Good Afternoon from England

[Fat Al]

Thought I'd better put in an appearance here and say hello from the City of York in England (and its actually not raining here at the moment!). Im a Graphic Designer at the moment but soon to start my first professional cookery course, then onto who knows what? Im 41, quickly staggering towards my 42nd birthday, so I think Im a bit old to be going into the restaurant trade, but then again it has got to be better than staring at a computer screen 8+ hours a day, there's probably an awful lot of people who would disagree with me...the grass is always greener.

Fat Al (slightly overweight really)

[liv4fud]

must be cricket season out there!

as far as career changing, there are a lot of us in the same boat

welcome

[Mezzaluna]

Hello Al, and welcome to Chef Talk Cafe. Make yourself at home! We have great people here with varied backgrounds from all over the world. Please have a look at the articles, reviews, etc. at the main Chef Talk site. You can also use the search button to look for earlier conversations on topics of interest to you.

I've enjoyed my visits to England and the U.K. over the years, but haven't reached York yet. I know there are many wonderful things to see in your vicinity.

Please visit often to read and share. We'll look forward to your posts.

Regards,
Mezzaluna

[Fat Al]

Thanks for the warm welcome guys.

Liv4Fud: the cricket season is in full swing (excuse the pun) and we are in the process of getting thrashed by the Aussies (yet again) in the Ashes series, mind you we are ever hopeful of a victory (maybe not in my lifetime!), its a good excuse to sit down with a couple of beers and kick back though.

Mezzaluna: You need to get yourself to York, you've been missing the best bit of England, loads of history, great beer (and lots of it) and most importantly some good eateries - check out www.meltonsrestaurant.co.uk and www.thestaratharome.co.uk to whet your appetites.

Fat Al

[ojosverdes]

Hi Fat Al,

You're just the person I have been looking for!! Can you hop over to the Cooking Questions? ( I forgot which forum it is under ) I posted a question about some baking books from England my husband recently bought for me. I am American and feeling pretty silly right now that I can't figure out several of the ingredients. I don't know if it something as simple as American English vs. British English or if my cooking skills are still that limited that I have just not heard of these ingredients yet. Thanks!!

[Mezzaluna]

Ojosverdes, your ability to connect with someone else in the world who will likely be able to answer your question is one of the biggest reasons why...
I love Chef Talk!!

[Joyce]

Hi Fat Al,
Welcome to the Chef Talk Forum. You will love it here. Everyone is so kind and helpful.
I think you are doing the right thing in changing career and doing what your heart dictates. I trained to be a pastry chef and a teacher when I was in my 40’s and have never regretted it. There is nothing like the pleasure it gives me being able to produce things (like wedding cakes) that give so much pleasure to other people. Also, because I was older, I had the confidence to train students and help others set up their own businesses.
I’m English and am now living in Hungary but I have been to York several times and it is fantastic.
Good luck with your course
Joyce

[Joyce]

Hi Ojosverdes,
Look on the following web site:-
http://home.ncia.com/~slarsson/USUK.html
You will find American – English dictionaries at this web site. There is one dedicated to food items, because, yes, we Brits do have some different names for food items.
Joyce