There are a lot of chef stereotypes that are tossed around in the service industry. Some are real and others couldn’t be further from the truth. Here is a list of some super common chef stereotypes, which ones do you agree with?
10. Chefs are picky - Yes, chefs can be picky, but this is only because they know what a good dish looks and tastes like and they want to get their moneys worth.
9. Chefs are bad spouses - Non-chefs can also be bad spouses, am I right? The only reason for this stereotype is because chefs work long hours and take no time off. The job requires them to dedicate a majority of their time to the kitchen, leaving less quality time for their loved ones.
8. Chefs have bad tempers - Professional chefs may have bad tempers but this is only because they are passionate about their craft and want to make sure everything that leaves the kitchen is perfection. When busy chefs have to repeat directions constantly to those around them you may see a temper rise.
7. They are all overweight - True for some, but not for all. The title “Chef” usually implies that they make good food so some of them indulge in their creations and sometimes they may indulge a little too often. Othertimes chefs are overweight because they have no time to themselves to cook good wholesome meals, so they end up eating a lot of fast food and takeout.
6. All chefs smoke cigarettes - Not all stereotypes are false… Just kidding, I guess there are those rare souls out there who have never touched a cigarette.
5. They are all alcoholics - I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are all alcoholics, but boy can they drink.
4. They have good taste and only eat the best - There are a lot of chefs out there who cook good food all day and then order pizza when they get home. For many chefs, the last thing they want to do when they get home is cook after a 12-15 hour workday.
3. They are territorial over the kitchen - The kitchen is a very sacred place to most chefs where they expect to be able to stay focused and go unbothered. If someone gets in their way, you might witness a territorial chef, so know your boundaries and you won’t feel the wrath of the head chef.
2. The best chefs are men - Yes, there are many great chefs out there who are men, but there are also a ton of killer lady chefs out there. Does the name Julia Child ring a bell? Women may approach cooking differently, but that is what’s exciting about all different types of chefs.
1. They are arrogant - They may come off as arrogant but this is only because they are seasoned professionals and they know that most people could not handle what they do. They put in more time and effort than most people working in the restaurant, plus they NEVER take sick days.
source: http://www.shiftgig.com/articles/10-common-misconceptions-about-chefs
It's very interesting to see a consumers standpoint on how they think chefs are. If i were to have a restaurant i would be very professional and nice unless my sous chefs or cooks sent out a horribly made meal that no one should eat. of course i'm thinking about this from a standpoint of someone who wants to go in this field in the future.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of the word chef, what comes to mind are Gordon Ramsay and the characters-both human and not- from the movie Ratatouille (2007). If there's one stereotype that Ramsay's personality portrays, it's certainly associated with #8! Ramsey is even in a meme; it's a picture of him yelling, of course.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.comicsandmemes.com/wp-content/uploads/Gordon-Ramsay-Angry-Kitchen-UNDERCOOKED-CRAB-UNDER-THE-SEA.jpg
However, the red-haired chef from the movie seemed considerably more patient and gentle then the famous Ramsey. In other words, I have no idea what chefs are like! What do you think, Jaylen? Which stereotype seems the most true and which the most untrue? I know you've been taking some culinary classes so you must have a different perspective than me!
I think Gordon Ramsey is a little over the top in his attitude, but its how he shows his passion. The more passionate someone is about something they love, the more emotional they get over it. I've met many chefs and they are usually calm but if you mess something up they get anxious and/or mad because they want every dish to be perfect. Plus they are thinking about it from the consumers perspective too; you wouldn't want a messed up dish served to you, would you? Chefs are just very passionate is what i'm trying to say and if you don't meet a chef that is passionate about what he or she does then chances are you aren't getting very good food.
ReplyDeleteI found this article very interesting because all chefs were stereotyped. You and Lizzy were talking about Gordon Ramsay, and I find it quite odd that the article categorized chefs as bad spouses while Ramsay has been married to his wife since 1996. While not all chefs may be married or be the best spouse, I think it is wrong to stereotype all chefs as being bad spouses. In general, it is wrong to stereotype and assume things about others.
ReplyDeleteHmmm I think this is a really good article to post. Reality TV cooking shows prefer portraying chefs as assholes. It's a huge misconception as this article reveals. There's a spinoff show of sorts that is hosted by Gordon Ramsay that has children competing instead of adults. He is a kinder and much more realistic person in this show, but people prefer to focus on his mean side.
ReplyDelete