Name: Manuel Medina
Title: Sous Chef
How long have you been with PJC? since 2001, the beginning of Pure Joy time
Describe your role with Pure Joy and how does your position make PJC a better company?
I help with all the prepping of food during the week at Pure Joy. Usually I work with the crew in the kitchen during the week and work as Head Chef at events on the weekends. I’m also our Mr. Fix It at Pure Joy. If it’s broken, I’ll fix it.
What’s your favorite part about working for Pure Joy?
I like everything. I really enjoy working stations. A pasta station, crepe stations…basically anything that includes interaction with the guests. When you work stations it’s sort of like putting a show on for the guests. It really makes people happy when they can watch you cook their food. And it’s fun for me because I get to provide a mini performance.
What’s your one moment of glory since you've been working for PJC?
I was working an event one hot summer day and the oven broke! It just wasn’t calibrating and I had tons of shrimp and chicken to cook for all the guests. Just because an oven goes out, that doesn’t mean the party is over, so I quickly got the grill out and ended up grilling everything to perfection. The party went on and nobody even noticed I panicked. That’s a good moment when you realize whatever comes your way, you’ve got it under control. Everything came together and the guests raved about the food.
What’s your favorite food that Pure Joy Catering has served?
I love our Chicken Provencal.
What kind of trends are you seeing for this upcoming Wedding Season?
People are using more simplified foods, there used to be a larger variety of foods but now people are simplifying their options.
What do you do for fun?
Salsa Dancing. Riding motorcycles. Did I mention I love salsa dancing? And I like to fix up cars.
What else do you want our readers to know about you? I’m quiet. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke. I love to be with my two daughters and I like healthy living and a family lifestyle. PJC is my second family and I treat them accordingly. Everyone has something nice to say about me because I try to do a good job. I’ve learned so much from working here. I’m in it for the long haul, I’ll stay late if I have to, I care about my job and I like to help others if they’re falling behind.
A Note From the Executive Chef;
Manny Medina is a man of rare quality, he has such integrity and heart. He is an outstanding chef who can do art with food, lead a crew to turn out 300 hot plates in less than 18 minutes with delicious, perfect, fresh cooked on-site food - out of a tent with no kitchen most of the time. Manny is a champion who exudes passion and honor and we are so fortunate to have him in the Pure Joy Family.