Executive Chefs have special training and experience that makes it possible for them to take over an entire kitchen or restaurant, plan and oversee all of the cooking and instruct the other staff members in their responsibilities. Other chefs are in charge of particular portions of a menu and have the responsibility to perform a number of specific duties related to the preparation of their products. Cooks generally perform the preparation of food for meals.
Chefs – This is a group of people who plan and direct food preparation, cooking and serving activities. These people can be found in different restaurants, businesses, institutions, resorts, and hotels. Executive chef jobs require people who have specialized training and experience in a number of culinary areas. Cooks are people who can prepare and cook a variety of different foods. They may be found in fast food restaurants, homes and in other business settings. Cooks have no specific educational requirements.
Different chef jobs have many specific requirements and job duties. Each type of designation will need to be filled by someone who has the particular experience, education and skills that are necessary to handle the duties of that job. Some of the experience can be gained on the job at an entry level, but many of the skills and techniques necessary for success and advancement will only be found by enrolling in specific classes and schools.
Executive chefs
These people are the top chefs and they are the ones that rule the kitchen and the restaurant. All of the food preparation and the cooking will be done by them or under their approval and guidance. They must plan the menus, understand nutrition standards, food quality, and budgets, and be aware of all food costs and wastes. These people are highly skilled at their jobs and can prepare meals for 1-2 people or for hundreds of people at a time. Some executive chefs will only handle managerial tasks and will personally cook only for special functions or events, while others are enjoying cooking on a daily basis.
Sous-chefs
These are chefs who are still learning the art of cooking and being trained for advancement to higher positions. Many of today’s Sous-chefs are hoping to eventually be in charge of their own restaurant one day. They can plan food menus and create new recipes under the supervision of the executive chef. They will also act as his manager and will help other kitchen staff members. The executive chef depends on a great deal of back- up from his Sous-chefs.
Specialist chefs
These are people who are specializing in one area of food preparation. They may be planning to move into other areas or they may wish to stay in the type of work they are now doing. One of these specialty areas is that of pastry chef. These individuals assume charge and control of all pastry products for the kitchen or restaurant in which they work. Some of these chefs will include baked breads as part of their talents and others will only produce pastries and desserts. These people will artfully craft some of the most delectable sweets either from recipes or from their own imagination and skills. Pastry chefs are very much in demand by many restaurants because creating flaky, delicate desserts is an art that requires great skill and all executive chefs do not have this knack.
People who have a love of cooking and enjoy creating new recipes usually are demonstrating talents and skills for food preparation at early ages and they will often sign up for cooking courses on their own. There are a number of culinary schools and chef academies that are in almost every state. These programs offer instruction in many areas of cooking. Some of the courses will be on knife skills and proper selection of produce, while others may be more technically challenging and involve proper techniques for superior soufflés or other specialty menu items.
There are even classes and instruction that are available at the elite culinary schools for those people who show extraordinary skill and passion for the art of cooking. People who graduate from the more famous cooking courses will have definite bonus points added to their resumes when they seek employment. Some of the top chef jobs can be located by browsing the online job listing companies like…There are positions listed here that have been posted in the hope of finding applicants for international jobs or even hotel chef jobs. Having all of the job openings in one central location can benefit those who want to find the best position for their own situation.
Some individuals want to become chefs so they can open their own restaurant or qualify for private chef jobs. To become a private chef requires an in-depth knowledge of both cooking and nutrition. With this type of chef job, a person often has to prepare special foods with certain calories or ingredient requirements. Some of the younger chefs enjoy this type of work because it allows them a chance to refine their techniques and be creative with recipes.
