Monty's name is actually Lawrence Hartle...Larry to most! I call him Monty because he is the only junior cook I know of that drives a sup'd up Monty Carlo. While living in Ontario I used to oogle my Chefs Monty Carlo...and here a lowly ole cook owns one..haha
Monty is an Alberta Boy!! Except he rarely says "You Betcha" or "For Sure"...fresh outta High School and not your typical teenager. He has a work ethic...and a love of food, which has led to us working together. He reminds me of myself a few years ago...just starting out in the business. Eager to learn...and no experience.
Larry came by his job in a funny way. The Chef was away on vacation and he showed up to ask if we were hiring...he was told we might be... Chef would be back in a few days and he could talk to him then. Well when Chef arrived back...here was this stranger in a white coat and beanie working away. "Did I hire this person??" Monty took it upon himself to just start showing up so that he could learn a few things...this is the kind of attitude and drive that get u hired immediately. He was hired on the spot!
Sometimes no experience is the best experience! You are then able to mold someone into the person you would like them to be. He was of the pliable type lol. Larry started out on the breakfast line...a fast paced lonely line (only one person works it usually) that builds speed instantly if you want to survive...and survive he did. When I arrived on the scene Larry had already been on the line part time on weekends while going to school. Once out of school he opt'd for full time Breakfast. He learned the line quickly and can probably kick my ass easily cookin the menu now...
He isn't much of a talker...you have to force a conversation with him. Slowly he is coming out of his shell (I've even seen him sticking up for himself now)...mind u I scare the crap out of most...I am the complete opposite...loud, brash, in your face... type A personality. When asked something cooking related he usually raises an eyebrow...turns completely red...and just stares at ya...this is when you realize that he doesn't have a freakin clue as to what you are talking about. This had to change...Monty needed the knowledge all cooks require. Luckily we work at the Sawridge and have such a great support system in place. Let the APPRENTICESHIP BEGIN...
