Balut
A Dice Game. In the Philippines it is An Island, But also a name of a dish. A dish I saw in the kitchen where I worked.
One day, during the 5 months of the “Deterioration Period”, our Philippine lady-cook (“Jn”) asked me if she could bring in “Hard Boiled Duck eggs”. Even though I thought it was Ok, I said: “Yes, but I must be present when you bring it in. I must see it”. I learned afterwards that just for being “hard boiled”, it is likely to be not Kosher, Because if it was boiled (& we don’t know that) in a non-kosher pot, The egg become not kosher.
But the story turned worse. Which in a normal circumstances it should not have happened at all (See the “Deterioration Period”).
The next day “Jn” brought the eggs into the kitchen. I was there when she took 1 egg & started to pill it. I do remember, that by the other Chefs' & cooks’ face expressions, & from the way they spoke, I felt something is really wrong here. As I saw something black inside that egg, I Knew this item should leave the kitchen immediately.
I believed there was no intention to use it, in any way. But, In that event, where the Deterioration was so intense in its advance state, No one was trustworthy. They never were, But until June 2003 they had, at least, some respect. Only (“R”) the head chef was really Serious, Professional, Respectful & Honest. 1 of few people I was lucky to ever work with.
It is very important to say that “J” (the Executive Chef) was there. As a Learned Jew, She knew exactly what is going on, but chose to enjoy the show, and said nothing. Even when at the point I realized what I see, & insisted it will leave the kitchen immediately, “J” played naive (Acting could have been her best carrier). Unfortunately, & it is sad to say, the fact she is Jewish, contributed greatly to the Low level of Kashrus, in that place. I was always amazed how low we could go.
