can a smoker be a good chefs?

is that taking cigerettes will affect our sence of taste?

[Mezzaluna]

A smoker could be a good chef is s/he can remember what food tastes like, rather than tasting for him/her self. I smoked for 15 years and only after I quit did I realize what I'd been missing. Besides, you might cough in the food....

[cookM]

My chef who taught me how to cook was a smoker. He also drank tons of coffee during a shift. Anyway, he had a great palate, and his food always tasted great. Don't know what to chalk that up to.

[Greg]

Smoking? I do about a pack per day. Yet I can still smell it if there is someone sneaking a cig in our non-smoking dining room some 50-60 ft. away. My sense of taste? Got some fresh halibut yesterday ( the chef had been ordering IQF steaks), and I could certainly taste the difference. I'm not talking a little bit, either; after eating the IQF crap, it was a near life-transforming experience. So, does smoking affect chefs as much as people would have you believe? A little bit. Is there some hype involved on the subject? A lot!

[cape chef]

Unfortunatlly I have been smoking a long time.
I do believe there is an effect on the sences.
I have been in kitchens for over 20 years, in that time I have recieved many accolades, by customers,press and my peers, please i am not blowing my own horn hear, but i feel very comportable with my palate, I have worked with many non smokers, smoker or not you need to understand what it is your working with, the flavor,aromas and textures and what are your goals with your work. as I said I do believe if I did not smoke i would have a keener palate,But alas I firmly believe smokers could be good & great chefs

There was a famous wine producer in France (who's name I can not seen to remember). He made very sought after wines...until he quit smoking...it took several years for him to be able to produce the same quality of wines after quitting.

I smoke. I have quit for two years and then started again. The change is not nearly as great as you sometimes hear...though it may differ from person to person.
I also make it a point to not season stuff right after a smoke.

[Nick.Shu]

heheh, what if your a non smoker cooking for a smoker, now theres food for thought (no pun intended)

[Nick.Shu]

referring to jeff saying that he doesnt season stuff after a ciggie, i smoke bout a packet a day, but i always have several glasses of water before i start seasoning, and one on hand to clear the palate - so to speak.