SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
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12096
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She was frantic. I've never seen someone so desperate for damn pickles. My coworker grabbed a to-go box, put a bunch of pickle spears in, and handed it to her. She asked how much and he said "on the house". She then sprinted out again without another word.
The country club was like a soap opera, there was so much infidelity. Both of these charming people were married to other people and involved in local politics.
Yeah. The diet ranch is really going to help with that.
This was when I was at a smaller, family owned restaurant. The customer was NOT always right here. If you were mean to our girls, you were told to leave.
Edit: To clarify, this gal was turning 15 in about a month when she started. Her family was close friends with the owners family, so rules were bent slightly to allow her to work there part time. No, she wasn't allowed to serve alcohol. Anyway, she was a wonderful person and one of our hardest working employees. The woman was yelling about not having her iced tea refilled the moment she set it down or something irrational like that.
Serious burns ensued. His arm was bandaged up for quite a while after that.
Same guy! I think there was some kind of flamable chemical or maybe grease on his sleeve. The waitress was not impressed.
Once again, same guy! He was very.....accident prone. His knife was a few hundred dollars and very nice, and he didn't want the tip to break off when it hit the hard tile floor. So he stuck his foot out. It went straight through his foot and stuck into the sole. I think he was in shock, because he was laughing and letting people take pictures and stuff. Finally the boss decided he should probably go to the hospital. But hey, at least his knife was okay!
Chicken of the sea?
He had to be restrained and sent home. No one called the police, club members expected a certain level of discretion...
Keep track of your children! Kitchens are dangerous, you shouldn't let your kids wander into one unsupervised. I helped him find his mom and it was all good though.
Hahahahahahahahahahaha yeah. That's just how kitchens are.
I'm sorry :'c I'd just cooked 20lbs of bacon :c
Best. Perk. Ever.
Colvane
So you're in great shape, love to cook, and smell of bacon? Prepare your inbox...
bakingbadass
Now I can't wait to become a chef. So excited for culinary school next year!!
TomaCT
To save from the point whoring of making an entire post, I'm subarine cook would anybody be interested in hearing about that?
TomaCT
And you can down vote this if you feel the need to balance it.
TheRedOnesTasteLikeBurning
PeepJerky
well played.
jasonthelamb
As someone who worked in a kitchen in High School and the beginning of college - yes, yes, and yes.
aureolus
I think the most important value any business can have is that the customer is not always right. Morality over greed.
ChiGuy75
I feel like doing a firefighter one.
Mec26
Listen to that feeling.
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Do it!
theberch
#1 My wife is currently pregnant, and I can tell you one thing. Dont you dare come between her, and her pickles. Not unless you value life.
BothersomeGoulash
Pro-tip... a dill pickle in a cotton sock works wonders for a teething baby. If you have any leftover pickles by then.
iapologizeinadvanceforthis
I think every job which requires one to work "in the back" has people that swear a ton.
oskar12
can we get a picture of the knifemasters foot?
LiteralGirl
Thanks for #4, OP. Most places I've worked favour the customers even when they're assholes. You're a good person.
LiterallyWorseThanHitler
I think that general policy should be "The customer's always right, as long as he stays polite."
LiterallyWorseThanHitler
I think that general policy should be "The customer's always right, as long as he stays polite."
WHiiTEWzD
The thing about sex and swearing made me laugh. I work at a butcher shop and you need some kind of special humor to make the job less gross
KellyCrazyCatLadyinTraining
same as someone who works in the OR, assisting in surgery. It's called having a "morbid sense of humor." It gets u through the operations.
CelticCommando
Wtf is diet dressing?
flamingflamingo
Light/lite dressing I assume?
KellyCrazyCatLadyinTraining
It's a myth. It's something white people made up to pretend to be healthy. (I'm white, so i can say it).
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
I'm going to level with you. I gave her another dish of the same dressing and continued working. I didn't have time for that lol
baconsmellsreallygood
I once accidentally fed a kid meat bc the waitress forgot to alter the ticket and their vegan parents flipped the fuck out.
01111001
How could you?! She was watching her figure, tee hee.
Thane007
Did she also order a small salad with the copious amounts of chicken wings? Also better chicken of the sea then chicken of the cave.
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Chicken of the rail yard?
Thane007
Know i imagine a hobo chicken riding the rails all across the USA
ShadowBlade0911
You smelled like Bacon? Can I wife you?
spacerocks
Yeah who the hell says "ew" to bacon smell. Get over here.
Jarvicious
Fuckin country clubs They're not all bad, but the majority of those people need to work retail or food service at some point in their life.
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
I realize they pay a lot for their memberships, but still. Basic manners were lacking usually :/
Monkeyfighter
True moral of the story: The customer is basically rarely right (as a waiter, I can attest).
GreentextsForEverything
The first one ... you've been visited by http://picklewizard.com/images/banner3.png
Cyberjar88
I have also worked in a kitchen before. People need to realize that we don't always get breaks, especially when it's busy!
baconsmellsreallygood
Loved how waitstaff always seemed to get their 30 min break and would bitch if I took 10 mins after close to eat something really quick
baconsmellsreallygood
Loved how waitstaff always seemed to get their 30 min break and would bitch if I took 10 mins after close to eat something really quick
LegendaryThrillary
The best round of work stories I've read yet. +1
somethingslightlyclever
I hate when people say never trust a skinny chef...no never trust a fat chef, that guy will eat anything.
lurkinginpublic
As a skinny chef, this.
iSoulend
How about never trust the skill of someone based on his weight, sound ok right
SomebodyStoleMyCarRadio
How about don't judge a chef's skill by their weight?
kylemacksc
That and he's not sweating it out like the rest of us...
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
He's sitting in his office pushing papers
amyrose
I'm going to go with skinny chef, fat baker.
PixieDoll
"I don't LIKE food, I LOVE it. If I don't LOVE it, I don't SWALLOW."
somethingslightlyclever
I've heard that before...where is that from? kitchen confidential?
