Don't do it for the money because, except for a handful of celebrity restaurateurs and chefs, the earnings are absolutely average. An assistant chef from a small restaurant can earn up to $ 9-10 an hour in the United States, while a head chef in a large hotel can earn up to $ 125,000. I mean, just do it because you like to cook.
Steps
Step 1. Ask to work in your dream kitchen
Realize if this really is the life you want. Even a fast food experience would be fine. The most important thing is to get familiar with conditions, techniques, equipment, and culture.
Step 2. Experiment with your recipes at home
You can cook whatever you want and if you make a mess it doesn't matter.
Step 3. Know that there are two categories of chefs:
those who teach and those who do not teach. Those who teach are willing to share their knowledge, experience and expertise with any of their pupils who want to learn and delve into the subject. Those who do not demand absolute precision have absolute love for food. If you don't love him dispassionately, you can become a cook (which is fine), but not a chef. Not everyone can become a chef. You have to have a passion for food!
Step 4. Learn all about the food you like, but mostly about the food people are willing to pay for to eat it
It is good that you know, for example, organic food, from free-range farming, kosher, Kobe. If it's patisserie you're interested in, know that a souffle isn't just a bunch of hot air.
Step 5. Become confident with the knife
You don't need to know how to bone a chicken with the precision of a surgeon, but at least knowing that it starts with the thigh will help you a lot both in life and in the kitchen. Be aware that size doesn't matter because sometimes, a 5cm curved knife can bone faster than a knife with a 10 '' blade.
Step 6. Try to work in the food industry
In Europe, the job interview consists of a (free) trial day in a restaurant. In this way, you realize what they and they can do, what you can do. If you cook well, or if it was just written somewhere that it happens, you will be hired. Students usually learn through experience in the field, and when not paid, they should limit themselves to explaining their ideas and concepts, without leaving too much room for creativity and personal taste. However, even if creativity and individuality had their space, it is important to work with someone who is willing to support you in achieving your goals. Once you've mastered a skill set, you'll be able to go to work for a demanding tyrant (see Gordon Ramsey).
Step 7. Buy or borrow cookbooks such as Anthony Bourdain's Kitchen confidential, The professional chef of the Culinary Institute of America, and Becoming a chef from Dorenburg and Page
The professional chef is an indispensable reference to have in your library.
Step 8. Know that you have several options:
- Attend a cooking school. Since the bulk of the culinary art derives from the French tradition, a practical basic course in French cuisine is an option to consider.
- Do an internship. With the help of the school or an employment center you could find a paid job in a restaurant. Always choose the rooms that put hygiene (yours and theirs) in the foreground.
Advice
- Eat out! Cooking in a restaurant is not at all like cooking at home. In addition, there is a lot of information and interesting ideas about the menus.
- You must have a detailed plan on how you intend to become a chef.
- Check if there are culinary addresses in the professional high schools in your area. More and more schools offer evening courses to obtain diplomas and even degrees in gastronomy.
- Be nice to everyone. The dishwasher and the customers you meet today could open the very latest fusion restaurant of the moment tomorrow.
- Read the chapter of the American Culinary Federation regarding your area.
Warnings
- Do your best.
- Choose the right people.
- Cutting is inevitable. Be careful when using the knife. It is easier to cut yourself when you are comfortable with the knife because you have more self-confidence. Be careful and make sure these fingertip cuts don't cost you a whole finger.
- Getting burned is inevitable. Be careful. Always start from the assumption that everything is hot in the kitchen. Keep your ears wide open and make sure that when you move around the kitchen, whoever is from behind and does not see you pass, notices your presence.
- Always wash your hands. Even if you are told not to, just do it
- Working in a kitchen is tough, especially if you're not the chef. At first, be prepared to be constantly scolded.
