The Chef Profession

The term 'chef' was borrowed from the French term 'chef de cuisine' which translates to the head of the kitchen. A chef is most commonly known as a person who cooks professionally for other people both privately and publicly. Chefs are highly skilled in their profession and are talented at all aspects of food preparation within the kitchen.

The traditional chef wears a tall white hat, necktie, double breasted jacket and an apron. In most cases, professional cooks where an all white uniform with a slight element of colour such as a red neckerchief. By opting for a white uniform, it portrays the chefs as clean, pure and professional which in turn reflects the kitchen as fresh and clean for food to be prepared in. Whilst chefs are often stuck in the kitchen, in some cases they make an appearance on the restaurant floor to serve a special dish or to receive a complement from a customer.

When working in a kitchen, it is essential to be properly aware potential hazards, health and safety. There are many different factors to consider and rules to be put in place when working in a fast paced kitchen environment. Another part of a chef's uniform is a pair of plain and practical shoes with steel or plastic toe caps; these are to protect their feet from any accidental incidents including sharp knives.

For many years, the typical chef uniform has been used within the kitchens at hotels, restaurants and even cafes. Whilst some uniforms differ from one to the next, chef clothing usually follows the same kind of style to ensure maximum safety and protection whilst in the kitchen. Chefs usually wear a tall hat as an outlet for heat which allows hot air to circulate inside the hat; it also helps to prevent sweat from dripping down the face for hygienic reasons in hot and stressful situations. The white doubled breasted jacket is also worn for safety as well as appearance. Chef jackets are usually white to repel the heat whilst cooking; they are also designed to help prevent injuries to the skin such as burns. A double breasted jacket is often worn in the kitchen as it allows chefs to cover up food stains by buttoning up the jacket from the other side. Chef aprons are also regularly used over the top of the jackets, again to prevent spillage and scalds to the skin.