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Sous Chef
The sous chef is the second in command after the executive chef. The word “sous” means “under.” That is exactly what you are in the kitchen.
You are just under the executive chef; basically, a sous chef is the most important person in the kitchen. The sous chef is the person that keeps the kitchen running. The executive chef often gets the credit, but it is the sous chef that deserves it.
The sous chef must be in charge of the specialty chefs, the chefs, cooks, and other kitchen staff as well.
Sous chefs must also be the person that demonstrates the new equipment, and cooking techniques to the rest of the kitchen. They order kitchen supplies, plan menus, prepare the food and specialty items as well.
In essence, with apologies to the females in the profession, the sous chef is “the man”.
Executive chef
An executive is the person that is in charge of the sous chef. They are the head of the kitchen and supervise the goings on in the kitchen.
The executive chef plans the menus, ensures that the food quality meets the establishment’s standards, estimates the food requirements, and may be involved in estimating the food and labor costs. The executive chef is also in charge of hiring kitchen staff.
The executive chef also cooks food daily. In this position you can be very hands on, meaning that you are there cooking with the sous chef every day and making sure that all plates are made and garnished to perfection, or you can make your rounds and focus on other aspects of being a chef.
In the beginning you are required to be hands on. As you have established yourself in the field, you can let the sous chef handle the day to day cooking while you do other things.
Garde Manger
The garde Manger chef is a specialized cook that is responsible for cold food presentations. The cold foods included in this specialization are salads, pates, canapes, and hors d’ouevres.
You will also be responsible for all of the cold sauces like vinaigrettes, dressings, pickles, aspics, chutneys, and relishes. You are also responsible for buffet table settings for large gatherings such as corporate events i.e., ice sculptures etc.
Personal Chef
A personal chef is a chef that prefers to work in a family setting. This type of chef generally works in the employer’s home and prepares meals for the family.
In this position, you are basically responsible for all aspects of the meal including the ordering of the food. It is a relatively rare specialty that is reserved for those that really enjoy bringing families together for meal time.
For this type of work, you will have to check about allergies, personal likes and expectations of your employers. In a sense you get to interview them for the job. You have a lot of freedom in this type of work and in some cases, less hours. A personal chef gets to work in a home environment. It is like cooking for your own family and can be very rewarding.
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