Understanding C-Folds and Terminology in “The Bear” Series

As season two of “The Bear” wrapped up and the trailer for season three was released, it became evident that Chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) would be pursuing Michelin stars in this new chapter of his restaurant. While the previously casual dining spot at the heart of the show has evolved into a fine dining experience that embraces chaotic cooking, the staff continues to serve up sandwiches from a side takeout window during the day, necessitating the stock of various essentials. Among these essentials are the C-folds that Natalie (Abby Elliott) is tasked with restocking several times in Season 3, Episode 7.

For those unfamiliar with the restaurant scene, the term C-fold may not be part of your everyday vocabulary. However, it simply refers to a common product: tri-folded paper towels. With two ends folded inward, these towels take the form of the letter C when unfolded and viewed from the side. Other typical folds for paper towels include V-fold and Z-fold, with the first being a straightforward half fold, while the latter features ends pressed outward in opposite directions. It’s conceivable that the restaurant in the show utilized C-folds for takeout, but in any commercial kitchen, they might serve multiple purposes, such as hand-drying or cleaning spills — just like you would use paper towels at home.

Since its launch, “The Bear” has showcased the fast-paced chaos often found in restaurant kitchens, while also highlighting kitchen slang for the audience. Viewers not acquainted with kitchen culture might find it easy to grasp common phrases such as “yes, Chef,” “behind,” and “heard,” but some terms may pose a challenge. For example, the phrase “in the weeds” is frequently heard in kitchens, but contrary to what it implies, it signifies falling behind on orders. It’s crucial for the kitchen to remain efficient when faced with numerous orders “all day,” which indicates that they need to be completed immediately.

Another potentially confusing expression is “dying on the pass.” Understanding that “the pass” refers to the expediting station clarifies that this phrase pertains to a dish that should have been served but is instead languishing on the station. And although one might assume that shouting “fire” in a kitchen would be problematic, it’s actually a standard way to signal the start of cooking for a particular dish.