Kimberly a winner in tourism

Restaurant Employee of the Year 2011 is Kimberly McField of the Tropical Trader Restaurant Group. 

But the Stingray Award, while well-deserved, came as a surprise to the friendly Caymanian. 

“I was shocked, I had no idea,” she said. “Here I am the prep cook, which involves preparing food for the next day; cooking pastas, potatoes, mixing stuff and getting things all together. I know the menu very well in my head.” 

The chef came straight to the industry and has been working for four years, straight from school and she noted that it is has been good although it requires a great deal of concentration, particularly at busy times. She said that it was important to learn to be relaxed in order to remain focused. 

“I learn from the other chefs, learn new things on the menu and at this restaurant I learn for everyone,” she said. “Outside of work I like to stay at home and read a book or go walking or I’m often on my phone.” 

Future plans 

Although the award-winner said her current job suits her, one day she would love to run her own restaurant. 

“I would serve local food, like old-time Caymanian food, great local food for the customers. Growing up I loved watching people cook in the kitchen, I would help them so I could learn more,” said the ex-John Gray High School student. 

“We always get good comments about the food. Lots of people enjoy the breakfast at Cimboco,” said the 24-year old. 

As for the new generation coming through, Ms McField has plenty of good advice to pass on from her own experiences as a successful young Caymanian in the tourism industry. 

“My advice is to join in tourism and you can learn lots of different things – if you go in a working world in an office you can learn a lot about an office,” she said. “But if you work in tourism you can learn a lot of different things. It is a way to see how a lot of different people do things, like running the kitchen, getting good quality produce and more. I have learnt a lot and I enjoy it.”  

The Tropical Trader Group also includes Chicken Chicken and Breezes by the Bay.