Become a Chef

How to Become a Saucier Chef

When diners enjoy a meal, they generally pay compliments to the head chef. Many are not aware that the flavors of a dish are, in part, decided by the saucier chef. A master of spice blends, the saucier chef is in charge of making the sauces, gravy and soups that make dishes delectable.

Duties of a Saucier

As the title suggests, the saucier is charged with the task of creating a variety of sauces. These are sauces served with dishes prepared by other chefs. Sauces can accompany appetizers, entrees and even desserts. This person reports to the Chef de cuisine.

A saucier should also know how to prepare stocks, broths and soups. Some establishments require the saucier to cook stews and pasta dishes for diners. You should also be able to sauté ingredients for the head chef and make sauces from the flavor left over in pan.

As a member of the kitchen brigade, a saucier is expected to adhere to the rules of their employer. This means upholding food safety regulations, keeping workstations clean and taking part in menu planning.

Saucier Training Requirements

A high school diploma or equivalent is the basic education requirement. While some aspiring saucier chefs prefer looking for work immediately afterwards, others choose to advance education with a Bachelor’s or Associate degree at a culinary school.
Obtaining a degree in the culinary arts does provide an advantage. However, hands-on kitchen experience is also valuable. It is therefore advisable to obtain both education and practical experience to increase your chances of being employed by a reputable establishment.

Qualities of a Good Saucier

In addition to education and experience, you must be able to work well with others. Teamwork is the cornerstone of a productive kitchen, which is why listening skills and a collaborative spirit are recommended.

A discerning palate is also essential. Because sauces are made from a variety of spices, herbs and ingredients, you must be able to detect and balance different flavors. Needless to say, creativity is another quality you need to have. Reputable restaurants are looking for someone who can add something new and fresh to their menu on a regular basis.

Being a saucier is a physically demanding occupation. You should be able to stay on your feet for the entire duration of a shift. Depending on the employer, shifts can be extended on busy nights and weekends. This is why physical and mental stamina is important.

Saucier Salary and Job Opportunities

Saucier salaries range between $20 000 and $40 000 per annum depending on the type, location and reputation of the employer. You can earn much more if you keep furthering your education in and outside of the kitchen.
Some saucier chef also venture into business. It is not uncommon for a saucier to create sauces and spice blends for retail. Some compose cookbooks for additional income and others extend their training to become head chefs. Because saucier chefs work so closely with executive chefs, the job market for this professional is very promising.

How to Become the Chef de Cuisine

Whether you know them as head chefs or executive chefs, the chef de Cuisine is the leader of the brigade. He or she is the individual that everyone in the kitchen takes instructions from and answers to. Responsible for everything from the menu to management, this chef is the captain of the proverbial ship.

Duties of the Chef de Cuisine

Translated, the French title means “head of the kitchen”. As the most senior staff member, the chef de cuisine oversees all aspects of the workplace and keeps staff on their toes. If all goes well, compliments go the chef. If anything goes wrong, this leader bears all responsibility.

Menu Creation

Almost every restaurant menu is the brainchild of the executive chef. He or she decides on the types of dishes that customers will choose from. The chef de cuisine is free to create meals as they see fit, provided the items keep with a restaurant’s theme and brand.

Menus need to be planned in advance. The head chef can ask for suggestions from the establishment owner and other staff members but most recipes should already be prepared. It takes time to find the right blend of flavors and to come up with unique dishes.

Staff Management

The chef de cuisine has the challenging task of leading and managing all kitchen staff. Ideally, chefs should know how to do everyone’s job in order to offer guidance and direction. In addition to training and instructing apprentices, chefs must supervise different stations to ensure that orders are executed perfectly.

Kitchen Maintenance

The executive chef should also stay on top of the kitchen’s cleaning staff. Food safety and sanitation violations are serious offences with potentially dangerous consequences. As the leader of the pack, you must check food items regularly, update the inventory, make sure equipment is cleaned, workstations are spotless and floors are dry.

Cost Control

A large portion of a food establishment’s budget is allocated to purchasing supplies. To keep costs low, the chef de cuisine needs to assess the use of ingredients and moderate serving sizes. There should also be a good waste management plan to dispose of leftovers.

