TigerChef

I always find it a challenge to field questions from friends and family about what holiday gift to give a professional chef. Since they figure it “takes one to know one,” I find myself at this time of the year being the source for all chef-related questions! On one hand, as a professional, I know that generally if I need kitchen equipment, I make sure I have it. On the other hand, the old adage that “the shoemaker’s son always goes barefoot” sometimes applies. I often fall into the habit of working around kitchen equipment that I don’t have or making do with tools that should be replaced, so a gift of something I will use regularly is always appreciated. In the spirit of holiday giving, here are some gift ideas for a professional chef.

Consider a Gift of a Functional and Stylish Knife Set

As far as kitchen equipment goes, you can never go wrong in giving a gift of knives. Chefs use and overuse their knives, so it’s a cinch that they will need to replace knives on a regular basis. A knife set can be both functional and stylish. The Mundial Elegance Executive Chef’s Set is a particularly good choice. This 9-piece block set is fully forged and includes seven of the most important knives to get the job done. These knives are well-balanced and have a long-lasting razor-sharp edge. In addition to the fine knives, ...continue reading

Executive Chef- Doesn’t that sound wonderful? Most aspiring chefs look forward to the day that they can add “Executive Chef” to their signature, the day when all compliments (and let’s face it, complaints) will be directed toward them and when they will be running their own professional commercial kitchen. So now that you’ve earned the title Executive Chef, what does that mean for you?
 

Chef Training

There’s a lot of training involved in becoming an Executive Chef and being able to run your own successful professional kitchen. A reputable degree is of utmost importance, as well as a few years of apprenticeship learning the trade.
 

Chef Career

An Executive Chef actually spends less time in the kitchen than any other chef does. He or she is responsible for all the paperwork and has to make sure the inventory gets taken care of. Furthermore, an Executive Chef has meetings to attend, whether it’s with vendors or with his own staff members, has to manage the kitchen and its environs and deal with the many issues that crop up on a daily basis. He or she has to plan the menus, and create innovative recipes that will be appetizing and successful. It is for this reason that the actual cooking is typically done by the Sous chef or Line chefs. ...continue reading