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what does it take to be a cook/head chef

im am josh i am trying to go into culnary arts to become a cook so i can cook amazing food to make me and others happy #chef #cooking #culinary-arts

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Paul’s Answer

Josh, first thing I will tell you is if you can get a job in a kitchen (washing dishes is where we all start and still do), then do it. See if this is what you really want to do. Then I would start to look in your area to see if there are any high schools that have culinary programs and see about going there. This will give you the opportunity to finish high school and start your journey in learning about food and this will give you a foundation for employers to see that you're serious. Learn everything you can, do what the chef asks you to do, watch, learn, and also ask questions. Just remember, this is a physical, standing 10+ hours daily, could be putting away truck orders, sweeping and moping floor, cleaning walls, whatever it takes to keep the kitchen clean. job When they ask for a volunteer for something, say yes. They will see that you're serious and hopefully they will invest some time into developing you. (All these things I'm suggesting will help you standout from the crowd). If you go to culinary school, some people have this misconception that they are a chef when they graduate, you're not. You still have to get more practical experience as well and about the financials of the business. Just remember, this has to be the passion that you want to do everyday other wise you won't be happy.
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Aida’s Answer

I am not either a cook or a head chef. But, recently I am reading a book that is related to the question you are interested in.

This book name is “Setting the Table – the Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business”. The author is Danny Meyer who owns a chain of restaurants.

At the beginning of the book, he has descripted how he learnt to cook. If you could read his book, his stories may help you figure it out. On the other hand, my personal experience tells me as long as you have a passion and you will become whom ever you want to be.

Good luck!
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Thomas’s Answer

Hi Josh, I have been a chef for the last 20 years. Its a tough industry and requires a ton of sacrifice. Sacrifices include working all the holidays and weekeneds, very rarely eating dinner with your family (your family will have to make sacrifices too,) working 60 to 80 hours a week kn your feet the whole time, working with people who dont care as much as you do, not being recognized for your work, guest and customers that may complain and hate your food, the pay is not good.
But all that to say I wouldnt change a thing and I have been very fortunate to work with azmazing people, amazing chefs, and the hoslitality industry has been very kind to me. But I have sacridiced more than people know, you will need to decide if its worth it and if thes stuff I listed above about sacrifices is something you are willing to do. It wont be enough to cook to make people happy and yourself happy, what if it doesn't make others happy, it wont make you happy when people complain about your food or the people you train have a hard time executing what you trained them on. Can you make those sacrifices and convince those who work for and with you to do the same. So yeah its about sacrifice and how much you are willing to give up.

Ok hope that gives you perspective when and if you decide to become a chef.
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