zuuum wrote:

> "Kswck" > wrote in message

>>Personally, I would like to go to culinary school just for the knowledge
>>base-not to work lousy hours, weekends and nights for who knows how long.
>>I couldn't support myself while in school that long-that's why I've never
>>done it.
>
>
> IMO - An academy like CIA is far, far too expensive "just for the knowledge
> base". A trade school or community college (likely using the same
> textbooks) with well-regarded instructors would be a smarter way to go,
> though it may not carry the prestige of a "culinary academy". A "chef" does
> much more than cook-- menu development, procurements, staff management,
> etc., so general management training applies as well.
>
> As far as earning a decent wage as a "cook" due to education, apart from
> especially fortunates breaks, I think any beginning professional cook needs
> to accept the fact that it is going to take, even a naturally talented one,
> 6-8 years of real-world professional experience (even if a year or so of it
> began dishwashing) before they are taken seriously. I also feel a person
> should have already gotten their feet wet in the biz, at least as a prep or
> line cook, before investing much money in formal training, even if it isn't
> their own. As mentioned, you need a natural talent and inclination to make
> a good cook. You also need a certain attitude and tolerance, especially
> under pressure, to last. No amount of schooling, other than real-world exp,
> is going to teach you why. "Chef" is a lofty position to aspire to...
> especially for anyone without EXTENSIVE experience.
>
>

Agreed. One h*ll of a lot of money for a knowledge base. They do
however offer some one day classes that I'm going to take advantage of
just for that very reason. I already know how to cook (yeah,
arguably... I know, I know) and think that they could possibly give me
some insight that I haven't picked up on over the years. I dunno
<shrug> I figure that it's worth a shot for a days worth of time and $
investment.

--
Steve

Who was the first person to say, "See that chicken there... I'm gonna
eat the next thing that comes outta it's ass?"