Interview with head chef

After going to the Nutcracker tonight we decided to go for a great dinner at the best restaurant in Portland. Jakes.
I was pretty bold and asked our waiter if I cold meet the chef since I would like a parttime job while I will be in shool.
The sous chef invited me in his kitchen and I told him I would be starting school and would like to accumulate some experience.
Since I have none.(iam in the medical field)
He invited me for an interview on Tuesday 2PM with the masterchef.
Iam dying?
What in the world can an inexperienced person ask to do in this incredible kitchen.
Any suggestions?
Anyone else have any storied to tell?
I have 2 days...help
Danielle

Congrats on your opportunity!!

When I contacted the chef/owner of the restaurant I work at, I simply told him that I was thinking of becoming a chef and that I was looking for a position where I could learn the ins and outs of a professional kitchen. I explained that I love to cook and that I can cook almost anything but I want to learn the basics from a professional. I had originally talked to him about starting in prep and working my way up. He said that he understood where I was coming from and that he would work with me to get me some experience doing a little of everything. Well, they put me on saute the first day and I have been there since. I have also been on the fryer, grill, salad and dessert stations and I do prep (we've been open 3 months). That may not be the case with you but it seems as though they knew you were serious about wanting to learn. Just let them know what you want. All of the people I work with are more than willing to share their knowledge.

Good luck. I hope it works out for you. Keep us posted.

P.S. I am a telecommunications specialist so I know what the jump is like.

[This message has been edited by Chef1703 (edited 12-11-2000).]

Congratulations!

I can relate an experience most recently myself. I, too, am suppose to be going into culinary school next year. I wanted to get some insight on the culinary industry from the local chefs around my area. So I decided to go to one of the chefs who is recognized and respected in my community. She has won numerous awards and has had many write ups in several magazines. I called her restaurant and asked to speak to her. She answered the phone. I asked if I could speak to her for just 10 minutes of her time. Anyways, to make this short, she invited me to spend time with her kitchen staff which I did and then found out how much I love to bake. I told her I was going to be going to culinary school next year, but wanted to get some experience. She went one step further and asked if I would like a job there in which she would train me and then she proceeded to ask if I would learn how her desserts are made and then help make new desserts and help change the dessert menus with new incorporated desserts which I could create on my own. However, she said if I took up her offer, what would I do about school. I told her I would not go to school if she was willing to train me. So I called up the school I was suppose to be going to and told them I wanted to withdraw. I can always go later if I decide I want to.

I couldn't believe from just a simple 10 minute conversation that she was willing to invest her time and train me. All of her kitchen staff was trained by her. She also is opening another restaurant in the area and wants me to help create the desserts for that restaurant too. This has been my dream and my passion! I can't believe how it has all unfolded.

If your interview goes well and he/she offers you a similar position like mine, you should rethink about whether or not school would still be your best interest. After all, being paid while being trained is great and you still can attend school later on down the road.

[Chef David Simpson]

Good luck!! and congrats.

congratulations danielle.. you did just what any person who does when they are really eager to get started. keep us posted

------------------

Katz
You are a prep cook already.
Thanks for all you nice responses.
Danielle

[cape chef]

Be honest, Be enthusiastic,be confident and be respectful
cc

Well my iterview went incredibly well.
They even asked me for lunch.
We ate our crab bisque and talked as if we knew each other for years.
It was great.
I will probably be starting when I start school.
He was very impressed with my motivation.
It was a great experience.
Thanks for al the motivation people.
Danielle

congratulations !

------------------

congratulations !

------------------