Understanding the Job of a Head Chef

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The work of a head chef is far from being easy.  It is not just about directing people or barking orders for more garlic.  It is not just about delivering gastronomic delights.  In order to become an effective and successful head chef, you need to be able to take on a lot of responsibilities.

A Head Chef is a Good Leader

First of all, you need to be able to create memorable dishes.  This is actually the number one requirement.  Practically all head chefs are culinary geniuses.  Secondly, he also needs to know how to properly manage a kitchen including all his or her staff.  Finally, these chefs need to know how to provide the best customer service.  Basically, taking this responsibility means that one is a good leader.

Being a leader does not just involve telling people what food to prepare and how to prepare it.  As a leader, he is required to plan the menu.  He needs to supervise all the areas of the kitchen.  He needs to manage the budget and check inventories regularly.  He also needs to know how to change menus quickly if needed.  He has to ensure excellent food quality and food service.  He is in-charge of time management and task delegation.  He also needs to work closely with other restaurant managers to ensure smooth work flow.  He also needs to build industry relationships.

Acquiring the Skills of a Head Chef

With all the things that a head chef needs to do, he needs to possess leadership skills.  It will help if he as completed a course in culinary arts or hotel restaurant management.  These courses can teach a person how to properly manage a kitchen or a restaurant.  These courses involve menu preparation, meal planning, food presentation, staff management, inventory valuation, customer relations, employee communication and other things as well.

There are so many things involved in running a kitchen successfully.  A head chef needs to be able to rely on his staff, so he needs to make sure that he has in his team people he can work with.  This is very important.  Everyone in that kitchen is his partner.  It is impossible to prepare meals for 200 people in one night, so he should make sure that he will be able to handle his staff properly.

A head chef needs to possess varied skills.  He needs to know how to cook sumptuous meals and he also needs to know how to manage the kitchen successfully.  Creating this balance will allow him to run his kitchen well.