Anyone here into baking/pastry as a career??!
Anyone here into baking/pastry as a career??
Just wondering how many other pastry chefs are out there. ^_^ I'm currently in school at Orlando Culinary Academy in Orlando, FL... Graduating March :D
Answers:
I used to be a chef. Hung up the jacket, toque blanche, and knives for graduate school, and will be starting a doctorates program soon. In hindsight, I think you made the better choice between the two disciplines.
Some of my friends, that chose baking/pastry, rose through the ranks fairly quickly and most went on to their own businesses with varying degrees of success.
After you graduate, cut your teeth, learn more techniques and recipes (perfect and write them), and especially, learn the business end of it if you were considering that avenue.
A bakeshop is far less of a financial burden than a restaurant. Less staff, less equipment ,lower operating and start up costs. Auctions and second hand equipment work just fine. Keep in touch with your classmates for ideas, recipes, and potential partnership (careful on the last one).
Congratulations and good luck to you.
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