With so many career avenues available, it can be hard to know which path to take. Catering is one such avenue. Even with fluctuation in the world economy, the hospitality industry has shown great resilience in its business and has certainly boomed against all odds. Like a lot of other hospitality roles, catering hours can be long and tiring, however the rewards are worth every moment hospitality, there are a lot of choices when deciding on what kind of career you wish to pursue. One of the greatest things about hospitality is the great potential, even without higher education (although it does help).
A chef is a trained professional cook and tradesman who is proficient in all aspects of food preparation, often focusing on a particular cuisine. The word "chef" is derived from the term chef de cuisine (French pronunciation: [ʃɛf. də. kɥi. zin]), the director or head of a kitchen.
A caterer arranges the preparation, delivery, and presentation of food for clients. If you've ever attended a bridal shower, fund raiser, rehearsal dinner, wedding reception, or a bar mitzvah that had beautifully prepared and presented food, chances are that event was catered.
The main difference between a caterer and a chef is that a caterer works at private events rather than in a brick and mortar shop. Some caterers begin their careers as chefs and then change to catering full-time. However, there is no rule that you can’t be both. Many chefs run catering businesses on the side or vice versa. Additionally, many have similar training, including culinary or hospitality school. Caterers may also switch careers to become chefs.
Before now, catering/chef was solely the business of providing food service at a remote site or entertainment sites or events venue but it is no longer about good food alone; hospitality has become an increasingly competitive market hence anyone interested in being a caterer/chef needs to adopt certain skills to beat the market demands.
Today, Catering which is divided into Wedding Catering, Social event Catering and Concession Catering requires more of creativity, digitality, branding and Online marketing.
In fact, to be a good caterer/chef in these times, you would need to acquire a good education in Culinary and language arts. It has become important to build a name or profile by creating a brand on the internet and social media. You must update yourself with trending international foods, customer's interest and their packaging. You would need to study the traditions of food and be skillful in blending them or creating something new out of them. you should know how to communicate the nutritional value of dishes and builds an advertising presence.
Also important is the need to learn and know how to use technological tools like Chafers, Aluminum foil steam table pan, Fryers, Blenders, Griddle, Potato Masher and so on used in making large and continental dishes.
When working in hospitality and catering, you will be able to have a clear understanding of what you will need to grow within the business. If you’re aiming for a management position, to be a head chef, or perhaps even run your own catering business, the path to these roles are always clear and attainable with hard work and dedication.
Being a caterer or a chef means that people will show their appreciation for your great work. There are little other roles where your appreciation is often shown, but this is prevalent in the catering business. If you do a good job, be prepared to be thanked for your job well done, which is sure to give you a great feeling at the end of the day.
You can be all that you want to be, woman!
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