FriendlyGuyInWindowlessVan
Probably some kinky food porn flick
mirialans
Anton Ego, Ratatouille (the movie, not the food)
pizzaparty
I gained weight while working in a kitchen. Mainly because I ate as much as I could to combat exhaustion. Also alcohol. So much alcohol.
Solonariwan
I found it was the fried food that made my belly grow most, otherwise I was typically fine. Riding a bike to work helped for sure though
mynewestusername
According to Ramsay in his AMA, the fat chefs have already eaten all the good bits instead of giving them to the customers.
FrancoUnAmerican
IMO a oil burn is the worst burn you can have in a kitchen, beacuse after the burn, the oven is still hot as hell, and you need to continue.
ThatNewfie
Sunburn is pretty bad too, from personal experience...
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
I'd rather get cut than burnt. A cut you can bandage up and move on, but with a burn it hurts every time you get it anywhere near heat :/
FrancoUnAmerican
yeah, not sure about this ... depends of the cut, i could show you my last one.. i did my supper anyway but i've been changing every 10 mins
baconsmellsreallygood
The scariest part of working in a kitchen was cleaning out the fryers when it was still hot. Just one slip was all it takes.
Dyayo
Was told to put mustard, helps with deep fryer oil burns (my time as a Red Robin cook)
Threns
I knew a guy who, while draining and cleaning a fryer, stepped into the still-hot filter vat.
BiggieCheeseForStateGovernor
I put my hand on a clam-grill at work, so they moved me to pot-wash for the day to help forgetting the water is pretty damn hot too..
DenverPostironic
I don't know about oil burn, but I have been burned by molten sugar. Holy shit, I saw stars.
johnjacobjingleheimer
Sugar burn is def the worst agh
jakslasher
sugar is worst by far.
pizzaparty
I blowtorched creme brulees on the line. You gotta hold the ramekin and rotate it. Sometimes my fingers were slippery. So nerve-wracking...
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
That's the absolute worst, because it'll rip off the skin D: mad props to pastry chefs
FrancoUnAmerican
i broke my elbow and have a kidney stone and still, it's not painful as a fryer burn
mikeatike
Wow, kidney stones were the worst pain of my life by a wide margin. I've burned myself on hot stuff before, but never a fryer.
THEREAINTNOWEEPININTHISHOME
Steam burns are the worst for me.
WrongUn
agreed. those and sugar. nasty shit
BiggieCheeseForStateGovernor
I got a speck of oil from the fryer on the back of my had 3 weeks ago and I still have a fairly oversized scar from it
trippinoctopus
i get specks of fryer oil on my hand almost every day when i'm cleaning the fryer, and it's never left a mark
BiggieCheeseForStateGovernor
I can show you my hand, it was like a small water-drop sized speck of oil and the fairly bigger than the amount of oil that hit it
trippinoctopus
any burn really. if you gotta put your hand in an oven, any burn is gonna hurt like a fuck
trippinoctopus
any burn really. if you gotta put your hand in an oven, any burn is gonna hurt like a fuck
THEREAINTNOWEEPININTHISHOME
Steam burns are the worst for me.
BonkersDelight
I had chicken grease roll down my arm when I clumsily removed an overcrowded pan of baked chicken out of the convection. Terrible pain.
Treblaine
There is a loophole in the "Customer is always right" thing. If they are so fucking wrong you won't serve them... they aren't a customer.
winjinbin
"Do you want it now or di you want it cooked!" - me last night when dealing with our wonderful in room dining servers.
ZeeGogglesZayDoNothing
Well said.
ilikeSTAGbeer
i worked at an incredibly popular restaurant that did not take reservations. our owner/head chef LOVED telling people "you, the customer a
ilikeSTAGbeer
re wrong. sucks doesnt it. good bye" only he was allowed to answer the phone because he loved when people would treat him like a low level
ilikeSTAGbeer
employee only to be informed "this is MY restaurant". aside tho, he was an insane person and regularly threw knives in the kitchen.
ZapTap
Also it was intended to mean provide good service even if they want something stupid. Not to tolerate their endless bullshit.
Solonariwan
I worked somewhere where the manager told someone "We are not a franchise, the customer is NOT always right, and you're a fucking asshole"
Solonariwan
The thing she led into that was "Look, I'm sorry that you have to actually wait your turn in line to pay... But"
wererat2000
That accident prone guy... I... How is he still employed?
DevonGronka
I'm never going to feel safe around a deep fryer now. =(
KogwerksKlokwerk
Entertainment value.
bingedreaming
is his last name Gergich? or Gengirch?
chaoko99
Better question; How is he still alive?
coitusjillion
Is he still alive?
nodisco
He sounds awesome. Hilarity guaranteed
JCrashB
Employed? Ded?
eggmuffin
I assume he's a good cook.
somethingclevergoeshere
does.... does he have any limbs left? skin?
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
He's an amazing cook and a dedicated employee. Just dumb and clumsy lol
HeyLookABunny
No kidding
helenfrankannekeller
At least he only hurts himself
TheWinterSoldier
I want a show starring accident prone guy
Raelag
these are some interesting stories, my dad the health inspector would like to talk to you.
IsoPropylPotatene
He seems like a fun guy to be around. As long as the damage stays centered on himself.
ShadowXII
Pass on my admiration for his dedication to his tools by deliberately fucking up his foot.
airandfingers
Got pictures of the foot? Did it stab right through his shoe, or what?
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Straight through the top of the shoe, then through his foot as well. Very sharp, heavy knife lol. I might have pictures on my old phone
therealgiraffe
I'm guessing the hospital bills cost more than the knife.
edwardcnc
Please find them!
sirbart
Commenting in case of delivery
airandfingers
Out the bottom of the shoe as well?
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
No, the sole of the shoe stopped it
HogwartsAlumnus
dumb and clumsy is how my dog is too. also a very dedicated employee. not such an amazing cook.
hugh705
You wouldn't fire your dog though.
southboundpachyderm
I wouldn't fire that guy just for accidents that he basically laughed off as his own ignorance though. Good cook and dedicated employee!
JohnathanJacobJinglySchmidt
Have you ever really let him try to cook though?
