Culinary Careers

The process of becoming a chef is like that of many trades, in which that you must first become an apprentice to move up the official ranks. While there are many restauranteurs and cooks, the titles of ‘chef’ and particularly ‘gourmet chef’ take on special importance and generally indicate a certain degree of professionalism and expertise that begins with certification from a culinary arts school.

What Does A Gourmet Chef Do?

What Is An Institutional Chef?

Grill cooks, otherwise known as short order cooks, prepare and cook a variety of foods that require only a short preparation time.

In America, production chefs may earn as little as $15 an hour to as much as $95,000 a year, most with benefits, depending on job locality, employer, experience and education. Still, if the passion is deeply rooted in the chef’s soul, money, or the lack thereof, will not deter the desire to feed and nurture that passion.

A specialist chef is usually a part of a larger team of cooks and other food preparers. The specialist chef’s particular duties will vary depending on the size of the restaurant staff. In a smaller kitchen, the specialist may be responsible for creating complete meals from start to finish, while in a larger restaurant, the specialist may focus on a particular food, such as meat or poultry, or a particular style of cooking, like Thai or French.

An executive chef is in charge of all food service operations. In addition, he/she may supervise the several kitchens of a hotel, restaurant group, or corporate dining operation.

A dietary cook works in a hospital or other healthcare establishment, such as a nursing home or hospice. Dietary cooks are specialists in food sciences and understand the different caloric and nutritional values of different foods.

Many restaurants, resorts and hotel establishments have added their own baking facilities, creating an overwhelming need for trained baking and pastry chefs throughout the nation. Consider creating your niche in the culinary industry by becoming a baking and pastry chef.