With the countless cooking TV shows plaguing our screens in 2013, you’d think becoming a chef was as easy as whacking on an apron and a flouncy hat, fashioning oddly-paired ingredients into something palatable and releasing a cook book.
If you are one of those home cook who is tantalised by the rock star status that awaits once you unleash your culinary gift on the hungry masses, Elton is here to give us a reality check. Becoming a chef is a hard, long road and not at all glamorous.
If you are one of those home cook who is tantalised by the rock star status that awaits once you unleash your culinary gift on the hungry masses, Elton is here to give us a reality check. Becoming a chef is a hard, long road and not at all glamorous.
So how does one go from an kitchen minion to an executive chef calling the shots? We asked Elton the 10 things aspiring chefs should know before they get in the kitchen.
There’s no such thing as a 40 hour week and weekends off
When you first get into kitchens your days off are like gold- they are so precious and all you want to do is spend you cash. Count on working long, hard hours on your feet as a kitchen underling
When you first get into kitchens your days off are like gold- they are so precious and all you want to do is spend you cash. Count on working long, hard hours on your feet as a kitchen underling
The pay is crap.
Prepare to be broke for the first few years of your career. But you’ll work 60-80 hour weeks.
Prepare to be broke for the first few years of your career. But you’ll work 60-80 hour weeks.
Your social life is destroyed.
You miss weddings, birthdays and sometimes even Christmas. Your friends will stop inviting you out after you’ve said ‘no’ to them too many times in the past because of work commitments - it’s a sad reality!
You miss weddings, birthdays and sometimes even Christmas. Your friends will stop inviting you out after you’ve said ‘no’ to them too many times in the past because of work commitments - it’s a sad reality!
You will probably get yelled at. A lot.
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Kitchens are tough. The majority of apprentices will not make it past their first year. You will work for a chef that has been abused and battered for their whole career and when they finally reach the top, they may get some of their own back on their staff. You need to be strong. Perseverance and determination does pay off in the long run
It’s not all rainbows and butterflies. Kitchens are tough. The majority of apprentices will not make it past their first year. You will work for a chef that has been abused and battered for their whole career and when they finally reach the top, they may get some of their own back on their staff. You need to be strong. Perseverance and determination does pay off in the long run
You will become nocturnal
You work unsociable hours and you become like a vampire. You’re out at night and sleep all day. You end up spending a lot of social time with your workmates.
You work unsociable hours and you become like a vampire. You’re out at night and sleep all day. You end up spending a lot of social time with your workmates.
Alcohol will become a big part of your life
Especially beer- there’s nothing like a cold one after a hectic service.
Especially beer- there’s nothing like a cold one after a hectic service.
You will learn to swear in about 12 different languages
Kitchens all over the world are full of travellers, foreigners, students and many different nationalities. Also, be prepared to meet the most unusual and intriguing people ever in the hospitality industry. People tell you stories about their lives that you would never expect from them!
Kitchens all over the world are full of travellers, foreigners, students and many different nationalities. Also, be prepared to meet the most unusual and intriguing people ever in the hospitality industry. People tell you stories about their lives that you would never expect from them!
Learn to get used to sweating
A kitchen is a really, really hot place to work.
A kitchen is a really, really hot place to work.
Learn to get used to cuts and burns
These are a normal occurrence as a chef - part of the job. On quiet nights you’ll gather around and tell stories about your injuries- it’s like old wars stories.
These are a normal occurrence as a chef - part of the job. On quiet nights you’ll gather around and tell stories about your injuries- it’s like old wars stories.
You will become multi-talented
Becoming a chef isn’t just about whipping up delicious meals. You will deal with kitchen management, scheduling, menu planning, food ordering and hiring, firing and training of staff
Becoming a chef isn’t just about whipping up delicious meals. You will deal with kitchen management, scheduling, menu planning, food ordering and hiring, firing and training of staff
Your sperm might start swimming backwards.
There’s an old myth that a lot of male chefs become sterile because of the heat in the kitchens, with most ovens being around groin height. I’ve heard of a few stories where this has occurred, but when a bloke comes in and announces his Mrs is pregnant, then there are cheers and high-fives all ‘round. Worth noting, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
There’s an old myth that a lot of male chefs become sterile because of the heat in the kitchens, with most ovens being around groin height. I’ve heard of a few stories where this has occurred, but when a bloke comes in and announces his Mrs is pregnant, then there are cheers and high-fives all ‘round. Worth noting, there is no scientific evidence to back this up.
It’s a difficult job but the rewards are great.
Being a chef is often thankless, but if and when you hit your strides and start to produce delicious dishes that are being enjoyed by guests, that’s rewarding enough for me.
Being a chef is often thankless, but if and when you hit your strides and start to produce delicious dishes that are being enjoyed by guests, that’s rewarding enough for me.
It may be an iconic watering hole for those who like a ice cold pint, but Elton is determined to put The Tilbury on the map as a top food destination, with fresh approach to modern classics with premium seasonal produce
Resource:au.be.yahoo.com
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