HogwartsAlumnus
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Funnily enough, this guy kind of looked like a Labrador xD
ismellmyfingers
Sounds like you should wife him.
DarthFutuza
http://i.ytimg.com/vi/8gO7pHdUr6Y/maxresdefault.jpg
nobodyblindedme
how the fuck is there an image for this?
SummerPoleCat
Pickle lady was definitely either living with or friends with a pregnant lady.
pizzaparty
I was thinking "Autistic child having a meltdown outside?"
sharpenyourknife
Exactly my thought...
dagg3r
I'm thinking scavenger hunt
gogetahaircutyadamnhippie
Yep definately scavenger hunt.
IPeakedinSecondGrade
Sometimes you just need a pickle
hazzmatron
I love me some pick les
OpinionMan
I gotta pickle for her. Let me just go to my refrigerator and grab a jar of Vlassic.
brrrgitte
my thoughts exactly
Misora
Worked at a restaurant off the highway. Had a pregnant couple swerve off the highway cause she saw us and had to eat RIGHT NOW.
Misora
Ended up bringing her out the biggest salad I could conceivably make while she decided on the rest of her meal because I could have it fast
DarthFutuza
I'm pretty sure she was a super-villain and the super hero's only weakness was pickles.
blitherypoop
I eat pickles by the jarfull. Not pregnant and never have been.
pizzaparty
Personally I like the juice better than the pickles. I drink it straight out the jar.
OPsLawyer
Hens night
OpinionMan
Maybe she's a pickle-powered super hero in desperate need of a recharge.
vehementnickel
Pickles can really help if you are dehydrated. Hydration is also extremely important in pregnancy, hence the cravings. "Pickles (and pickle
vehementnickel
juice) are higher in electrolytes than beverages like Gatorade or Powerade, and have been shown to reduce cramping cause by exertion in
vehementnickel
high temperatures. The acetic acid in pickles and pickle juice are considered superior to the citric acid found in commercial
vehementnickel
sports drinks, at least when it comes to rehydration properties." Maybe is was a hot day and someone had passed out down the block?
ashleypomeroy
The things you learn reading about kitchens on Imgur.
bentwrenches
Your name should be vehementpickle.
DumbShitIsMyTrigger
Diabetic? Blood sugar crash or something....
WhoPaidForThisFloor
As a diabetic, there is almost no sugar in a pickle.
hashtagwhenamandasaysstupidthings
Because pickles definitely have enough carb/sugar/protein to help the plumetting blood sugar........
DumbShitIsMyTrigger
The only thing I know about diabeetus is how to pronounce it like Wilford Brimley
VaultGirl101
I remember those cravings. I had an orgasm in a restaurant while eating a pickle in my 8th month.
CroissantCrotch
Ouity
Like, an actual literal orgasm? That's... incredible!
VaultGirl101
Yup. Pregnancy does crazy things to the body.
fastpacman
Ok than. I'm gonna call it a night but here's my upvote
Boblarian
Employees eat free and you cooked 20lbs bacon? Are those pictures related?
LordofGoats
I still don't understand the "ew" when someone smells like bacon. No need to apologize for that, OP!
mirialans
I tend to shy away from the smell of cooking meat, but damn if I don't love me some meat, you know?
LunaChic
I know. What kind of maniac says ew to bacon?
happysnowman
Fish liver on the other hand.... and I had to take the bus home afterwards :(
Solonariwan
We would pan up entire cases of bacon at a time. In the morning we would cook up tons and still go through it all and make more
RyanK252
http://www.quickmeme.com/img/e5/e566a3fd72eb9845694e6cfe20fe10399229e5e462dadc45fec5c19ed0da4918.jpg
chaserrrr
Speaking from experience, yes. Anytime we served bacon we "overestimated" the demand and sat around eating bacon for the rest of the shift.
darkedge42392
As a cook, that last one is the best reason for the shitty hours and horrible pay. Plus, the people can be worth it as well.
SwedishBalls
I should become a chef, would make so many awesome tasty things ^^
pizzaparty
Stick with cooking at home if you want to have fun making interesting dishes. Line cooking is a stressful, monotonous grind. It's work.
pizzaparty
Stick with cooking at home if you want to have fun making interesting dishes. Line cooking is a stressful, monotonous grind. It's work.
baconsmellsreallygood
That moment when tickets keep on pouring in and waitress asks you to remake a ticket bc they messed up the order >.<
SteamyRayVaughan
Ha! I love that all three of those kitchen accidents were the same guy. That poor, poor bastard.
onecattwocatbigcatsmallcat
It sounds like he has a weakness... for women.
systemofaclown
I honestly would have been a bit disappointed if it weren't all the same guy.
theStead42
Freakin Tim the chefman Taylor
iDrinkDrano
I was gonna call him a dumbass, but I'm half afraid that woulda been me.
almostsomething182
I've always been accident prone too, I know the struggle :(
MovingtoAntarctica
Me too. I hurt myself at least once each day at work. Tonight: burned my finger on the heat lamp of the holding area and bruised my knee.
CaptainNimmo
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view/719042/man-on-fire-o.gif
press1forenglish
That some straight up fire marshall bill shit right there.
Eldibs
I twirl knives like that, but I've never dropped one or hurt anyone because I practiced with the spatulas first.
RyanK252
http://stream1.gifsoup.com/view4/1206989/ted-o.gif
HotShower
Unless he's got hella insurance. Then he's a somewhat financially stable bastard. I'm sorry I'll be on my way now. :|
Solonariwan
Most restaurants do not offer any kind of insurance, especially mom and pop kind of places. At most they offer Aflac (which is crappy)
Tincanister
This never stated that this is american, cause most the rest of the 1st world has socialized health care
HotShower
Obligatory "thanks Obama"
BriefEdition
Goddammit Jerry!
gallowsRenegade
You could say he was a hot mess.
PlesiosaurWithElementsOfAnIdeaOfTheLochNessMonsterBoy
As someone who has actually had a similar foot injury, my balls retracted, my asshole puckered, and I swear I felt that glass shard again.
