Quote:
Originally Posted by HejiraNYC
I'm not sure if people like Paula Deen, Rachel Ray or Giada would technically fall under the term "chef." They are certainly "cooks," but I think "chef" takes on the connotation of having mastered a certain level of training at accredited institutions or under the tutelage of certain Michelin-rated eateries. Not sure though... any thoughts about the cook/chef boundary?
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Excellent distinction. Those folks are good cooks with a solid knowledge of the essentials of their craft, but they aren't artists. They're pop artists at best. We can love their recipes & their personalities, but they aren't chefs.
A cook is an E.R. doc. A chef is an eye surgeon.
I voted for Mario V., who is a chef, & a damned good one.
But my favorite chef on TV is José Andrés, who hosts a Spanish cooking show on PBS (not on the food channel). Please check him out if you haven't heard of him or seen his show. His culinary ideas & presentation are delectable.
If I were a multimillionaire, I'd hire José as my household chef, & instruct him to prepare whatever he wants day to day.