New Orleans Food Questions And Comments

Fingers On Food; Where They've Been

Beth asks:
At a certain restaurant you recommend, the quality of the steak was great but I couldn't get past the fact that the guy at the grill put his fingers in his mouth no less than five times, all while continually touching the steaks as he cooked. My dinner companion explained that this more than likely happens at most restaurants but the kitchen is closed and you just can't see it. I replied by saying out of sight out of mind. If this place is going to seat people in front of the grill they need to speak with this guy about this problem. I personally will more than likely not return.

Tom sez:
Your friend is right. In most steak restaurants, the way cooks tell the doneness of the steaks is not with the meat thermometer but by touch. I was in one such kitchen where the cook licked his thumb before doing this--so, he told me, he wouldn't burn himself. Although the heat of the cooking kills all the germs that this introduces, I agree with you that it's gross. But I'll tell you what's worse. I've seen a certain chef of great repute licking his fingers constantly while assembling a COLD dish. Now THAT'S inexcusable.

I have a proposal for restaurant managers: videotape your cooks in service and make them watch the video. They may not even realize much of what they're doing.

Revised 3/10/08

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