The Philosophy of Cleaning on Your Hands and Knees
In the latest season of the TV show The Bear, viewers may have noticed Carmy and his staff cleaning the restaurant floors on their hands and knees each night. This seemingly unusual practice is actually rooted in a philosophy that emphasizes attention to detail and ultimately leads to a better end product for the customer.
FX / Via giphy.com
This method of cleaning creates discipline by fostering a mindset of attentiveness and responsibility in the kitchen. Knowing that you'll be scrubbing the floors on your hands and knees later encourages chefs to be more mindful of cleanliness during food preparation. This awareness translates into a more disciplined approach to cooking, as chefs are constantly reminded of the importance of maintaining a spotless environment.
Furthermore, the act of meticulously cleaning the floors can be seen as a form of discipline in itself. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a commitment to thoroughness. These qualities, once ingrained in the chef's routine, can extend to other aspects of their work, leading to greater precision and care in all tasks.
@madebymusashi / Via Instagram: @madebymusashi
The philosophy behind this cleaning method emphasizes a connection between the cleanliness of the floor and the quality of the food. By scrutinizing the floor for imperfections, chefs develop a heightened sensitivity to detail. This attentiveness then carries over to the plating and presentation of the food, as chefs are more likely to notice and correct even the smallest flaws. As Chef Musashi Osaki notes, this focus on meticulousness leads to "cleaner plates and a better product at the door
Osaki acknowledges that his method is uncommon, saying, "I don't really know another restaurant that does this besides one in Japan that I've heard of." However, he believes the practice "makes a lot of sense" and was happy to see it depicted in The Bear.
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