So you want to be a Chef?

What are Chefs? Chefs are the people who prepare, cook

and arrange meals. They are the bosses in the kitchen. It is their responsibility to see that the whole kitchen runs smoothly.

What are the Types of Chefs?

Executive chefs are the head

honchos of large eating establishments, such as hotels. They spend more time with paperwork than regular chefs. The executive chef, or the head chef, is the one who does all the ordering, hiring, firing, planning and supervising.

There are many different kinds of chefs, including executive chefs, sous chefs and station chefs.

Sous chefs are next in the pecking order. They, too, supervise kitchen activities, but must answer to the head or executive chef. Sous chefs also train new staff, demonstrate techniques and plan menus.

Station chefs and specialty chefs usually stick to one thing, like lunch, desserts or soups. Pastry chefs are an example of this.

Becoming a personal chef is another option. According to the United States Personal Chef Association, personal chefs prepare meals for middle-class individuals to heat up and eat at their convenience. Private chefs or household cooks make meals for the wealthy.

Responsibilities

They also have to make sure all the tools of the trade are

available and working properly. This includes everything from spatulas to food processors.

The menu is the chef's responsibility. The chef plans the menu for the restaurant in general. The chef also decides what daily specials should be offered.

While cooks may do most of the actual cooking, the chefs are the ones who determine what will be cooked and how.

Chefs are also responsible for keeping the kitchen stocked. They order the food from the distributors and ensure that it is properly looked after until it is needed.

How much do Chefs work?

Chefs often have to put in long hours with no overtime pay. This is a job you have to be dedicated to. For example, it's not unusual for a chef to put in the occasional 80-hour workweek.

Weekends are especially busy. That's when customers go out to enjoy themselves in a nice restaurant.

Shifts?

Shift work is usually not a problem for head chefs. Since their job involves more organizing, planning and supervising than cooking, they don't have to work late hours.

Many chefs at larger restaurants or establishments may work on shift. Depending on the shift, a chef may be off work by midnight, then back in at 6 a.m. This doesn't happen every day, of course, but it is not uncommon for some chefs.

Physical Requirements

need to have stamina, patience and nerves of steel to endure the heat and stress of the kitchen. Most chefs thrive on the action in the typical kitchen.

Chefs don't need to be athletes, but they do need good physical health. Any chef will tell you that you need

Salary

Earnings: Chefs and Head Cooks Earnings National $30,000 to $55,000