How to become a michelin star chef
Monday, June 08, 2009 by mtt adminThe Michelin star is the Holy Grail for any chef around the globe. Every celebrity chef you have ever heard of has at some point in their career has been decorated with the distinction. Birmingham is now the proud owner of 3 Michelin star restaurants, and they shine like a beacon in the city and are a great source of pride for people, like myself, who believe the future of Birmingham is very bright. 
So how is it done?
All chefs from Gordon Ramsey to Jamie Oliver started as wild eyed food lovers, who went on to study cooking for a couple years before joining restaurants, climbing the ladder, cutting their teeth, starting their own restaurants….the rest I think you can guess, but what about everything in between. Thousands of chefs tread the same path as their illustrious counterparts whilst not achieving their ultimate goal, the Michelin star. Before I hand out any pearls of wisdom, I must stress that enjoying a profitable and stimulating career in catering can be very easily found without winning awards and having face on cereal boxes.
How do I know a Chef's career is right for me?
Try doing some work experience. After a few weeks spent in a busy restaurant, you'll soon know whether you can handle this kind of work. Contact your favourite Chef or restaurateur and say you love their cooking and would like to work under them. You may have to offer to work unpaid, but this is the best way to find out quickly and easily whether you're suited to the job. Watch people cooking, such as your parents and friends; read cookbooks and experiment with exotic food. These will all help you decide, and give you ideas and tips.How do I start a career as a Chef?
Once you've decided that a Chef's career is for you, there are various routes you can take:
Doing a full-time course at a college
Starting at the bottom level in a restaurant and working your way up as your skills develop
On-the-job training with days at college
Working in a chain that offers in-house training.
What are the advantages of a college course?
A college course will help you understand the basics and background of cooking, covering technical skills, hygiene and safety requirements and practical skills. And, of course, you'll also get a certificate to prove your qualifications.You can choose a course at a university or one devised by a culinary school, although the latter can be rather expensive. Taking a course will also mean that you don't have to start at the bottom when you enter the profession.
I hope these tips help, if you have any other hints you would like share, please feel free to get in touch. For information on the cookery courses ate Bournville, please check out our Catering and Hospitality page.
