What is a Chef and what does it take to be one

Are you a chef or would like to become one? Well first off let's break down the word "chef." The word chef is derived from the French word "chef de cuisine" meaning someone who is the director or the head of the kitchen. Chef can get formal training from institution or get training from a experienced chef. Nowadays in most restaurants there can be from 3 up to as many 12 or more chefs in one kitchen. How is this possible? Well in my opinion, if your a professional cook with experience on your hands I don't see why you can't call yourself a chef. I know this can bring a lot of conflict to the chef world but it my opinion. Your job can be a line cook or prep but if your really in tune and good at what your doing and you've been doing for a while why not call yourself a chef. I'm not saying you should go out and work for like 3 months and proclaim this idea but what I'm trying to say is if your a master of your trade and your really love what your doing then go for it. It starts with an idea, then turning your idea into reality. If you call yourself a chef then start acting like like one, think like one, emerge yourself into "chefhood" then I dont see what's the problem. What I'm saying is similar to the laws of attraction. Say to yourself what you like to be and work hard on becoming what you would like to be and eventually it will be become second nature for you to be this particular thing. I believe in the positive side of this way of thinking and helping with your self esteem. I'm not to attach to the label of the word "chef", some people give it to much value and I honor that but I'm more attach to the idea and in which it can mold you into a better person. Giving you a purpose in life and a career if you choose this profession and getting a chance to work with good people who will become more like family and career that allows you to travel the world.

Now, what does it to take to be one? Well first off, its not a glamorous as you may see it on T.V, as those big chef with nice cars and fully loaded kitchens in there homes. You can get there in life if you work hard at it but reality is you get 60+ long hours a week of adrenaline, more doses of caffeine a human can handle, and a lot of sweat. But if your interested in becoming I would say start with kitchen prep. This allows you to understand what your doing, understanding how every dish is made and knowing what ingredients goes with a particular dish. Work on your motivation, determination, and will power and having the skill sets to do so. Skill sets can involve having knife skills, a strong mise en place, and the understanding of food. If your working on a dish, do some research on it. See the origins of the dish, how it's made, what goes in it and how you can maybe make it better. Then from here go to a line cook position so now you can play with fire and other kitchen equipments which allows you to bring your prep to life. From temperature to fire control, and understanding why and what should be cook at for a particular amount of time. From here just continue to work on your craft and have the patience to really appreciate your profession. Get involved with the local restaurant and ask question if you have any. I sure most would love to talk to you and help you get a better understanding of food and food choices. Hopefully this helps you in some kind of way and would love to hear about it from you. Leave me a comment and I'll do my best to reply and help you on your journey. Thanks agian for taking time out of your day to read this and wish you nothing but success and the best in life. -RichieBeChefin