OK. I Have a Meeting With a Pastry Chef..Now What?

[grits]

I took some advice I found on this board and started emailing people in the culinary community that I admire and aspire to work with. I explained that I have never worked in the industry and would like to get my feet wet as well as take any advice they had to offerb efore attending school.
To my surprise I got a response from a local pastry chef who make high end wedding cakes who wants to meet with me and "answer any questions I may have".
There was no mention of potentially employing me, but I think it would be a nice opportunity to speak to a professional...
I guess what I need to know are what are some good things to ask? I want to seem prepared but I guess now I'm nervous about finally taking a step in the direction of my dreams!

Also, this may seem dumb but how does one dress for a culinary interview/meeting? I am from the corporate world so be easy on me! lol!

[chefelle]

I would dress as I would for any other interview. It shows respect for the person that you are meeting with and they will appreciate the effort. Better to overdress than to underdress.

I would have a prepared list of questions that I would take with me. Take some time right now to think through any questions you may have. Don't worry about asking "intelligent questions"--you have already been honest about your skill level so feel free to ask whatever burning questions you have on your mind. Ask about the hours, time commitment, education opportunities, recommended books, income expectations, etc, etc....

I would at least ask if I could trail them for a day. Or offer to be their dishwasher for free for an opportunity to observe them as they work. The worst they can say is no!!! And it will give you a chance to prove your enthusiasm and hard work ethic which in could turn into a job opportunity for you.

One thing I discovered while working in pastry is that it is a very repetitive job that requires a great deal of passion each and every day. You may be making that brioche dough for the ten millionth time in your lifetime but you have to have the excitement and enthusiasm about it as if it is the first time you have ever done it. You want it to be as perfect today as it was the first time you made it twenty five years ago. That takes alot of love and dedication.

This is an exciting opportunity for you. Can't wait to hear how it goes!!!

[iBcookin]

Congratulations on obtaining an interview! This will present you with a terrific opportunity to at least pick somebody's brain that is in the industry, and at a one-on-one level. Always a plus. Ask them what they look for in a potential employee. You just may be surprised that they would prefer to train a person willing to learn from scratch as opposed to a person who is coming to them with preconceived notions of how it should be done.

If you get to the end of the discussion and it doesn't sound like the person is interested in employing you, I would definitely request the opportunity to trail or wash dishes in return for the opportunity to observe. But no sense in shooting yourself in the foot right off the bat. Be honest with your experience and your goals and be prepared to highlight whatever strengths you could bring to this profession.

Good luck with the meeting and keep us posted on the outcome!