IAimToMisbehaveLikeALeafOnTheWind
It's like Sookie from Gilmore Girls!
Nekokaburi
My kitchen had that guy. He would bleed on a daily basis, and once set himself on fire leaning over the stove to clean the wall (it was on)
BriefEdition
Goddammit Jerry!
azureraptor
GODDAMMIT MR. NOODLE!
iapologizeinadvanceforthis
There should be a separate post with just all his accidents.
coolaggro
Was this the guy? http://vignette3.wikia.nocookie.net/simpsons/images/d/d3/Waiter3.jpg/revision/latest?cb=20100911131027
chickfrompennsylvania
Dammit Jerry!https://media.giphy.com/media/hoxdgEgXs2MRq/giphy.gif
IHaveUnusualPets
There's an american me out there somewhere!
bonganddalls
i used to manage a restaurant and tie was dress code dipped many a tie in fry oil
CM0N3Y
Plot twist it's op
terbril
He may have had a lot of accidents, but he had... heart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3yIHmp09jg
IHaveUnusualPets
There's an american me out there somewhere!
aldarian
My anus puckered each time.
TarantinoGirl
Ahh the sphincter reflex I know it well
CharlesFuckingBronson
Based on a few kitchens I've worked in, I kind of have a feeling the dude might be addicted to one or more impairing drugs...
slagath0r
Every day I break all my bones....
Freddy67h
I knew a guy in construction like that too. Guy fell off/through a roof we were demoing 3 times in an hour. Ended up firmly on the ground.
jimjackboredom
Hahaha. ..Brett got shot again
TravisKOP
My friend is a chef, one time a waitress asked why her steak order wasn't done yet, he turned to the steak and yelled, "COOK FASTER!!!"
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
My response was "sure, let me just BREAK THE DAMN LAWS OF PHYSICS!"
whatthehellhappenedtouptown
Im going still that reply for my servers. You ever have a server throw her book at you??
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Once a server told me in the middle of a big rush I was being "mean"because I want saying please or thank you. We had 30 tickets up and more
whatthehellhappenedtouptown
Lol Must of been green my favorite was a server threw her book at me because I 86d the fish and none of her friend told her I lit it on fire
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
coming in and were several cooks short that day. I don't know what the hell she expected from me...
TheBoxGh0st
Did some construction work during HS summers. Client wanted one of those winded handrail ends at the bottom of the stairs. Was standing 1/?
TheBoxGh0st
there with a straight piece of wood handrail about 8 ft long (2.5 meters). Was feeling a bit mouthy because she was a pain earlier. 2/?
TheBoxGh0st
"As much as I would love to do that, I don't think Bill Nye would be very happy if I broke physics without his supervision". 3/3
roamingbadger
To anyone inspired to join our industry, rethink it, never pay for culinary school, rethink it, understand the shitty hours/pay, rethink it.
CerebrawlHemmorage
Had a boss when I was working as a Scuba instructor who was also a chef. Maybe 50 years old, needed both hip ball-joints replaced.
StraightDownThumps
If any current culinary students have any questions of how the industry works/what you can expect, please PM me! I'd love to answer some.
Nexus763
This. Also this job is very ungrateful in most of the cases. Servers, cook and cook helpers, all treated like hsit most of the time
EmmieGeexx
I used to dream of being a pastry chef, but came to realize I dispise people, I now dream of a different career.
johnsonadam1
Regret going to culinary school so much now that I'm out and could have learned in a kitchen and saved $20,000
zytz
I've changed careers but the kitchen keeps calling to me...
tokomak
I started working at a ramen restaurant in the kitchen. It's pretty great but I think I may have also joined a cult.
NipplesTheEnchiIada
I have a "friend" who can barely cook. He wants to go to culinary school. I encouraged him even though I know he shouldn't do it.
laestrella
You are lucky to get a break,rethink it, people can treat you like shit,rethink it, some chefs are total cunts, rethink it
Seven7greens
This. Ex is a Banquets Chef and I have a Culinary degree. He never wanted me to apply because he knew i'd be treated like shit.
EngleDingle
I get where you're coming from but I disagree. Im finishing Culinary school myself and even after taking 70 clinical hours in the last (1/2)
EngleDingle
two weeks alone and having worked in several restaurants and kitchens that were just abysmal, I still love this field more than anything.(2)
clownus
ICC aka ICI is free for those under 120k income. It's also a industry for those interested not casuals.
Blud4BludGod
I worked all but three days in April. Sadness. Least I was making more than minimum wage. Cook for eight years over here.
somethingslightlyclever
It is true. Culinary school is a waste of time and money. Experience always trumps a diploma and you wont make $ till you're head chef. IF
xgengar
And no one hires for your specific culinary field, and if they do, they treat you like shit with low pay
Elchja
I wanted to be a chef. Then I saw all the reality cooking shows. I do not have that thick of a skin. I'd be reduced to tears every night.
roamingbadger
Cooking isn't exactly like that... some kitchens are supportive creative environments, some chefs throw omelettes at you.
pizzaparty
And sometimes you get both in the same night. (Depends on how bad the rush is)
889922
I quit job as a cook about 2 months ago and i'm WAAAAY less stressed now. It's really challenging at times.. you have to really love food.
889922
I quit for serious reasons not just because I was tired of cooking but still!
roamingbadger
Even loving food you're turning over the same shit every shift, most culinary dreamers die on the line
roamingbadger
Even loving food you're turning over the same shit every shift, most culinary dreamers die on the line.
pizzaparty
Yup. I love food, but mostly my job was just glorified assembly work. Hot, sweaty, miserable, adrenaline-pumping assembly work.
roamingbadger
Worked at a 2 star NYT restaurant, it really doesn't feel different than a concession stand. But at home can cook the panties off my dates.
HotShower
Also WHO APOLOGIZES FOR SMELLING LIKE BACON EVER?!?!?
Threns
Its usually not the freshest smelling bacon. And is mingled with other, less pleasant scents as well. Usually old grease.
