John King
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Jan 06/06) - Seasoning dishes with the extra flare that makes a dining experience something to remember is what Justin Green does best.

A line cook at Traders Grill in the Explorer Hotel, Green cooks, prepares, and garnishes each and every dish ordered by customers.

"When an empty plate comes back, that's what I like to see the most," Green said.

The young upstart began is career in the kitchen as a dishwasher before being promoted to a prep cook.

By summer, Green was preparing and plating dishes - a term cooks use that describes the process of placing the ingredients of a dish on a serving plate.

"I worked my way up," Green said.

"The only pressure is the pressure I put on myself."

Executive Chef Michel Hivert, who was born and raised in France, gives his young hand nothing but praise for rising to the top.

"He's always in a good mood and really enjoys his work," Hivert said.

"Everybody working here comes from another part of the country, for example we have staff from Quebec, B.C., and Nova Scotia," Hivert said.

Green describes the kitchen as a fun place to work where hard work and dedication are rewarded.

"We share everything here and help one another, it's just an easy going atmosphere," Green said.

For breakfast and lunch rushes there are usually two line cooks who do all the cooking, says Green.

"If we expect a busy lunch we'll have three line cooks and two prep cooks in the back who usually cut and peel vegetables," Green said.

The cook's routine usually centres on getting ready for whatever is on the menu.

"I like cooking breakfast because it's the easiest. People seem to really like my omelettes," Green said.

The young chef hopes to one day take his Canadian Red Seal Certification.

"I would be able to work anywhere in Canada," Green said on obtaining his Red Seal.

Since starting as a line cook in the summer, Green has been offered several apprenticeships.

"I'm good for now," Green said when asked if he would be interested in taking up any of the job offers.

"Just knowing that I'm learning new things everyday is satisfying."