Anyone have any stories to tell, positive and/or negative about being a chef as a woman in a man's world?
Thanks
Danielle

[cape chef]

chefteldanille,

I have worked with many women over the years where great and some where not. This holds true for men as well. I think men have some trouble at times because they do not want to be shown up by what some consider the weaker sex. This is a crock of s**t. I have studied with Madeline Kaman, Started the Connecticut aiwf with Julia child. Studied in California with a sous chef (female) from Chez Panisse. I think if you read the press look at the cook books and spy in some kitchens there are many women doing very well in what you call a mens world. Remember the cream truly does rise to the top. If a man gives you a hard time it is because he is insecure. always look up never at your feet, work hard use your common sense, don't set up camp,be yourself
cc
BTY I am male

I attended culinary school at age 17. While I was there I asked the Chef Instructor a question. I had a case of asparagus in my hands. One of those wooden ones, nailed together. "What's the easiest way for me to get this open?"

His reply, "Ask a man to do it for you."

I was hot! I was unable to do something! I have since learned a few things. As far as I am concerned, he was probably right. I have also since learned that a steel works great as a pry!

I have worked with a few men who loved having female chefs working for them. Others who have hired me only out of desperation to find out later that I was more capable than they expected. In both situations, I have faired pretty well. It's a little harder to prove yourself, as a professional woman, to those who still believe this is a mans world.

Trivia Question: Who sang "Women Are Smarter" AND "It's a Man's World"?

Let's see.... James Brown sang "It's a Mans World" and I seem to remember "Women are Smarter" being sung with a jamaican accent so I'm going to say Bob Marley

This used to be man's biz and it some places
it still is. when it came time for me to start school i moved to the area three months ahead so that i could get the feel of the land. i looked around the area and found what was considered the best place in town
and went there to apply for a job. a beautiful english bistro. i was told by the only female on staff(foh) THAT I couldn't even apply. when i told her i was enrolled in culinary.. she said i would have to be recommended and then IF i got the job..it would only be dish.

the executive had in his office a pew you had to sit in.. a church pew. you were expected to speak only when spoken to. it was wild.

i think that as the times continue to change
oyu will see less and less of this. it is a big enough field for everyone. i have worked with both.. some fab some yuck and their gender had nothing to do with.

just do your best..it is your mind your educating..remember. good luck danielle

[This message has been edited by katz (edited 12-10-2000).]

Chrose- Shouln't we take this somewhere else? Anyway, one band sang both songs. I have it on tape. One song right after the other. Kinda crazy?!? I think you are old enough to remember them!

[momoreg]

The place I am currently working, men and women are mutually respected. Everybody has their own strengths and weaknesses, so we usually look to each other for help when needed.

However, when I was in culinary school, It was clear that many of the European chefs didn't quite take the female students as seriously as the male. As a result, I made it a point to do anything that I believed was a 'man's job'. Now, years later, I kind of have a reputation for being 'one of the guys', but that's okay. I have not felt discriminated against for quite some time. And I can lift my own 100# bags of flour!

[Nick.Shu]

personally i dont care. What i care about is someone who can do the job.

If your female or male, you can do it, you can do it. If you cant, then its a different story.

[Dlee]

Danielle,

There is a large amount of women in the Culinary field now. Again to reiterate what is being echoed through this topic is that no matter, who or what a person is, it is really up to that individual how much respect they will get form their co workers. In my time cooking I have worked with some amazing women and some cr#*+y men and vice versa. Just be dedicated and it will show through.....


D Lee

Thank you all.
I will be the best that I can be.
Iam sure I will do fine.
Danielle