One of the most interesting and exciting career is that of a chef. Becoming a chef requires one to have an interest in cooking. One has to be inventive and creative to become successful in this career path. He must learn how to excite the palate and the eyes. A chef plans, creates and cooks food according to the desire of the customer. He is to make the menu and is tasked in pricing items. He also supervises the kitchen staff and makes sure that cleanliness is maintained. The purchase and inventory is a job of the chef as well. This is one career that requires one to get mentored and learn techniques from experts in the business. A chef needs to be excellent in customer service and communication. One must possess confidence and patience to learn or try new things.
How to become a Chef
The career path of a chef starts by taking an opportunity to work in restaurants or fast food chains. This doesn’t necessarily mean as a cook or an assistant, one may take on other non-cooking positions in the restaurant just to gain an experience. Enter training programs especially designed for aspiring chefs. There are also apprenticeship programs available in culinary schools or associations. There are also restaurants and hotels that provide training programs.
Chef Courses, training, programs
Training programs culinary arts include menu planning, making food portions, purchasing, food costing, food handling, food storage, use of kitchen equipments and tools, sanitation and public health. One also gains knowledge and skills on the different cooking techniques and food preparation strategies.
TOP 5 colleges/Universities
Institute of Culinary Education, New York
Texas Culinary Academy, Texas
California Culinary Academy-San Francisco, California
Culinary Institute at Hyde Park, New York
The School of Culinary Arts-Kendall College, Illinois
Chef Jobs, opportunities, salaries/pay
Becoming a well-known chef takes a lot of practice, experience and training. One can take on positions in various restaurants, hotels, and other food establishments. Owning one’s own business is another option for a chef. A chef may earn from $30,000 to $90,000 per year depending on his position, employer and location.