My email interview with Chef Drew

Hi Amber,

Here are my responses:

1) In your opinion do you need to attend Culinary school to be a professional chef?

Absolutely not. If you have the drive and passion to create great food, you don't necessarily need formal schooling. However, culinary school does provide a solid foundation on the fundamental skills of cooking that are very important.


2) What are some of the things that culinary school teaches you that could not be learned in on the job training?

On the job training a great way to develop multi-tasking skills, large volume prep skills and the ability to cook in a high volume kitchen. However some of the fundamentals of cooking, such as braising, knife skills, making quality stocks and sauces, and butchery, among others, can be gained in a learning environment more readily than some restaurant kitchens.


3)Is all the hard work and long hours worth it in the end?

If cooking delicious food and making people happy is your goal, then absolutely it's worth it. Nothing makes me happier than satisfying a group of people with a great meal.

4)what kind of attitude/personality do you think it takes to be a chef?

It takes determination, the ability to handle criticism (food is a very personal thing, and not everyone is going to love everything you make), creativity, imagination and more than anything, a desire to prepare the best food you possibly can.

5) In your opinion is becoming a Chef a career to have in today's society? due to the recession and the declining job market.

In today's job market there are plenty of career choices that are tough. Finding a chef position in today's economy can be difficult, but remember, there will never be a shortage of people looking to eat great food. Great food is never a fad, or a trend, or something that will go out of style. There will always be a need for creative chefs to satisfy appetites all over the world.

After attending culinary school and working in kitchens since I was 15 years old, I found myself taking an office job to make extra money. I was miserable, because I had a passion in me to cook. After a short-lived stint at office live I started a personal chef/catering business 2 years ago and have truly never been happier. If cooking is what you love to do, you have no choice to pursue that which makes you happy!


Regards,
Drew