becoming a chef
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CHEFS – REMEMBER, REFLECT, RELISH, AND SHARE
There was a time, maybe not too long ago, when you knew very little about food and cooking. There was an initial moment, maybe as a young guest in a restaurant, or possibly as a “first job” dishwasher, when the light bulb switched from off to on. It was a new taste, something exceptional, a… Continue reading
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COOKS – CLAIM YOUR OWN PATH TO SUCCESS
If you’re a chef from my generation then you likely have concerns over the changing landscape in the kitchen. I hear, nearly every day, “things are not what they use to be.” Chefs lament over a time when cooking was a giving craft, not one focus on what the cook received in return. We speak… Continue reading
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CULINARY SCHOOL – STICK YOUR TOE IN THE WATER BEFORE BUYING A BOAT
There are a handful of very significant decisions that we make in life – decisions that involve tremendous commitments of time, effort, focus, and yes – money. Starting a relationship, a decision to marry, buying a house or an expensive car, opening a business, and enrolling in college are all decisions that would be considered… Continue reading
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OUR DAILY BREATH: THE COOKING PROFESSION WILL SURVIVE
THIS IS A LONG ONE – BUT IMPORTANT FOR ALL WHO ARE SERIOUS ABOUT PROFESSIONAL COOKING. Cooking for others is one of the oldest professions in the civilized world. Cooks have been, and will continue to be, a catalyst for progress and change and their work provides a window into the state of society and… Continue reading
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BEING A CHEF – THE PASSION AND THE COST
Let’s first separate those three types of cooks who stand tall behind a range: Those who consider cooking to be their purpose in life, the career choice that inspires them, and the choice that let’s them jump out of bed in the morning to face the opportunities that cooking will provide today Those who view… Continue reading
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THINK ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO BECOME A CHEF
In another week or so the hundreds of culinary schools across the country will welcome a new class of freshmen with visions of becoming a chef. It is interesting to note that many if not most of these aspiring cooks have failed to give adequate thought to the reason for this career choice. Having spent… Continue reading
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HOW TO BECOME A SUCCESSFUL CHEF – A BAKER’S DOZEN
This may not turn out to be my most popular article, but it might very well be one of the most important for a cook or chef planning on a long, successful career in the kitchen. If we take a step back for a moment and try to understand that restaurants are businesses –… Continue reading
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A ROADMAP TO BECOMING AN EXCEPTIONAL CHEF
In just a few weeks thousands of graduates from culinary schools across the country will begin their real education. Others who were not as fortunate to attend a school for this trade will continue on that same arduous journey from cook to chef. In both cases, some will be successful and many will not. What… Continue reading
About Me
PAUL SORGULE is a seasoned chef, culinary educator, established author, and industry consultant. These are his stories of cooks, chefs, and the environment of the professional kitchen.