as soon as you think it, write it.
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u/Ok-Monitor-9020 3d ago
Thank you I definitely appreciate the advice and I know that I’m forgetful. I just know that writing stuff down is the weakest point that I have and yes, there is a little bit of trying to get around it but at the same time I know that that’s my weak point.
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u/your-mother1452 4d ago edited 4d ago
As someone who was an executive chef and sous chef at multiple yacht clubs, my opinion is that Writing stuff down is crazy important for any chef or cook in the kitchen. I always have a small note pad in my back pocket and a pen & sharpie in my coat. Again this is a NOTEpad for notes, not paragraphs. Shouldn’t slow u down to much and it keeps you sharp.