Chef de Cuisine Training Requirements

The minimal level of education a head chef can obtain is a culinary arts degree or certificate. Chefs also need to be certified by the American Culinary Federation. 3 years of work experience is the requirement for certification.

After qualifying as a professional chef, the aspiring chef de cuisine needs to work for at least 7 years as a sous or supervising chef. This is to ensure that he or she is able to manage a team. If you are wondering what the difference is between an executive chef and chef de cuisine, this forum is a good resource.

Qualities of a Good Chef de Cuisine

While leadership is an important trait in a head chef, it would be challenging to supervise others without the relevant expertise. A willingness to learn more is therefore a more vital quality. The more you know about the trade, the easier it will be to teach and lead others.

Chef de Cuisine Salary and Job Opportunities

Thanks to televised cooking competitions and the growing popularity of upmarket restaurants, the job market holds many possibilities for aspiring chefs. The median salary estimate is $42 000. However, chefs who venture into restaurant ownership and product creation earn six-figure salaries.

How to Become an Apprentice Chef

An apprentice is someone who learns the tricks of the trade under the leadership of a professional. In the culinary world, an apprentice chef learns from a seasoned chef everything required to run a productive, successful kitchen.

Duties of an Apprentice Chef

The apprentice chef is both assistant and student. As an assistant, he or she makes life easier for the head chef by making sure the kitchen is well-prepped. This involves keeping stations clean, mopping up spills, monitoring freshness of foods, testing cooking apparatus and preparing utensils.

As a student, the apprentice chef learns and executes recipes given by the sous or head chef. You may be given specific instructions on how to prepare specific meals or asked to create some of your own. The apprentice needs to show initiative, creativity and curiosity if he or she intends to become the head chef one day.

Apprentice Chef Training Requirements

Education and training is paramount in this profession. Candidates need to have obtained formal qualification in kitchen basics. You should know kitchen procedures well, be able to operate cooking equipment and be familiar with food safety standards.

This education is offered in culinary institutes across the country. Alternatively, you can attend a community college or find relevant courses at vocational schools. Keep in mind that the more extensive the program is, the higher the chances of securing a well-paying post.

Becoming an apprentice chef is a good career move for students who are either about to or have just graduated from culinary school. The number of apprenticeships is increasing. Find out if schools offer such programs before applying.

On top of receiving education prior to becoming an apprentice, you will also get plenty of on-the-job training from your supervisor. Apprenticeships not only teach culinary skills but also provide leadership training for future head chefs.

Good Qualities of an Apprentice Chef

It is important for apprentice chefs to be highly motivated. Maintaining a kitchen is very hard work and can be demanding in many ways. A strong passion for the culinary arts is required. You need to be passionate enough about food to withstand the stress, pressure and long hours that come with the job.

A good apprentice also knows when to be proactive and when to be submissive to authority. To get ahead in the industry, you need to display some creativity and an ability to command respect from others. At the same time, you must be able to follow instructions without second-guessing your mentor.

Being detail-oriented is a valuable personality trait. Making sure dishes are flawless before they leave the kitchen ensures customers a quality experience. Cleanliness also requires attention to detail and can help you create a productive environment for your leader and team.

Apprentice Chef Salary and Job Opportunities

Becoming a chef in this age is a lucrative career move. The industry is on the up and up, with job opportunities estimated to increase by 6%. With salaries ranging from $22 000 to $32 000, apprenticeships are an excellent way to learn while you earn.

How to Become a Corporate Chef

One of the most sought after jobs in the culinary industry is that of a corporate chef. These chefs are well-compensated for the variety of skills they bring to an establishment. Chef, inspector and brand manager in one, the corporate chef is a leader of a dynamic industry.

Duties of a Corporate Chef

With a higher salary comes plenty of responsibilities. The corporate chef juggles various duties on a day-to-day basis to ensure restaurants are functioning at their best. Chefs also have responsibilities outside of the kitchen that involve brand managing and budget planning.

Kitchen Duties

Corporate chefs supervise kitchen staff. They are put in charge of making sure that restaurant chains live up to set standards. From monitoring the cleanliness of a kitchen to resolving staff conflicts, these chefs work hard to promote synergy, safety and productivity of kitchens.

