CHEF LIFE — tilit

Doug Darroch
The Professional Guide to Washing Chef Coats and Aprons

The Professional Guide to Washing Chef Coats and Aprons

Key Takeaways: Treat maintenance as a functional ritual; clean gear preserves fabric breathability and prevents heat exhaustion during peak service. Never use hot water for the initial rinse of protein stains (blood, dairy, egg), as heat denatures the proteins and bonds them to the fiber matrix. Shift from corrosive chlorine bleach to surfactant-heavy enzyme detergents and oxygen bleach to protect the tensile strength of your gear. Apply a post-shift triage—treating high-friction zones like collars and cuffs immediately after work to prevent grease from oxidizing into permanent yellow stains. You’re in the middle of a Saturday night rush when a splash...

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Blackberry Fennel Hand Pies: A Chef’s Guide to the Perfect Portable Dessert

Blackberry Fennel Hand Pies: A Chef’s Guide to the Perfect Portable Dessert

Key Takeaways This isn't a basic fruit tart; the Almond Flour shortcrust paired with a Fennel-Blackberry filling creates a sophisticated savory-sweet depth that cuts through the sugar. Reducing your berry filling to a syrup consistency is the non-negotiable secret to preventing a soggy bottom. High-quality frozen puff pastry is a legitimate industry hack for high-volume service when you are "in the weeds." Blackberry reduction is a permanent dye; always wear a heavy-duty apron to protect your whites during prep. In the heat of a dinner rush, dessert often becomes an afterthought for the brigade—until the adrenaline crashes and the sugar...

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Doug Darroch
Customize a Chef’s Coat

Various Ways to Customize a Chef’s Coat

A quality chef is of the key ingredients (pun intended) to a successful restaurant. Trained to add their own personal touch to dishes that leave a lasting impression on dinner guests and taste buds alike, why shouldn't their attire do just the same?  Designing a custom chef’s coat is an effective way to promote your restaurant, while establishing a heightened level of professionalism that customers can trust. Keep reading to discover different ways you can design a custom chef coat that kitchen staff will devour. Stay With Branding Rules were meant to be broken. When designing your new chef’s coat,...

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Doug Darroch
Help Your Restaurant Stand Out

How Custom Aprons Will Help Your Restaurant Stand Out

If you think aprons are outdated, you might want to think again… While necessary by function, these kitchen accessories have the power to take your restaurant's uniform game to the next level. Aside from the obvious sanitation and safety measures to help protect cooking staff,  replacing your plain aprons with new custom-designed ones can give your restaurant the aesthetic refresh you’ve been waiting for.  Here’s how investing in new custom aprons can help your restaurant stand out.  Showcase Your Logo When revamping your restaurant’s apparel, consider updating your logo. Rebranding with a more elevated look can help your business stand...

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