HotShower
As a long time employee of an Italian restaurant, I completely understand
Threns
The things I came home smelling of from Outback....
theBEARDEDarchaeologist
Dogs love it
DefinitelyNotAShark
I was considering going to culinary school, I'm working at our hotel kitchen now (untrained).. decided nopetynope. Passion, not profession.
TeslaCoil00
Culinary school has its perks. My brother went that route and I dove right in. I was constantly calling him for advice.
DAMMITSTOPSTEALINGMYFAVORITEUSERNAMES
I was going to go into a 2-year high school program for culinary arts... My mom looked at the prices, and that was the end of that.
jaagermaster
I agree, i went to culinary school on a whim, at the time I liked cooking. Liked it, not madly in love with it. Struggling to get out now.
SoffDogs
As a 17 year old cook, thanks for the headsup! Culinary school was my immediate option, will rethink
yak3ftw
Get experience by continue to work or rethink your life and move onto a career path that pays more and one you won't hate.
roamingbadger
Consider your options... it can be for everybody but don't pay $40-50k for something that pays $10 for the first few years
theBEARDEDarchaeologist
Find a restaurant that will train you under a good chef, paid culinary school
862900000
are you in the U.S.? maybe consider one of the apprenticeship program? www.acfchefs.org/ACFSource/Apprenticeship/Programs.aspx
Guspowers
A degree can come in real handy if you want to cook and be paid well in a city where you aren't well known.
Kopachris
After reading the wiki article on Kitchen Confidential (why haven't I read the book itself yet?) I don't think I'm masochistic enough for it
ElbowDeepinaTinyOctopus
I work at a specialty produce retail (read: roadside stand next to a farm), and talk to cooks & chefs constantly. THIS. ALL THIS. ENTIRELY.
jaagermaster
I agree, i went to culinary school on a whim, as at the time I liked cooking. Liked it, not madly in love with it. Struggling to get out now
pantslessgamers
As a culinary person with degree.... can confirm
psychoelectrickitty
I'd also advise people to make the decision for themselves and not base their education decisions on a comment on Imgur...
trippinoctopus
Cook here. Rethink it. It's really hot in the kitchen some places. Rethink it. You will do more work than your pay rates. Rethink it
Akumaka
In the military, the cooks have some of the absolute worst working hours out of the entirety of the armed services.
LordofGoats
Okay, but answer me this... CAN I GET A PICKLE?!?!
BakeryBitch
I'm in the Culinary Institute of America right now and, personally, I think it's completely worth the money.
Saucelyn
I have a friend who went to CIA & she loved it at the time. Now she cries daily about how she will pay her bills with $700/mo loan payments
SeveralDeadHookers
That's what I tell myself as I start BPS in a week...to keep from crying over my 150,000 tuition bill.
SeveralDeadHookers
Posts like these make me wish I had never picked this account name. I was rushed and now I look like a cunt for using "chef"
BakeryBitch
Why is it so expensive here? :(
Hocipo
All culinary schools are the same. No one looks at what school you went too In this industry
susiedotwo
I was looking through the comments to see if the CIA would come up. I went to college down the road from you!
BakeryBitch
Marist?
susiedotwo
Vassar! I ate a number of delicious meals at the CIA - that was prime 'my parents are in town- lets go eat like kings' choice for eating out
BakeryBitch
The resturants are fantastic. I eat at Apple Pie all the time. The meal plan on the other hand....
SeveralDeadHookers
But in a seriousness, I adore CIA...now the meal plan....fuck you courtside
BakeryBitch
The motherfucking meal plan.
SeveralDeadHookers
Have you gotten the email about the new plan? It's odd but maybe okay? Like maybe my option won't be fatty or famine for every meal now.
BakeryBitch
I'm a little confused by it. And upset that the points don't roll over each day so that maybe we could eat on the weekends....
roamingbadger
CIA sure, but that's different from 95% of cooking schools out there. Also you pastries are nuts.
BakeryBitch
Fucking bakeshop, man. I love it but at the same time, oh my god why am I doing this to myself?
roamingbadger
I couldn't tell you, I have zero patience for measurement. Where are you looking to go, I was cooking in NYC.
BakeryBitch
I'm hoping to move to Washington State after graduation. But, I'm still pre-extern and I'm doing the BPS program so that's a while away.
AmandaDunne
i work in this industry. never looked back
smashingamber
Culinary school can be very important. It all depends on your goals though. You only will get out of it what you out into it.
DickDastardly404
I cooked at a couple of high-street restaurants, so maybe I never hit the big-leagues, but I really didn't find it to be stressful at all.
zackofspades
Its the life of an artist on serious 'roids...if its not an art to you, its nearly impossible to last.
W12A1TH
I wish someone told me this 8 years ago. I love cooking, but it's a high stress, low reward career.
KogwerksKlokwerk
And rethink it some more.
isoldmysoultothedevilinreturnforadonutandiregretnothing
I'm currently training to be a chef and loving it .. am I making a mistake?
roamingbadger
Not necessarily, every circumstance is different. PM me if you have questions or concerns.
Industrialgoth
I'm a chef! No, you aren't! Try it first :D
Industrialgoth
I'm a chef! No, you aren't! Try it first :D
isoldmysoultothedevilinreturnforadonutandiregretnothing
Well the wages for full time chefs here in NZ is enough to live comfortably on, and I enjoy it and am passionate about it 1/2
isoldmysoultothedevilinreturnforadonutandiregretnothing
2/2 I think its worth being happy
AnythingIsBraveIfYoureDildoEnough
I honestly think it depends on how well you deal with stress. And the hours, and the culture of substance abuse, but mostly the stress.
AnythingIsBraveIfYoureDildoEnough
Stress messed me up, messed some colleagues up worse.
maddogg2216
I come from a family in the industry. They concur, they would have murdered me if I told them I wanted to be a chef.