Budget Planning

For an eatery to be profitable, expenses need to minimized as much as possible without compromising quality. It is the job of a corporate chef to look for ways of cutting costs. This can be done by finding cheaper suppliers, recruiting quality staff and using creative, cost-effective advertising.

Brand Managing

In addition to managing staff and financial resources, corporate chefs need to ensure the restaurant brand is upheld. Menus need to be updated to keep up with trends, marketing needs to be targeted at the right audience and restaurants need to communicate the same brand image.

Promotional Events

Now and then, corporate chefs organize and host events to promote restaurants. Events include food tastings, cooking contests and specials. This is especially important if a brand wants to reinvest itself, launch a product or attract a new market.

Innovation

The purpose of managing a brand is to increase profit and encourage commercial growth. The corporate chef should keep the bottom line in mind daily and collaborate with the marketing team to increase revenue.

Corporate Chef Training Requirements

Corporate chefs need to know how to run a kitchen, which is why most are executive chefs. Extensive culinary training and experience are pre-requisites for this post. Many chefs hold a Bachelor’s or Associate degree from an accredited culinary institute.

In order to manage a brand, chefs also need a certificate or degree in marketing, advertising or related discipline. Knowing how to communicate brand messages through different media platforms is essential for capturing the right target market.

Qualities of a Good Corporate Chefs

Coordinating staff members and efforts takes leadership. Aspiring corporate chefs should be able to exert authority when needed and be approachable if staff members need assistance. He or she also needs to be a creative thinker, doing all that it takes to make sure the brand is well-positioned in the market.

Corporate Chef Salary and Requirements

As a corporate chef, you can earn between $42 000 and $72 000 per annum. Salary increases with the scope of responsibility and expertise. It also depends on the number and success of restaurants in a chain. The more establishments a chef supervises, the higher the compensation.

How to Become a Dietary Cook

As the world becomes more health-conscious, the demand for dietary cooks is steadily rising. A dietary cook is not only a culinary expert but a nutrition specialist as well. With extensive knowledge of how food affects the body, the dietary cook whips up delicious meals that benefit health.

Duties of a Dietary Cook

The primary responsibility of a dietary cook is to prepare meals with health in mind. These professionals create nutritious dishes for patients and healthy people alike. In essence, dietary cooks use food as a natural medicine for the body.

Because nutrition takes top priority in this profession, the cook needs to have extensive knowledge about vitamins and minerals, as well as fatty acids, protein and other nutrients. Cooks also need to be familiar with Recommended Daily Intake guidelines as put forward by the National Academy of Sciences.

When preparing meals, cooks need to balance nutrition with flavor. Because many people find healthy foods bland, it is the cook’s responsibility to make meals more pleasant to the palate. This means playing around with different flavors to enhance taste and improving the presentation of dishes.

Cooking is not the only duty of a dietary chef. Like all culinary professionals, he or she needs to clean and maintain the kitchen according to safety and sanitation regulations. This means keeping stations, floors and storage facilities spotless. Cooks are also expected to monitor and restock with fresh supplies.

Dietary Cook Training Requirements

Because the job entails focusing on more than just taste, aspiring dietary cooks need both culinary training and nutrition education. As a professional cook, you must be able to create creative, tasty dishes for diners.

As a nutrition expert, it is up to the cook to prepare meals that contain the right nutrients and calories in the right quantities. Health care centers often provide precise recipes that should be followed to safeguard the health of patients. In some cases, physicians can prescribe specific foods that should be incorporated into a patient’s daily diet.

In addition to cooking and nutritional training, cooks need to obtain certification in food handling, sanitation and other industry requirements. Candidates can either apply for a 2 or 4 year degree that encompasses all the necessary subjects or take a series of short courses at vocational schools to receive different qualifications.

Practical training is crucial in this business. Before seeking employment in health care establishments, trainees should acquire practical skills through internships and apprenticeships available.

Qualities of a Good Dietary Cook

Precision is a trait a dietary cook cannot do without. With a job where quantities and calories are everything, it pays to be detail-oriented. Cooks should get into the habit of re-checking food items because an error can affect the health of a patient in a big way.

