Culinary Careers For Dummies

by Michele Thomas, Annette Tomei, Tracey Vasil Biscontini

Overview

The fast and easy way to find your place in the culinary field

Ever dream of exploring an exciting career in culinary arts or cooking but don't know where to begin? Culinary Careers For Dummies is the perfect book for anyone who dreams of getting into the culinary profession. Whether you're a student, an up-and-coming chef looking for direction, or are simply interested in reinventing yourself and trying your hand at a new career, Culinary Careers For Dummies provides the essential information every culinary novice needs to enter and excel in the food service industry.

Packed with advice on selecting a culinary school and tips for using your degree to land your dream job, Culinary Careers For Dummies offers up-to-the-minute information on: culinary training, degrees, and certificates; the numerous career options available (chef, chef's assistant, pastry chef, food stylist, caterer, line cook, restaurant publicist/general manager, Sommelier, menu creator, food writer, consultant/investor, etc.) and the paths to get there; basic culinary concepts and methods; advice on finding a niche in the culinary world; culinary core competencies; food safety and proper food handling; real-life descriptions of what to expect on the job; and how to land a great culinary job.

• Expert guidance on cooking up your career plan to enter the food service industry
• Tips and advice on what to study to get you where you're headed
• Packed with information on the many career options in the culinary field

Culinary Careers For Dummies is a one-stop reference for anyone who is interested in finding a career in this growing and lucrative field.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781118077740
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	10/11/2011
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	702,282
Product dimensions:	7.30(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Michele Thomas is a writing teacher and managing editor of the International Culinary Institute, home of the French Culinary Institute.

Annette Tomei is a food and wine consultant.

Tracey Vasil Biscontini is the founder, president and CEO of Northeast Editing, Inc.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: An Introduction to the World of Culinary Arts 7

Chapter 1: A Snapshot of the Culinary Arts Profession 9

Chapter 2: Finding the Jobs: Where Culinary Professionals Work 27

Chapter 3: Culinary School Versus On-the-Job Training: Finding Your Fit 45

Chapter 4: Ingredients for Success: Choosing a Culinary School 57

Part II: Exploring Popular Career Paths and Profiles 85

Chapter 5: Reservation for One: Working in Restaurants 87

Chapter 6: Living the Good Life: Working in Hotels, Resorts, and Spas 115

Chapter 7: Cooking for a Crowd: Volume Cooking 137

Part III: Taking a Specialized Approach 151

Chapter 8: How Sweet It Is! Becoming a Pastry Chef or Baker 153

Chapter 9: Life On the Inside: Personal and Private Chefs 171

Chapter 10: Old and New Trends: Food Artisans and Scientists 185

Chapter 11: Drink Up! Jobs in the Beverage Industry 205

Part IV: Checking Out Non-Cooking Careers 225

Chapter 12: Culinary in a Media World: What It’s All About 227

Chapter 13: The Star Makers: Public Relations and Marketing 245

Chapter 14: Showcasing Food for Others 253

Chapter 15: Careers in Purchasing: Specialty Foods, Cookware, and More 271

Part V: Landing the Job, Moving Up the Ladder, and More 291

Chapter 16: Landing a Culinary Job 293

Chapter 17: Moving Up the Ladder — or Switching Gears! 315

Chapter 18: Making Your Own Path: Becoming a Culinary Entrepreneur 325

Part VI: The Part of Tens 339

Chapter 19: Ten Reasons to Work in the Culinary Industry 341

Chapter 20: Ten Tips to Help You Thrive in the Culinary Industry 347

Index 353