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Did exactly this. Wanted to be a chef coming out of high school with 4 years of home ec. Joined the Navy instead and became a sub mechanic.
thegelatoking
Definitely rethink it. I did it for a while but the hours sucked and I got loans and bills to pay. I cook as a passionate hobby now.
roamingbadger
It's really just paying for it that's the worst, you do learn a ton but the market pay for cooks just doesn't justify it in most cases
thegelatoking
Yes
iamomegatank
As a man who works in a dining hall makes 16.50 an hour has never been to culinary school full benefits its not all bad :)
sarapiff
Culinary school looks great for management though.
cajunbrewer
I got the fuck out, love to cook but hated the pay and hers. Although as a brewmaster, I am just kind of a glorified janitor.
cajunbrewer
I should add, that I fucking love my job though. Way more than any cooking gig I ever had.
Chistoid
Vaguely on topic, one of my cousins was recently promoted to sous chef at the restaurant he works at. So fuckin' proud.
beechcraft11
Uh, just graduated from Le'cole KC wIth my associates, and it was one of the best decisions I ever made.
beechcraft11
I'm 25 and just discovered my passion for cooking, so a college degree was necessary for me to catch up.
ButterfaceTaintClown
What the fuck. She said the pickles cost her 20. They barely fit.
CyrenVelsoul
My father tells me the same thing religiously.
SevenOfWine
As someone with $40K in culinary school debt who made $10/hr as a Sous Chef...shoulda rethought it. At least I've got a well fed husband!
korvazor
only $40k? You're lucky my friend. I'm sitting on about $50k from my stint at culinary school. I make just over $12/hr working for a grocery
jakslasher
As an Australian it blows my mind that you would pay for culinary school
roamingbadger
I cooked in NY and the highest paid non-salary sous were still only $12-14/hr
NiceCanadians
i bullshitted my way into the kitchen without a degree. at 12.50 an hr, i doubt u made 10$ as a sous chef. unless it was a tiny restaurant
theBEARDEDarchaeologist
I make 12.50 right now as an AKM at a tap house. We do burgers and tacos...
lovelyleelamb
Same here and it's an associate degree:( I love creating edible deliciousNess but I am not happy doing it for a living right now I get 1/2
lovelyleelamb
2/2 no family Time and my current/last boss makes me feel inadequate and happy. I'm quitting soon getting out the kitchen for a bit.
lovelyleelamb
Supposed to be unhappy:/
pizzaparty
Wow, you actually cook when you get home? My diet pretty much consisted of chinese buffet, family meal, steak ends, PBR, and tequila.
StraightDownThumps
Jesus, I just got on a first name basis with all the peeps at Wendy's. Open 24 hours and cheaper than dirt? Sign me up.
pizzaparty
Amen to that. Though I was just on a first-name basis with the bartenders at the bar nearest work.
StraightDownThumps
The last place I worked was in the weirdest part of town; no street lights, super edgy..getting out late was a run to the truck lol
bigdonkey
Kitchen confidential convinced me on a few of those points.
thatonemechanicguy
I considered becoming a chef. But I figured being a mechanic would better suit me, now I kind of wish I stuck with it.
GrandMoonerino
I don't have the skilled hands for cooking, I've never thinked it
KarlaAnne
I sat at a desk as a CPA for 13yrs, followed my heart, dropped out & became a chef. I work 100% more hrs & make 1/3rd the pay. Never happier
bud467
Worked in Kitchen as a porter. it was sometimes fun. Definitely eating the leftovers was a perk. all those rolls.... hnnng
MrBubblehead
so its just like to automotive technician industry. rethink it.
psychoelectrickitty
I completely disagree with you on the culinary school notion. You should do what's best for you, whether that be apprenticeship or school.
psychoelectrickitty
FYI, reading Becoming a Chef by Dornenburg and Page can help you make that decision. It's a great book.
roamingbadger
It can be the right option, but I encourage people to work in a restaurant first and ask as many different cooks as possible.
lceKing
As someone who is just about to start culinary school. Thanks...
HotShower
Culinary school CAN be extremely useful if you don't have much of an aptitude for cooking. Please be very thorough with your pros/cons list
psychoelectrickitty
Read Becoming a Chef by Dornenburg and Page. It tells you more about this and helps you make an informed decision.
kanihaznaiph
Nooo, keep going to school! But definitely get as much experience under your belt as you can, experience = ice cream, school = toppings
lceKing
I'm hoping to get a job as a line cook soon but based on my complete lack of experience as a cook. I'm afraid I'll get stuck washing dishes.
lceKing
I'm hoping to get a job as a line cook soon but based on my complete lack of experience as a cook. I'm afraid I'll get stuck washing dishes.
pizzaparty
Don't be afraid to wash dishes!! It'll help to get your feet wet (pun intended) while you learn the culture and "the dance". Invaluable.
StraightDownThumps
You will absolutely be stuck doing dishes, and if that's an issue you need to rethink some things.
lceKing
It's not an issue. I've been a dishwasher before and I actually enjoyed it I would just prefer to start gaining experience as a cook.
StraightDownThumps
More importantly though, be prepared to be paid between $8.25 - $10 if you're lucky; be smart about loans.
lceKing
My last dish washing job paid $9 an hour. So I know what kind of pay to expect.
lceKing
Oh and my dad is paying for school so luckily I don't have to worry about that =)
kiddub
What's this about not paying for culinary school? Honest question. I just started George Brown's culinary night school, for fun.
NapoleonDynOmite
I couldn't agree more. I was a cook and a chef for 20+ years. 40000$ to make 10$/hr not worth it. Plus they all think they can be a chef
xcelita
Also culinary school is wayyy different from the stress of a restaurant. I know people who paid for school and then realized they hated work
SansasPeriod
Yesss GBC!
R0GERtheSHRUBBER
I've had 3 coworkers over the years that graduated from culinary school, and I've never worked in a kitchen.
agent90nine
I went to George Brown. First at night for fun like you. Then took the whole program. You'll have fun and learn a lot. Enjoy!
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
It really depends, i came from the University of West London, not doing food. But they have a really good employment rate straight out.
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
If you can get a good job, or as part of your course a placement in a kitchen that would be amazing.
lunaticchik
Best advice I was given at 16 that I didn't follow, "get out while you can". Regrets....
