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what does a regular day look like for culinary?
im looking to know what a day as a chef looks like.
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Robert’s Answer
Hi Tommy,
A day in the life in culinary changes day to day. In this atmosphere you really need to have your head on a swivel. Meaning that you need to know what is happening all around you at all times. This way you can monitor the environment around you.
Anyways, besides that, culinary trends change daily so you need to keep up with the market value of all items from vegetables to seafood, so you know you are going to receive the right quality and price.
A day in culinary may have you working from 12 to 16 hours a day depending on the situation and stay away from cruise ship positions. They are where you would work 18-hour days for 3 weeks straight it is brutal, as I know a chef who did so.
Anyways, I hope this helps, if you have any other questions let me know,
Retired Executive Chef Rob Mingus
A day in the life in culinary changes day to day. In this atmosphere you really need to have your head on a swivel. Meaning that you need to know what is happening all around you at all times. This way you can monitor the environment around you.
Anyways, besides that, culinary trends change daily so you need to keep up with the market value of all items from vegetables to seafood, so you know you are going to receive the right quality and price.
A day in culinary may have you working from 12 to 16 hours a day depending on the situation and stay away from cruise ship positions. They are where you would work 18-hour days for 3 weeks straight it is brutal, as I know a chef who did so.
Anyways, I hope this helps, if you have any other questions let me know,
Retired Executive Chef Rob Mingus
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
I have never worked as a chef, but I have several friends that have. It is fast paced work environment, long hours and non-traditional work hours (evenings, weekends, early mornings etc). Check you local area, if there is community college that offers a culinary program, see if you can visit or tour. If you are in school, ask your school counselor about job shadowing and reach out to a local restaurant, let them know you are interested in becoming a chef and ask if you can observe one day/evening.
Good Luck!
Good Luck!
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Robert’s Answer
You can expect longer days that are hopefully well organized by your chef. The idea is to be productive and efficient. Task after time become repetitive as you master them. If you are a line cook you will make the same dishes all day which is challenging but if you strive for perfection each dish is a reward when done right. Work hard and be willing to learn and accept criticism daily that will hone your craft. Get involved and be a sponge, learn about everything. Experiment and be respectful! Also this may sound strange but learn to read the room and know your place, you can share your knowledge as well no matter how simple it may seem someone else may learn from it!
Updated
Ronett’s Answer
The day-to-day activities of a chef can vary depending on the type of restaurant or establishment they work in. However, here is a general overview of what a typical day might look like for a chef:
Prep work: Chefs often arrive early in the morning to begin prep work. This can include tasks like chopping vegetables, preparing sauces and marinades, and cooking stocks and broths.
Cooking and service: As the day progresses, chefs will move into the main kitchen to start cooking dishes for service. This involves coordinating with other chefs and kitchen staff to ensure that each dish is prepared and served correctly and on time.
Menu planning: In addition to cooking, chefs also spend time planning menus, developing new recipes, and sourcing ingredients from local suppliers.
Training and development: To stay on top of their game, chefs often spend time training and developing their skills. This can include attending cooking classes, reading cookbooks, and experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.
Administrative tasks: In addition to cooking and menu planning, chefs also spend time on administrative tasks like managing inventory, ordering supplies, and scheduling staff.
Cleaning and maintenance: At the end of the day, chefs are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is cleaned and maintained properly. This involves tasks like washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and organizing supplies and equipment.
Overall, the life of a chef can be fast-paced and demanding, requiring a combination of culinary skills, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. But for those who are passionate about cooking and dedicated to their craft, it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.
Prep work: Chefs often arrive early in the morning to begin prep work. This can include tasks like chopping vegetables, preparing sauces and marinades, and cooking stocks and broths.
Cooking and service: As the day progresses, chefs will move into the main kitchen to start cooking dishes for service. This involves coordinating with other chefs and kitchen staff to ensure that each dish is prepared and served correctly and on time.
Menu planning: In addition to cooking, chefs also spend time planning menus, developing new recipes, and sourcing ingredients from local suppliers.
Training and development: To stay on top of their game, chefs often spend time training and developing their skills. This can include attending cooking classes, reading cookbooks, and experimenting with new techniques and ingredients.
Administrative tasks: In addition to cooking and menu planning, chefs also spend time on administrative tasks like managing inventory, ordering supplies, and scheduling staff.
Cleaning and maintenance: At the end of the day, chefs are responsible for ensuring that the kitchen is cleaned and maintained properly. This involves tasks like washing dishes, sanitizing surfaces, and organizing supplies and equipment.
Overall, the life of a chef can be fast-paced and demanding, requiring a combination of culinary skills, creativity, teamwork, and leadership. But for those who are passionate about cooking and dedicated to their craft, it can also be incredibly rewarding and fulfilling.