Behind the Line: Chrissy Camba
Topic: Philosophies
Culinary School
Q: Do you encourage young cooks to go to culinary school? If yes, what do you feel it does for them?
Yes and no. It really depends on the person. Some people are able to learn on their own and jump into a kitchen learning/picking up techniques very quickly. Others may have the personality where they need or want that type of learning experience.
Q: What do you wish culinary schools would teach students?
I wish culinary schools would teach students the reality of a kitchen, what a stage entails (like, what to bring, what questions to ask, etc), proper demeanor and discipline. From what I have experienced, many culinary students are full of themselves and come into a kitchen not living up to the persona they exude. "Speak softly and carry a big stick."
Q: It's not just college where culinary schooling takes place. How do you feel about high school cooking and/or home economics classes? Good/bad? What do you think should be taught at this age group?
Hrm, you already know how I feel about most culinary schools...so, for that high school age group I think that the things taught at most culinary schools should be taught in high school home economics classes. There are little kids out there learning this kind of stuff! So, I don't think it would be too difficult for a teenager.