Dietary Cook Salary and Job Opportunities

Traditionally, dietary cooks work in establishments that offer health care services like hospitals, homes and hospices. These days, cooks are hired by a variety of employers and even personally by athletes, performers and other individuals whose occupations rely on maintaining good health.

Cooks who are just starting out can earn $10 000 to $20 000 yearly. However, most move on to managerial posts that pay an average of $36 000 per annum. Cooks can also become personal chefs for wealthy clients to boost earning potential.

How to Become a Personal Chef

If you enjoy job versatility, becoming a personal chef might be the best option for you. Personal chefs work for individual clients, most of whom are families who do not have the time or capacity to prepare meals daily. With a little more training and networking, you might just become a personal chef to the stars.

Personal vs. Private Chef

It is important not to confuse personal chefs with private chefs. A personal chef is one who works with a variety of clients. A private chef, on the other hand, usually works for a single client and may live on the premises or commute to the home on a daily basis.

Duties of a Personal Chef

The role of a personal chef depends on the needs of individual clients. Some employers require a chef to cook meals every day on request. Others may hire a cook to create a special menu for a specific period of time. Athletes, for instance, might ask a cook to design a diet that helps them prepare for a tournament.

Regardless of the client’s needs, a personal chef must have exceptional cooking skills. He or she should be familiar with a range of flavors and ingredients to create customized menus. Extensive knowledge of nutrition is also essential when catering for health-conscious clients.

In addition to cooking, chefs must adhere to food safety and handling practices. A home kitchen should be kept just as clean and sanitary as one in a restaurant. The refrigerator should be stocked with fresh items and these should be packaged and labelled appropriately.

Personal Chef Training Requirements

Although formal training is not required, getting a degree or certificate in the culinary arts is highly advised. Education exposes you to different culinary techniques and cuisines. Training makes you more efficient, creative and versatile.

After graduation, you can either market chef services yourself or join a placement agency. Many clients and agencies have strict selection processes. They prefer formally trained candidates with work experience. To better your chances of being employed, start with an internship, apprenticeship or entry-level job first.

Qualities of a Good Personal Chef

A good personal chef is attentive to the needs and preferences of clients. Because most people are particular about what they eat, it is up to the chef to listen to what the employer wants and craft menus accordingly.

Good chefs are also professional. They are always punctual and presentable. You must arrive for work or appointments on time and be dressed appropriately for the job. Be respectful towards employers and do not invade their privacy.

Communication is vital to maintaining good relationships with clients. As a chef, you must refine your listening skills and follow up with questions to avoid confusion. You should also ask clients for feedback from time to time to find out how you can improve their experience.

Personal Chef Salary and Job Opportunities

Personal chefs can earn between $23,000 and $42,000 depending on the number of clients. Some employers pay more than others because they have larger families or have specific dietary requirements.

Sous Chef Job Description

The sous chef job description is a lengthy one. This is because sous chefs are second to the executive or head chef. Second in command, they are required to oversee almost every aspect of a commercial kitchen. Being a sous chef is a privileged position. Not only do you learn directly from the highest authority, you also have the opportunity to lead and train juniors as well.

What is the Sous Chef Job Description?

The sous chef job description can be divided in two: assisting the head chef and leading junior staff. As the French term “sous” implies, this chef works under the head chef. He or she acts as an assistant, charged with tasks the head chef needs help with. Duties can include creating reports, adding creative input to the menu, managing inventory, and of course, cooking.

The leadership part of the sous chef job description involves training other staff members and enforcing discipline. Sous chefs are also responsible for making sure cleanliness and food safety regulations are adhered to. Some employers require sous chef to work out schedules for employees, and even produce programs that provide staff incentives. Between daily admin duties and supervising staff, the sous chef is definitely a valuable member of personnel in the kitchen.

Sous Chef Education and Training

Because the sous chef must have superior cooking ability, he or she needs to receive training in a variety of cuisines. Theoretical knowledge combined with practical experience is required to qualify for the position. It is important to note that it is very rare for a new graduate to land this job. Chefs usually have to acquire years of experience before being promoted to sous position.

