Posted by Leslie on January 29, 1999 at 21:51:38:
In Reply to: Major career change!!! posted by Paris...Texas on January 28, 1999 at 21:45:20:
Dear Paris-Texas,
I've taught many newcomers you're age, and I'll tell you it won't be easy for you. I don't want to get you down. I think the problem is that the atmosphere in kitchens is young(like 27)and people who are a little older are hard for a 27 year old hot shot to boss around. Especially if you are smarter than the hot shot is!
I don't know alot about the CIA but I've met many graduates of the London and Paris Cordon Bleu. I got the feeling that this school is full of rich girls who wanted to learn to cook before they got married. My friend, who attended the one in Paris for the Grand Diplome, paid a fortune and had some Prince in her class. I never really took the Cordon Bleu seriously, but I could be wrong.
I think you should look into other schools. I recently spoke to a graduate of the French Culinary Institute in New York who is also a little older. He really enjoyed the program which only lasted 8 months.Many of the teachers are well-known French chefs and he was placed in a very good restaurant after he graduated.
If this is your dream, stick to it. It will be harder, but you'll learn faster if you're smart(and good with your hands!)
Best of luck!