So i have been in the kitchen my entire life. I grew up in an Italian/Southern family and three of my uncles are chefs. The passion is most certainly in the veins.
I dropped out of college in the middle of my junior year. I decided to attend a culinary school the following july. I made it about five months into the process and wasn't pleased with the school. The chefs were lazy, I didn't learn much, and the people that attended classes at this particular school had zero passion about cooking. Of course there were a few serious cooks but most were just there because they fell into the scam. So...I decided to drop out and work. I've been doing that for two years now. I work in a highly successful restaurant and I know what I'm getting into when I dedicate my life to the business.
Here's the deal.....I can go to wither FCI, ICI, or NECI in July. I am touring the northeast NYC on April 1st. After visiting these schools I would love to make a decision. Lately I have been looking into internships in Europe as well. Much cheaper and I feel like a better experience. I knwo it won't help me get a high paying chef job but I am willing to pay my dues. I just want to gain as much experience as possible in order to start my own business in a matter of 5-7 years.
My family owns land outside of Memphis, Tn. My great grandfather, grandfather, and father were all delta cotton farmers in the south. That land will one day be mine. As of right now I would love to create a produce farm on this land and create a restaurant that is as fresh as possible. Straight from my farm. Straight to your plate.
In order to fufill my dream I need to make a decison pretty quickly.
1. Attend top flights schools and pile up the debt
2. Study abroad for experience for more the less the cost.
3. Keep working hard and help my father jumpstart the produce company while working under a great chef
ps..My father is retiring and wants to start the produce business whether I choose to help or not this time in my life. Eventually I will be involved but I would love to gain more experience.
I really am looking forward to the responses. thanks guys