Culinary courses are offered by many institutes, hospitality schools and colleges. To boost career prospects, it is advisable to enroll at an accredited institution. Whichever school you prefer, take time to research its curriculum and more importantly, its reputation with employers. Although it can be difficult to get into the top 10 culinary schools in the world, you can still earn a good qualification from a reputable, local one.

Career Prospects for Sous Chefs

You can tell from the sous chef job description that they play a pivotal role in the kitchen. This is why many chefs of this caliber earn more than their counterparts. Salaries, as well as the sous chef job description, vary greatly from employer to employer. Establishments in need of sous chefs include restaurants, casinos, hotels and cruise ships.

One of the biggest benefits of being a sous chef is having the opportunity to become executive chef. Many sous chefs end up taking over the position of head chef. This, however, is not guaranteed. It is through a display of leadership, cooking and managerial skills that promotions are granted. To increase chances of success, try to stay abreast with cooking methods and trends to stay innovate and relevant.

Commercial kitchens around the world offer great positions for experienced cooks looking to become sous chefs. While the sous chef job description is demanding, it can be just as rewarding. Working under the executive chef is an ideal opportunity to learn from the best and prepare to head your own kitchen in future. It is also a chance to hone leadership skills and pass on expertise to the next generation of chefs.

How to become a chef

With more cooking shows on television than ever before, more food enthusiasts want to learn how to become a chef. Being a chef is a full-time profession that requires an insatiable appetite for cooking. In addition to passion, you also need adequate education and training. With so many cuisines to master, there has never been a better time to join this exciting field.

Chef Education and Training

Before you can learn how to become a chef, you need to have a certain hunger for cooking. It is a demanding occupation, and your interest should go beyond seeing it as a hobby. Professional kitchens are often fast-paced and stressful places. Aspiring chefs, therefore, need to work well under pressure, be communicative and be capable of multitasking.

Enrolling in Culinary Schools

The best place to formally learn how to become a chef is a culinary school. There are hundreds of institutions around the globe with varying admission requirements and curriculums. Some of the top culinary schools in the world include The Culinary Institute of America, French Culinary Institute and Le Cordon Bleu. If you are looking for a school closer to home, search your directory for local institutes. Before enrolling, be sure to review the curriculum to see if the school offers the courses you need.

Choosing a Specialty

Although some schools offer general cooking programs, others can help you focus on the cuisine or area that you prefer. From American Southern cuisine to Thai dishes, training how to become a chef can be generalized or specific. If you are interested in a particular cuisine, it is best to apply for a place at specialty schools.

Accredited Culinary Courses

The chances of landing a job after your studies depend on your talent, skill and the quality of education. Accredited institutes are more likely to offer qualifications that are widely recognized in the food industry. If a school is accredited, it should be listed in a national accreditation database. Before applying, check if your training provider has been accredited.

Theory, Practice and Apprenticeships

Courses that train you how to become a chef should include both practical and theoretical work. A telltale sign of a good school is the availability of kitchen facilities. Being able to practice in a professional kitchen hones your skills and gives you a realistic perspective of your future career. Theoretical classroom training should cover health and food safety subjects like kitchen sanitation, food contamination and industry safety regulations.

While studying how to become a chef, do not wait until you’ve completed your studies to look for internships and apprenticeships. These post-graduate opportunities give you the chance to learn directly from industry professionals and provide a great networking environment. Intern/apprenticeships are usually advertised on national associations’ job boards. Sign up as a member and take advantage of free resources.

How to Become a Chef Without Education

If, for any reason, you cannot attend a culinary school, you can always learn how to become a chef from local professionals. Because pro chefs are skeptical of hiring untrained cooks, it is advisable to apply for smaller jobs within restaurants and other organizations. Over time, you can gain work experience that can be as valuable as formal training.

There is no limit to the cuisines you can master if you are willing to receive the proper education and training needed. Learning how to become a chef can open up business, financial and traveling opportunities. Whether you want to work in a professional kitchen or have your own cooking show, there are many career paths you can follow in this dynamic, delicious industry.

Executive Chef Training Overview

Chef training is no joke but the good thing is that, this is not an impossible feat so long as there is determination and passion for the craft. For people who aspire to become an executive chef one day, sufficient amount of hard work and patience will make everything come true in no time.

