The last broadcast of Radio Wataha Live! was dedicated to Ania Lyjak and Aldona Flis-Urbanek. These are two Polish women who work at the Fortet Restaurant on a daily basis. They prepare there, among others: aesthetically looking and equally delicious cakes. At the beginning of the program you can see a chocolate cake with the so-called “shisha bar cream” and mascarpone cheese.
Difficult beginnings
Ania Lyjak came to Norway less than six years ago. The decision to emigrate was due to the desire to improve his economic situation. Currently he works as a Chef at the Fortet Restaurant. However, before reaching this position, she had to overcome many difficulties. Ania and her husband came to the Land of Fjords in January 2013. For the first 4 months, she could not find employment anywhere. Finally she went to NAV, where she met Mr. Knut. She told him about her difficulties. The official advised her to go to a restaurant in the Polish woman's place of residence and ask about internships. This is how she began her adventure with gastronomy.
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Road to succes
However, Ania Lyjak did not start cooking immediately. The first jobs she did were cleaning, waiting, and then she worked as a kitchen assistant. After two years, she has already become the Chef. Paradoxically, the Polish woman does not have any gastronomic education. In Poland, she obtained the title of an economist technician.
Working in the kitchen is their passion
For Ania Lyjak and Aldona Flis-Urbanek, working in gastronomy is a passion. As they say, in life it is worth doing things that are fun. Without it, there will be no success or tangible results. Additionally, Ania's example is the best proof that you do not need to have a profession when you come to Norway. Thanks to the instruments for activating the unemployed in NAV, in particular internships, each profession can be learned.
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Women have two different specializations. Ania specializes in cooking - especially Norwegian cuisine - while Aldona works in confectionery. This second Polish woman has been staying in Norway a little longer than the Chef of the Fortet Restaurant. She first came to this country 15 years ago to visit her father, who worked here at the time. During this time, she met her current husband. The decision to permanently emigrate was not made immediately. She matured into it gradually, but eventually she left Poland to Norway.
Cooperation between a Pole and a Norwegian
Both Polish women work in a restaurant run by a Norwegian woman - Gry Hagen. Ania Lyjak is positive about this form of international cooperation. As she claims - working with Norwegians is distinguished by the fact that the boundaries between the employee and the boss are usually blurred. It is mainly based on the principles of partnership and cooperation, as well as mutual assistance. The staff is also actively involved in the work on the offer. Together they determine what will be on the menu and mutually modify their own suggestions. They also discuss how the dishes are to be served to the guests.
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The restaurant is open to the Polish community
The Fortet Restaurant has many rooms where you can organize various events. All of them are equipped with the necessary equipment that allows you to conduct conferences. There is also a room for people who need it. The cost of renting a room is around 1500 NOK.
