I have formulated my first hour of the day.
Lack of Sleep + Stress + Sound of Fire Alarm going off + Last Inspection + 8:30 in the morning
= major headache.
We have the final Schedule C from our engineer, now I just need to run to the city to get permit to operate! To be quite honest, at this point, it hasn’t really hit me that we are going to be open in a few hours. I had some old friends come in to help with setup, Cameron (Joy Road Catering of Penticton) and J.C. (of Chow — coming soon). It was every bit of fun as I remembered it.
Our 1st table!
Mise en place went relatively smooth, considering it’s the 1st time we are setting up for customers. “Spameron” and “Jimmie C” did prep for me until the last moment and got changed to go sit down.
Now it’s time to serve…
The first time in our kitchen felt weird, like a first date. Excited and nervous, you are extra careful about not screwing up, but most importantly, you learn and observe. The 1st plate to the 1st ever table in Gastropod was to my neighbors Rob and Tom (of Fuel — coming soon). It was good to see all the people that help build the place come back to eat (without their tool belts). Most of them said that they felt like they were breaking up with me; they built it and now they have to leave it to me.
It was about 10:45 pm when I had my 1st glass of sparkling, and it was a taste I will never forget.
I just want to thank all the people that make Gastropod happen, those who build it with their hands, and also all my staff for doing such a good job on the 1st night.
First night over!
