Master Chef

[frydaddy]

I am young and I know this is an extremely lofty goal, but at some point in my life id like to be a master chef, i know this takes years of experience in virtually every style of cooking, but seeing as tho im young i figure if i get a head start i just might be able to pull it off one day. So, what advice can you guys give me on what to learn?

[jonesg]

Start in baking and pastry first for 2 years.

[Derek Cooks]

Sell everything you own and move to Europe. Drift through a few classical kitchens for oh, say, 10 years. Then come back here and apprentice for a few more...under Jonesg, for example.

Good Luck!!

[cheztom]

You'll do well to follow the above plans. However, there are many ways to achieve master chef status with varying degrees of validity. Least of which and most useless is simply calling yourself one after you've worked in the business for 30 years or so. I've seen this from time to time and its the least honest of the many ways to reach your goal..don't let anyone deter you, but make sure you choose a legitimate path with real benchmarks and measurements of your own knowledge and skill.

[frydaddy]

whats with the starting in baking and pastry? any reason for that?

[cheztom]

Well, I'll step into it here...
In my view, cooking is like a woodworker building a simple chair with a sturdy back and straight lines; baking is like that same woodworker turning the chair legs into gracefully curved columns and covering the seat with hand-woven cane. Baking and pastry will teach you physics, precision, artistry, patience and discipline.
This will make you a stronger cook.
I've met many a chef (myself included) who are anywhere from fare to awful bakers. I haven't met many bakers who couldn't cook to beat the band.

[frydaddy]

well i'm doing high volume catering right now and i have 2 years line experience, but i am starting school in a few months and due to scheduling conflicts will need to switch jobs,
you think i should concentrate on trying to find a job that centers more on baking instead of general cooking, such as grilling,sauteeing and frying? right??

[jonesg]

"whats with the starting in baking and pastry? any reason for that? "

That reflects the value of your skills.

[frydaddy]

good point chef i'll start looking for a baking job now

[chfbdawg]

http://www.acfchefs.org/Content/Education/Certification/default.htm, If you are serious about certification as a Master Chef, this link will take you to the only place for certification recognized worldwide