Behind the Line: John des Rosiers
Topic: Your Career
Non-Culinary Experience
Q: Unless you emerged from the womb wearing a toque, you weren't born a chef, right? Tell us about some of your other work experiences. If you had another career before this, what did you do?
I have been cooking since I was 7. The only other job I have held was working as a camp counselor when I was a Boy Scout (14-15). No other careers.
Q: Scrubbing cabins at summer camp. Mowing lawns at the senior center. Jobs from hell? What have been your most nightmarish non-culinary jobs in the past?
Believe it not I have not had many things I have not enjoyed doing in my life. I feel pretty lucky that way.
Q: Besides cooking your heart out, perhaps you've had another job you loved. What have been your most cherished non-culinary work experiences, and how have they shaped you?
I honestly believe that my culinary career has shaped me the most. It has filled me with pride, an unwavering desire for hard work, and helped to define my life. Nothing else I have done has had any impact like that.
Q: Many people switch career choices in high school or even college. Prior to your culinary path, were you on track for another career? What made you switch?
I wanted to be a Navy fighter pilot. Could not do it because you need way better grades than I ever received!
Q: In high school and college, many of us toiled away with side jobs to pay our way. What were some of your most memorable teenage and college-age jobs?
I worked in a sandwich shop, painted houses, and even Pizza Hut for about 6 months (when I was 15)