It’s been said that a good meal feeds the soul as well as the stomach, and for Carlos Morfin, one of the chefs behind the action stations in the Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego cafeteria, that sentiment drives everything he does on the job. While our clinical staff get lots of (well-deserved) recognition for their contributions to patient healing and family well-being, Food Services team members like Carlos play a major part as well, offering a friendly face and a comforting, nutritious meal when they’re needed the most. Plus, without Carlos and his colleagues’ cooking, those health care pros wouldn’t have the fuel to do their best work on the Hospital floor! Read on to learn more about this culinary master.
What is a day on the job like for you?
I start at 6 a.m. to prep and gather all of my ingredients for lunch. I cook all of the side dishes and marinate any meats. I then get everything ready before the cafeteria opens at 11 a.m. When all of my ingredients run out, I clean up the action station area and then start getting ready for the next day. Depending on what I am serving throughout the week, I may have to request certain items to be ordered. And then I go home for the day.
Food Services plays a very important role in helping patients and families feel at home during a Hospital stay, and in helping staff eat healthy meals while at work. What does that mean to you?
I feel a sense of satisfaction when I can contribute to making everyone feel at home and comfortable, especially while they may be going through a difficult time. With my cooking, I try to demonstrate gratitude to the staff for all of the things they do for the children.
What is your favorite thing about your job?
Getting to know staff and parents and cooking different food every day.
What inspired you to work at Rady Children’s?
I wanted to break the misconception that cafeteria food tastes bad. I also wanted to inspire people to try different foods.
What is your most popular dish you make at the Hospital?
Taco salad and the poke bowl.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to play video games, do some carpentry and look up new recipes.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you want to do there?
I would travel to France and try food from a Michelin-starred restaurant and take a cooking tour.
Imagine you could only eat one type of meal for the rest of your life: breakfast, lunch or dinner. Which would you pick?
Lunch, because you can have it together with family and friends. It also provides nourishment for most of the day.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m great at telling jokes.
Do you like to cook outside of work? If so, what are some of your favorite things to make?
Yes, I help with cooking at home. I like to make carne asada, fish tacos and fish fry.