Just Curious: Chef?
I’ve confessed before that my husband and I are Food Network nerds. Sometimes we actually set our DVR to record Iron Chef America or the Food Network Challenges.
There, I said it. Now you now.
Anyway, he and I are puzzled by something…. Maybe one of you smart people out there can help us.
What is the difference between a chef and a cook?
I know that a chef is in charge of the whole kitchen, while a cook is in charge of a specific station. But, is there a schooling factor also? What if you’re an educated cook who does not work in a restaurant? Are you still a chef? Please help! We’re confused foodies, here. 
July 11th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
I actually have an answer to this one. Trevor is in the food service industry so he provided his educated answer on this one. Traditionally most chefs go to culinary school not all of them, but most do. When Trevor goes into restaurants to take their food orders, he actually calls them Chef. It is their title like “doctor” or Pastor. Kind of a respect thing…. Everyone in the kitchen is under the chef, next is the sous Chef, cooks, etc. A cook mans a certain station (and usually stays there until all is completed) , and the Chef is in charge of the cooks; making sure all of the stations run effeciently. A chef does much more than just overseeing the stations, but that is just an example.
So, there you have it. Food education for the day
July 11th, 2008 at 2:29 pm
Thank you! I should have thought of asking Trevor. He’s such a food smarty.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
Thanks Stacey. I love watching Ace of Cakes and a sous Chef is there. Geoff. That show is awesome. I like Unwrapped also.