Training to Become Executive Chef

It has to be noted that becoming the head chef is something that would not happen overnight. That is why, there is no reason to feel disheartened once a person do not instantly land on head chef position right after graduation.

Degree and School—The chef training begins the moment that a program is selected. The school to enroll into and the course to take will determine what will happen next in the future. Though it is not a general rule, bigger establishments and reputable hotels or restaurants usually prioritize considering graduates from top culinary schools when they are looking for an executive chef. Aside from that, they also prefer those who have a bachelor’s degree, associate degree or master’s degree in culinary arts.

Apprenticeship—Another important step in reaching the executive chef position is to become an apprentice for a renowned chef or a recognized institution. This will serve as an exposure to the real culinary world, the one that exists beyond the realms of the school. This will enrich one’s knowledge because the actual experiences are usually not written on the books.

Kitchen Ranks—The best executive chefs are those who really went through the various kitchen ranks. It is because they know all the nooks and crannies of the profession and they have immersed themselves into the system. It does not mean that if a person starts as a chef assistant, he/she will remain in that position forever. It is a matter of elevating one’s knowledge and skills to be able to go up the ladder.

Sous Chef—Being a sous chef means being second in command to the head chef. This is a position that is entrusted to people who have the potential to lead, supervise and become an executive chef eventually. Though the sous chef still answers to the head chef, he/she is already given a high level of responsibility and trust. This position is also a great opportunity to learn all the skills that a head chef should have.

Training Requirements for Executive Chef

The chef training involves multiple aspects. The reason why it takes years to become a head chef is because it requires a whole lot of understanding and skills.

When preparing to become a head chef, it is important to be fully-knowledgeable about food preparation, menus and recipes, cooking techniques and other aspects which are necessary in creating the best dishes.

Aside from the creative side, it is also important to have strong decision-making skills. Being a head chef is not all about cooking but also involves managerial skills. A head chef should make wise decisions about simple matters, like the amount of cilantro to put in the dish up, to more complex ones, like whether or not to promote a chef assistant.

Helpful Tips on How to Become a Chef

Are you pondering about how to become a chef? If you want to jump into the culinary world, then you should not let anything stop you. If others can do it, then so can you. It is true that being a chef can be very fulfilling. There is pleasure in seeing the happy faces of people who are impressed with the meal you prepared. There is pride in seeing the intricately designed cakes and astoundingly presented dishes. You would not only enjoy a lucrative profession, you will also be able to showcase your skills and creativity to thousands of people.

Steps in Becoming a Chef

To be able to reach your dreams in the future, here are some tips that you should seriously consider on how to become a chef.

Enroll in a reputable School—It is not all about choosing the most popular or the most expensive school. You have to ensure that they also have the proper accreditation. If you want to be taken seriously especially by hotel and restaurant employers, you need to be able to showcase a degree. Among the options include a bachelor’s, associate or master’s degree. There are also employers who accept applicants so long as they have proof that they have finished a diploma or certificate course. The important thing is to prove that you have acquired formal education and training.

Apply for internship or apprenticeship—Employers are sometimes apprehensive to hire newly grads because they have not immersed themselves into real world situations yet. The potential of your resume would be pumped up if you could include at least an internship or apprenticeship experience. Aside from that, since internship and apprenticeship would enable you to practice and learn beyond the school realms, you will also meet a lot of culinary professionals and other connections that could help you land on a good job. This step is an important part on how to become a chef.

Establish your expertise—There are thousands of other people who have finished the same course that you did. How will you stand out from the rest of them? If you do not want to blend in the background, then it is time for you to let your creative juices work. Come up with innovative recipes which will impress potential employers or maybe win the hearts of many customers. You might want to specialize on a certain area too, like creating cakes, preparing Italian cuisines or other specific culinary skill.

Learn more than what the books say—Not because you have memorized all your books from cover to cover, it already means that you are going to stop seeking for more knowledge. Being a chef means going out in the real world and discovering things that are not written on books. Learn from other renowned chefs by attending their workshops and seminars. Visit nearby towns and see what fresh goods and products they have which would be useful for your recipes. Interact with people and learn what pleases their taste buds. Knowing such information will put you ahead of the race and pretty soon, you will already be making a name for yourself.