TehStoner
I started culinary school, but was told to quit by the head of the program because I already had knowledge and experience.
zytz
Some industry lifers told me once when I mentioned culinary school - everything you'll learn in 2 years at school we'll teach you in 6 month
TehStoner
The degree you might get won't make you any extra money, and may put you in debt 10's of thousands of dollars
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Experience is just as valued as a degree, really. The degree helps, but you can work your way up to head chef if you're very driven.
kiddub
Ah, thanks!
micropig
Agreed. I made that mistake. Though I only partially regret it, it gave me some amazing connections. Pastries, FTW!
Irishbastard7
I have been in the industry for quite a while now and finally decided to go to culinary school to further my abilities. Totally worth it.
roamingbadger
I was cooking in NYC, and most cooks at the better restaurants worked their way up
ThoraxeTheImpalerAndSteveTheVagina
If you don't have experience in the field culinary school is a good way to go since externships are a part of most programs
pizzaparty
2 - My school was cheap and had a great co-op program, but my first job in a real kitchen wrecked me. I wish I'd have just done that first.
ThoraxeTheImpalerAndSteveTheVagina
Thats what I meant with the externship. You get a job in a kitchen to take the place of class and you get graded on performance 1-
pizzaparty
Honestly, & I can't stress this enough: Get a job in a kitchen as a dishwasher to see what it's like before you ever spend a cent on school.
Guspowers
I've found when hunting for new jobs, especially in a new area the degree comes in handy, I've had to start over several times and.1
[deleted]
[deleted]
Guspowers
*pay
SardonicGrin
What about those of us that like to cook for funsies? I'd like to take some decent cooking classes to improve my skills but not as a career?
mkjnx
damn casuals
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Look into your local community college or a night class program! I took a class on international breads once just for fun, best class ever
Dengaar
That is very true but you can also get a head chef job right out of culinary school depending on which school you are coming from.
kanihaznaiph
Not wrong, but not 100% right, can and will are 2 different things, its a possibility but a lot of people will think its a guarantee
Dengaar
That's why I said can and not will :P
TeslaCoil00
No one hires a head chef fresh out of school without line experience.
tzxAzrael
but -with- the degree, you'll probably be bumped thru all the line spots very quickly, as long as you prove you can do it.
Dengaar
I worked on a line with a head chef with 0% line experience(I was sauté). I left soon after. But it can happen is all I'm saying.
Chucknormous
Oh man as a George Brown Alumni let me congratulate you. I'm gonna send you a message to describe my time there, and maybe help you out.
KnockKnockWhosThereJehovahsWitness
Would you mind giving me some tips too? I'm going there this year
INamedMyCatRickyAfterASkidRowSong
I wasted a lot of money on culinary school. No place will hire me because I have no experience.
pizzaparty
This is why schools need co-op programs. My school req'd 2 semesters of fulltime work (or 4 parttime) to graduate & theyd help get you a job
INamedMyCatRickyAfterASkidRowSong
We had externships. But the place I went to was a joke and I was sexual harassed so I left.
h2omelon
Just do some internships for experience!
INamedMyCatRickyAfterASkidRowSong
The last time I tried to intern, the owner screamed at me until I was in tears and said all of this awful stuff. So I haven't tried since.
h2omelon
unfortunately i have been in the same position, just get up, dust yourself off, and try interning at a new place :)
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
Its really for people with a natural knack for it. My cousin has worked in about 4 kitchen, and now works in a 1 star michelin kitchen, and>
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
has a 2 or 3 month internship with Noma in Denmark, the best restaurant in the world. (because all their top chefs are going to Japan to>
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
start a restaurant there, probably in Tokyo) lined up for later this year. He hasn't been to school, he has one kind of qualification in>
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
film editing, which is of very little use to him in the kitchen. He thrives on it, and is really great. And he gets really good pay>
giveittomestraightlikeapearcidermadefrom100percentpears
but he barely gets enough spare time to spend any of it.
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
It's truly only something for people who are deeply passionate about cooking
Regalior
And even it can suck some serious ass. But hey it is also fun.
Malkiot
Or for people who are helping their family out in their restaurant. Bonus: it pays for college.
MasterMicroSuave
YES deeply passionate and deeply crazy
ShineLikeAPancake
Even then, you also need to be half mad.
thehumblecanadian
I worked in a kitchen for two years, I miss the shit out of that job. hoping to go back when I go back to school!
sagelobu
i fucking love it. Even for a small place. XD
Imgonnatipyouwell
Be like me and just be the buyer instead! I love my job and all of my chefs are amazing!
Mroverkill21
Or dish washing
TheGreenFairy
I've considered getting into culinary school, but then realized I could never handle how high stress and fast paced a busy kitchen can be.
TheRealFireFrenzy
the French do that have saying though "never trust a skinny cook" but then "life is to short to drink bad wine" is also french Maybe clever?
Zerogun
But that bacon scent!
justorderalargefarva
All I've ever wanted in life, my dream, is to own and run a restaurant. That's it. Unfortunately it takes money and a lot of it.
NeoHelios
Gotta ask; one of my schticks when trying a new place is asking to get whatever their fave is. I love surprises. Q: is this ever annoying?
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
Read the room. If it's packed, your waiter probably doesn't have time for that. Kinda slow? Go for it. Some cooks might even make you (1/2)
SergeantPeppersLonelyHeart
something that's not on the menu (2/2)
MrRandom314159
So... How accurate is Monica then?
radenthefridge
I love cooking but whenever someone asks me if I'd want to work in/start a restaurant I laugh at them. I love cooking, not pain.
iamapolarbear
I am deeply passionate about cooking, but only for family and friends. I wouldn't last in the public sector of the industry. Fuck people.
sodapop2298
I wholeheartedly agree, I aspire(d) to be a chef for a long time. I got my first job in a kitchen as a dishwasher. Chefs are some of the
sodapop2298
Coolest and funniest people.I recently started working on the line and I've never had more working. Cooking is amazing, I'm only 16 though..
sodapop2298
*had more fun
Leah24
I just sorta ended up here.
