Do you always have to a really really good cook to become a chef at a really great place?

Hi Taylor,

First of all, having a passion for cooking is absolutely the most important thing to have. If you don't enjoy what you're doing, you may become good at it, but you'll never truly be the best at what you do because your heart isn't in it. Think about the classes you're most interested in at school. Those are most likely the ones where you make the best grades, right?

While attending culinary school is important to learn the correct ways to do things, it isn't the most important thing and isn't necessary to become a great chef. I attended culinary school and didn't finish, but I now own my own business and am working as a private chef for a professional athlete now, and love my job.

My best advice to you is to practice, practice, practice. Volunteer to cook for family and friends. Read everything you can find on new cooking techniques, recipes, etc. Play in the kitchen with new ingredients. Ask lots of questions from people that are in the industry. Have fun with it and don't be afraid to mess up occasionally. The worst thing that can happen is you mess up the dish and have to throw it out. Take cooking classes when you can.

Sign up for cooking competitions. Some high schools offer culinary programs that will prepare you for a career and can offer opportunities for a full scholarship to a culinary school through cooking competitions, etc.

When you're old enough to get a job, apply for a position with a restaurant you're interested in working in. You may have to start somewhere like McDonalds but it will at least give you some experience in the kitchen. If you know a chef you admire, ask to intern at their restaurant. That way, you learn from the ground up, and will become a better chef over time.

I hope this is helpful. Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions. I wish you all the best!

Chef Sallie Lardy

Hello Taylor,

It is important to develop some skills as a cook in order to become a good chef.

Currently, there are very good courses for this. A good network also helps a lot to getting a job opportunity in a restaurant or professional kitchen.

Internship jobs or even volunteer work on community projects are excelent opportunities to garner experience and confidence in your professional activities.

Below is a link that can help you to first become a good cook:

http://www.wikihow.com/Be-a-Great-Cook

All the Best to you!!!