[LadyFirelyght]

I was just wondering if there is anyone here that has studied/is practicing culinary arts. Formal training, I mean. I've recently decided that this is what I would like to do (become a chef) as a career, but I would like to hear from anyone who actually has experience in this field. Basically, I'd just like to hear about a day in the life of the typical chef Thanks!

[HungryMonkey]

My best friend went to the Culinary Institute of America, so I know all too well how demanding the life of a chef can be. She's primarily a pastry chef so her days start very early and can last very long. Her work uniform is decidedly unglamorous (black and white houndstooth pants, white starched shirt) and always caked in food. Her arms and hands are covered in burns.

And she's also really, really happy to be doing what she loves, turning raw ingredients into gorgeous and delicious masterpieces. However she follows the Atkins diet and can't eat her own creations. She has to taste things to ensure flavor and consistency, but she can't swallow it!

If you love to cook and are thinking of turning it into a career, by all means follow your dream! It can be very rewarding, so I'm told