I graduate in six months and will do my internship in February or march. I plan on being a personal chef and do some catering. There is a lot of pressure working in fine dining so where is best? Also, any chefs or about to be chefs willing to chat about culinary school and the industry with me?
Which is best for an culinary internship? Hotel, Restaurant, or country club?
19
Mar
Meganyeahthecook
March 19, 2010 at 4:43 am
I did my culinary externship at a hotel (Hilton) and looking back I’d probably go with an independent restaurant just so I can get into the “office” more.
The hotel was a good experience for quantity cooking and learning to deal with jerkoffs but it was a mediocre experience overall.
I think an independent restaurant would be more personalized and easier to ask questions, develop dishes and learn about food costs and management without having to deal with the corporate bs. Just my opinion.
But if you’re hard up for cash, go corporate and get some “real” experience later.
David H
March 19, 2010 at 5:26 am
Well I am a former chef and the first person is right, I am from Canada and here we do an apprecticeship, like a plumber in the US, I would ask the instructor’s at the college, and I would also send a few resumes and letters now to the hotels in your area you would like to do the internship.
After you have graduated and are in the business, the restaurants and club are more for your liking, I did that to moved around from Canada to Singapore, Japan and then a resort in Jamaica and here in Canada’s east coast.
Do you research now, as in no time the internship will upon you and having a booked job is alot better ahead of time.
MELANIE
March 19, 2010 at 6:11 am
Hi Glen………..long time no questions !
This is just my opinion…..and I’m not a chef or to be a chef.
I would think a Hotel Restaurant would be the best place to intern since you plan to be a personal chef. You get exposed to a little restaurant, a little personal orders (in room service), and banquets/events at a Hotel.
Since a restaurant is too stressful….and not what you would be doing long term I’d opt not to do that – too unrelated to what you want to do. A country club would be OK and certainly less stressfull since they tend to run hot and cold in terms of business and variety.
Good luck. What do your advisors say???