There's More to Culinary Arts Than Being a Chef

Culinary arts is simply the art of cooking. Working in theSelf Employment
field of culinary arts usually involves preparing mealsMany people choose to start their own business such
which not only taste good, but look great too. This isas a restaurant, bakery or catering firm. This is a
important in high class restaurants. Even cheaperwonderful way to gain control over your entire life and
restaurants are now employing culinary artists to boostfood choices.
their image. Culinary arts graduates also becomeAnd these are just a few options for culinary arts
employed by food magazines where they design foodgraduates to pursue. As you can see, it is a highly
platters for eye pleasing photography.versatile field with many options.
Culinary artists should have good knowledge of foodHow to Become a Chef
science, diet and nutrition. The main field of work isA chef not only makes people exceptionally happy
restaurants, fast food franchises, hospitals,through creating good food, he or she also has
delicatessens, corporations and catering companies.unlimited opportunities to work anywhere in the world.
There are many careers related to culinary arts. All ofIn fact, top class chefs are in demand worldwide and
these careers begin with the study of food sciencescan command 6 figure salaries in some of the best
but progress into niche fields depending on yourrestaurants in the world. If that is not your cup of tea,
chosen path of study. These careers include:then just working in the local cafe or restaurant also
- Chefsbrings its rewards. Being a chef often affords you the
- Food and beverage managersopportunity of working close to home due to the fact
- Salespeoplethat there are chef positions virtually anywhere.
- Food stylistsChefs are not limited in where they can work. Not only
- Food critics/writerscan you work in restaurants but also:
- Teachers- Hospitals
- Self employment- Corporate events
Chefs- Clubs and pubs
Chefs and cooks are the most common types of- Cafes
work for culinary artists. They can work any place- Sporting and entertainment venues
food is repaired from 5 star restaurants down to fast- Universities and colleges
food chains, depending on preference. There is also- Hotels and Resorts
the option for corporate dining careers and event- Cruise ships
catering which can mean preparing food on a largeThe above are just a few of the locations that chefs
scale.regularly find work. Some, such as working on a cruise
Food and Beverage Managersship, allow you to experience travel and life whilst
These people manage all aspects of food andworking and being paid.
beverages in hotels, restaurants, hospitals, largeBecoming a chef requires you to go to culinary school.
sporting/entertainment venues and other institutionsHere you will learn everything you need to know like
with these facilities.basic food handling and identification, recipe creation,
Salespeoplefood hygiene, allergies, diets, kitchen management,
Some people who graduate from culinary arts chooseworking with staff, menu creation, servings, food costs,
to pursue a career in sales instead of cooking. This iswaste reduction, food storage, food laws and much
where they promote and sell cooking related products,more. As you can see, there is more to being a chef
using their exceptional knowledge as a sellingthan just cooking!
advantage.Once you have some experience as a chef you might
Food Stylistschoose to seek a promotion to sous chef, executive
Food stylists and food photographer's work forchef or other position. A sous chef is an assistant to
magazines, newspapers and book publishers to cook,the executive chef and he or she has to ensure the
arrange and photograph eye pleasing foodsmooth running of the kitchen. Sous chefs do many
arrangements.other tasks besides cooking, such as organization,
Food Critics/Writerspurchasing, budgeting, record keeping and other
Food writers are employed by magazines,administrative tasks. Executive chefs are the boss of
newspapers and even websites to write aboutthe kitchen and control personnel, menu creation,
recipes, health and other food related issues. Foodbusiness planning and more, depending upon the place
critics can also review restaurants and cover foodof work.
trends. Some famous food writers and critics are JuliaMost graduate chefs will begin as a kitchen hand once
Child and Craig Claiborne.they gain employment. This can be boring work but
Teachersyou must look at the bigger picture - over time you will
Experienced culinary artists can choose to become abe promoted to a position with more responsibility.
teacher to pass on their knowledge to students. It isNow that you know how to become a chef you can
ideal to have experience in the field so that you canstart embarking upon this rewarding career!
share this with those willing to learn.