MajesticLoser
I have a friend who dropped out of culinary school, but has started working for different kitchens. Do u have any advice?
pizzaparty
My advice: Don't start drinking or doing drugs (other than pot) to cope. If you can't handle the stress without that stuff, get out ASAP.
MajesticLoser
He Just get annoyed by the lack of help he gets. Other than that he teaches me what he learns there.
Freakayou
Tell him to keep his passion. I am a Sous Chef with 0 formal training and my exec Chef has 0 formal training and we have been offered 1/2
Freakayou
2/2 positions at a 3 star Michelin rated James beard awarded restaurant. I usually retrain "Culinary grads" a lot of time they're clueless
Lordofthenopes
Though I feel like you are the exception, at the sametime I do want to say that this is incredibly impressive. Well done! From a jealous FOH
JM1911A1
Sounds accurate. I work FOH in fine dining and have pointed out the new Apprentices how to hold their knives properly before the chefs do.
TheLurkIsReal
This is what has stopped me from pursuing it. I'm not sure how passionate I am. I love cooking random stuff, but don't know if I would (1/2)
Recidivous
I am deeply passionate about eating. Does that count?
ImChrisHaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaansen
What about someone who wants to open up a fast casual/cafe? And where do you learn to cook if you do?
Gonefishing
I was a dish pit lackey and was offered to go to line cook. Turned it down because washing dishes was less stressful and paid the same.
mooshjie
I used to be a cook, studied, worked for 2 years and got a knee injury that prevented me from standing up for prolonged periods of time 1/2
mooshjie
so now I'm finishing up my Psych BSc, but God do I miss kitchens, shitty hours, mediocre pay, but it was beautiful, especially the banter :D
musicdiedafter1987ToddH
There is a certain dynamic to work a kitchen. Focus is a must. ADHD types are quickly weeded out. Thanks for the post!
zackofspades
You guys work like ALL holidays forever, right?
sagelobu
depends upon the place. I work a small place that give Turkey day, xmas, 7/4, and easter off.
pizzaparty
Yes. And we are never free friday or saturday night. Ever. Don't even ask.
shepardcommander07
Not true for me. Im corporate dining. M-F 630am-230pm. Paid holidays off (even memorial/labor day)
zackofspades
Whoa. How did you find this thread over a year later?
shepardcommander07
I have no idea lol
roamingbadger
Sure, that's why I did it. Switched to FOH for more money, I enjoy cooking at home way more than on the line.
justsherlocked
Smart woman/man.
Summersky
Smart woman/man.
justsherlocked
Smart woman/man.
somethingslightlyclever
I switched from FOH to BOH, because I'm a masochist.
shepardcommander07
Same here! Though i enjoy it a lot more
WizardsStick
FOH?
hibbsicle19
Front of House I believe :)
vanweezy
Front of house
2laiinz
Front of House! (Servers, etc.)
goldfishwrangler
Front of house
clln86
Front of House, waiters and management.
WizardsStick
ah, great. thanks. Never worked in a restaurant and don't know the acronyms.
TheDarkLordOfTrees
that's why you only marry people who can cook
littlezissou
From experience, the life of the "better half" of a chef is not as glamorous as it seems. There is a LOT of alone time involved.
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
AS the person who cooks in my house, my wife agrees with you.
TheLurkIsReal
(2/2) really enjoy cooking in such a strict environment. Also, super long hours, seems like hostile environment as well, and I'm already 24.
FHG38261
What about those who are deeply passionate about eating?
tzxAzrael
those are called "customers"
jahavasaud
I am deeply passionate about cooking for myself. And friends. And family. Everyone else can fuck right off. Unless you're nice. Then food!
swimbikerunrepeatswimbikerunrepeatswimbiwhatwasidoing
Always a blast throwing down for friends and fam
tonvater
I'm a cook never went to school but Ive work with people that have , let's just say is not worth it , they might know more their i
tonvater
*theorytically but when it comes to doing it they suck , they're too slow or don't know enough yet they don't hesitate to let you know they
tonvater
went to culinary school and can name all these types of knives
Atalung
"C" food, Chicken and Crab start with "C"?
kevlarbear
OP shouldve offered dog food.
ThenameIwant
To the top with you!!!!
MLEMInTinyLetters
Had to come back and upvote you.
shaunc13
Wake up!
Atalung
who are you talking to? the "C"eeple
shaunc13
Chicken noodle soup can't melt "C"teal beams!
itrepresentsthedualityofman
cunt
IPaidAHoboToSpoonMe
They call crab the chicken of the sea.
DarkWingDerpy
Maybe he was Korean? Chik Yen (Idk how to spell that) is a kind of fried fish if I remember correctly.
Atalung
you're a bit late on the reply but that is an interesting piece of information, +1
LMiauph
Clever! On a serious note though - people allergic to seafood are often recommended not to eat chicken since they're fed meal made from fish
Atalung
I did not know that, and I like learning things +1
deekman
"But wait, it happened at sea. C. C for Catwoman!" "But the exploding shark was pulling my leg..." "The Joker!"
titaniumspine
It all adds up to an amazing riddle. O.O Riddle...r...The Riddler!
IAmNotASkeleton
C is for cookie.
CaptainGlaceon
Cookie soup?
Pleasedontletittouchme
and cookie is for meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
jakaii
That's good enough for me.
SyntKei
Oh, cookie cookie cookie starts with C!
joppetie
W is for Wumbo
weaselbee
I wumbo, you wumbo, they wumbo.
authornotavailable
I am curious as to why you decided not to be a skeleton.
IAmNotASkeleton
I didn't choose the meatbag life. Skeletonia's Meatbag Infltration Minister chose me. For the meatbag life.
gogetahaircutyadamnhippie
Good lord
Expiredjelly
1 soup: Chicken Noodle and Cream of Crab.
IwishIwasanAlien
You Sir/madam, are a genius. I would have never have thought of it but it could actually make sense in h head of a weird customer!
[deleted]
[deleted]
Christabella30
I like you already.
IwishIwasanAlien
I like being right =)
Atalung
as do I XD