People often ask “what are everyday mealtimes like for expeditioners?” Well — pretty much just like what you would have at home. Breakfast is from 07:00–08:00 and we provide a large range of breakfast cereals, fruit, homemade yoghurt, teas, coffees, juices and fresh bread, which is baked daily.
At 10:00 on workdays we have ‘Smoko’, which is often something pastry-based and often served warm or hot; like savoury cheese scrolls or pancakes or scones or sausage rolls. Once a week on Wednesdays, we have ‘Hot Smoko’ which is like a full English breakfast: eggs, bacon, sausages, hash browns, baked beans, toast — yum! It’s definitely a favourite meal on station.
Lunch is from 12:30–13:30 and is usually a hot soup, fresh breads and rolls, cold meats, cheese, and salads. We often have a hot dish at lunch as well, like pasta or risotto.
Dinner is after work from 18:00–19:00. During the week we usually provide a couple of hot choices, like a roast or steaks or a casserole or curry with a range of hot vegetables to accompany. Sometimes we make a hot pudding, and there is always ice cream.
Meals are eaten in the mess — a large common area with plenty of tables, chairs and windows which look over the bay and provide us with great views! Expeditioners help themselves from a hot and cold servery.
During the day, the chefs are helped in the kitchen by ‘Slushies’. Everyone on station is expected to help in the kitchen and all expeditioners are rostered on Slushy duty at some stage during their time here. After meals, everyone helps out with clearing up in the mess and washing their own plates and dishes.