Blog posts from July, 2015

Anyone who has spent time in a restaurant or catering kitchen knows how hot it can get in there. Between multiple ovens and stove tops generating heat and hustling staff members, controlling sweating and chaffing is a challenge. Here’s a roundup of how some chefs control sweating in the kitchen.

H/t this Reddit thread.

Bandana tied around forehead

Photo source: chefworks.com

A chef staple to wick away sweat.

Apron in the freezer

An original idea from reddit user lintwarrior – who stores an apron in the freezer and switches into it after prep before service begins.

Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water and infused water to replenish electrolytes

Photo source: happyandraw.com

Airism shirts from Uniqlo

Photo source: uniqlo.com

Dries sweat quickly to maintain a smooth, dry and comfortable feel all day long.

Sweatbands on head and wrists

Photo source: thesocial.ca

Not just for ‘80s workout instructors any more.

Wear cooler clothes – chef pants and other clothes that breathe and are lighter fabrics

Dickies poplin pants or scrubs are good choices for looking professional and staying cool.

Frogg Toggs Chilly Pads around the neck

Just wet the towel and wring out to experience a cooling sensation for up to 4 hours.

Anti-chafing Creams

Such as freshballs.com or freshbreasts.com for the ladies – to keep chafing and sweating at bay.

Clear Chiavari chairs are a fantastic décor item as they naturally match any colour scheme required at a venue or wedding. Similar to white resin Chiavari chairs, they’re a versatile chair to have in your rental inventory due to their chameleon tendencies. We like to ensure our customers know exactly what they’re looking to purchase and because of this, often write blog posts on the problems other companies may face with products. It helps level-set expectations and allows for no surprises. Read on for the problems commonly faced with clear Chiavari chairs.

Not as strong as resin Chiavari chairs

This is due to the fact they don’t have a traditional steel core like our resin Chiavari chairs have. They also are made of a different kind of material – polycarbonate which gives the chair its clear look.

Chair has bubbles in it

While having bubbles in the chair doesn’t cause problems structurally, some consumers don’t favour the look of bubbles in the chair. We have had a few party rental customers indicate that some of the more selective bridal customer’s would rather go with a solid chair colour than the clear because the bubbles bug them. Again not a huge problem, but something to be aware of. Not everyone will like the chair, but the same can be said against a solid colour Chiavari.

Some clear chiavari chairs have a flat seat and squared off rails

Depending on the supplier, clear Chiavari chairs can have a flat seat and squared off rails instead of circular rails and a more traditional looking Chiavari seat. Brides that have grown up coveting Chiavari chairs tend to not like this style of Chiavari as it doesn’t have a true Chiavari chair design.

As one of the most prone industries to joint, muscle and back pain associated with the long hours of standing, line cooks, dishwashers, bussers and chefs need to have the best shoes possible. They need to be comfortable, while providing ample support for the long hours of standing while providing proper traction so no falls or slips occur. Here are the best kitchen shoes for restaurant staff as recommended by other chefs via this Reddit thread.

Crocs

Crocs Bistro clogs were made with foodservice and hospitality workers in mind. They feature slip-resistant tread, enclosed extra protective toe with thicker area across top of the foot for protection against spills, odor resistant and easy to clean. They come in women’s sizes from 6-12 and men’s sizes 4-12. No half sizes available.

According to Reddit user lernington they’re “cheap, comfy, non-slip, and you can run them through the dishwasher.”

Keen Service Shoes

Another shoe made with foodservice and hospitality in mind, they claim to have all-day comfort, non-slip sole, wipe clean for efficient care, and water resistant leather. The shoe features memory foam inside the shoe to cradle your foot. The men’s version comes in half sizes from 7-11.5 and then full sizes from 12-14. The women’s version comes in half sizes from 5 to 11.

According to a website review by kharvey “As a chef for 20+ years, this has been my GoTo for more than six years. Great comfort, great resistance to slip, and great look, too. I have very sensitive feet, and these shoes are so comfortable that I wear them EVERY DAY, even when not in the kitchen.”

Klogs

Klogs are flexible, comfortable shoes that are easy to put on and take off. The footbed provides soft cushioning and great arch support while being antimicrobial, odor-resistant and lightweight. They also are orthotic friendly allowing for complete removal of the footbed inserts. The soles are slip-resistant and shock absorbing. Klogs come in black and brown for men and black for women. Men’s features half sizes from 8-14 in medium width and half sizes from 9-14 in wide width.

According to Reddit user inoeth “I wear Klogs, which are decent kitchen shoes that'll last you just as long as your birkies for half the cost.”

Birkenstocks (or Birkies as commonly referred to on Reddit)

The users on Reddit didn’t specify which Birkenstock they wear, so I chose a birkie that has a covered toe for protection and safety. The professional line of Birkenstocks named the Profi Birki has a removable and moldable footbed that absorbs shock to keep you comfortable all hours of the day. It is a flexible, durable shoe that has a repairable sole and has arch support that curves to your unique foot shape. Sizes 35-48 are available in unisex sizing. You could also choose a traditional birkie clog such as this one with a wooden insole.

NSFW User review from Reddit User poepower “Birkies are fucking hell for about a month with that wooden insole. After they get adjusted to your feet holy shit its like walking on nothing.”

On this date in 1867, our great nation of Canada was born. We’re so proud to be a part of this great nation. National Event Supply will be closed today re-opening for business tomorrow Thursday July 2nd at 9AM ET. Happy Canada Day! / Bonne Fete du Canada!