Posted by Gerard on January 12, 1998 at 13:44:58:
In Reply to: Where can I get the best flavor of being a pastry chef ?? posted by Jesse Santos on January 10, 1998 at 23:23:25:
: I have been a Chemical Engineer for the last 8 years. I really want to be a Pastry Chef. I have found a CEC that is willing to take me in to help him "move"- sell pastries for his cafe and in the interim, bring me back to the main kitchen and pastry kitchen two days a week to show me what he does and get me to rotate in and do some real "hands-on" preparation.
: Is this the best way to get a feel for the business, hours, routine, etc?
The 8 yrs in chemical eng might work in your favor, I'm a pastry chef , taught the old (7 yrs apprenticed).
A basic understanding of how elements work together is very usefull in baking.
Theres no other way to get a feel other than 'hands on table' , , you won't get any feel in a classroom.
I'd offer this advise, cancel peacecorp, go with this chef and suppliment with some education.
Gerard