A faded two-inch scar on my right forearm is a palpable reminder of my own dishwashing, table-waiting, pizza-baking initiation in a congested pub kitchen 50 years ago.  The hustle, the laughter, the exhaustion, and the stress, ultimately culminated each night somewhere between the ecstatic pride of a frenetic night of service well executed and a meltdown. I experienced it all. Decades later an eagerness to delve more deeply into the people and work behind the scenes emerged. 

 

Back of House is an exploration of the command center, the “heart” of an eatery. I sandwiched myself between chefs and line cooks, dishwashers and servers, always underfoot yet trying to stay clear of hot dishes and hectic work lanes. I observed the unrelenting pace, the often-constrained space, the occasionally cranky customers, the relationships among staff. Working back of house is a high stakes dance with multiple partners on a petite dance floor. Yet this is where the magic happens. My images invite you to experience an imaginary sensory encounter with your meal and the individuals who work tirelessly to create it before your server presents it to you so pleasingly plated. Will you accept the invitation?

 

I am immensely grateful to four diverse Boston kitchens that welcomed me to make photographs for this project: Comfort Kitchen in Dorchester, Deluxe Town Diner in Watertown, Hungry Nomads, a Boston-based food truck, and Mei Mei Dumplings in Boston. Their openness and enthusiasm made Back of House a reality.