How to become a Chef: Practical advice from the front line
If you love food, you already have the most important ingredient to become a chef. The rest is developed through training on professional course and on the frontline. And it’s there that Canada Loucks, head chef at Andiamo, recommends all budding chef spend some time.“Chef work is very glamorised on television but it’s actually incredibly hard work so spend time in the kitchen and find out if you really want to do it.”
Loucks grew up in a food-loving family where she was encouraged to help in the kitchen from a young age while her mother worked long hours. Her parents introduced her to a wide range of ingredients, shared cookbooks and fostered a love of cooking.
This led her to enrol at the New Zealand School of Food & Wine in 2016, completing Levels 3 and 4 in Professional Cookery before progressing onto the School's Hospitality and Business programme. She graduated in early 2018.
Here, she shares her insights for those interested in becoming a chef.
Image Source: Denizen
What does a chef do?
Cooking is only one part of the job. Professional chefs are responsible for food preparation, organisation, time management, food safety, teamwork and leadership.
Tips for aspiring chefs
Ask questions - Never be afraid to ask - it saves time and helps you learn faster.
Practice your technique - Great cooking is all about muscle memory. Buy a bag of potatoes or carrots to fine tune your technique.
Invest in a quality knife – Buy German or Japanese knives.
Look after yourself - Kitchens are physically demanding environments. Stay hydrated, eat properly and maintain fitness.
Protect your work-life balance – Hospitality is well known for burn-out so make sure you rest and recuperate when you’re having time off.
Taste constantly - Try new foods as often as possible.
Best Skills from the NZ School of Food and Wine
"The School taught me to trust myself by giving me the knowledge and leading me to apply it. I also learnt strong time-management skills.”
Advice for future chefs
"Spend time in a real kitchen before committing to find out if it's right for you."
