With the new year creeping up on us (where has this year gone!) we take a look back over the past 12 months.
Our most popular stories from January to June include multiple entries for an up and coming blogger, debates surrounding the chef shortage and a couple of sad losses for the culinary industry.
10. The Chef Shortage: An open letter to all chefs by a chef de partie
Kicking off the countdown is the hot topic of the chef shortage. Chef Ryan Thornton gives a fresh opinion on the debate from the point of view of a chef de partie. His open letter to chefs explores the idea that the chef shortage may be down to a lack of opportunities for people to train and the rise of ‘culinary elitism’.
9. So what is to blame for the apparent chef shortage?
The subject of the chef shortage makes another appearance and takes the ninth spot on the countdown. Various chefs including michelin-starred René Redzepi try and figure out exactly why there is a lack of chefs in an industry that is quickly growing.
8. 20 Unwritten Laws of the Kitchen, by chef Paul Sorgule
In eighth place, chef Paul Sorgule gives a run-down of the kitchen rules that need to followed in order to maintain the harmony in the kitchen, according to him without them chaos would ensue. From making sure that your work area is clean to taking yelling on the chin, these 20 unwritten laws he believes are crucial for an efficient kitchen.
7. So you married a chef by Chris Hill
Chris Hill’s sequel to his ‘Dear Chefs (This is for you)’ takes the seventh spot. He outlines the pitfalls and challenges of trying to maintain a healthy relationship with a chef. Many in the profession will be able to relate to the trials and tribulations of trying to balance a love life with the dedication and passion needed to be successful in such a demanding industry.
6. Chef line-up for Great British Menu 2016 revealed
Next was the return of Great British Menu to our television screens. The BBC2 show follows chefs competing to impress award-winning restaurant critic Matthew Fort; doyenne of British cookery, Prue Leith; and acclaimed restaurateur Oliver Peyton, who will decide whether their dishes will be served at a banquet in the historic House of Commons Members’ Dining Room.
5. The 15 funniest complaints chefs have had from customers
A little humour is injected to the list for number five. We took to twitter to see what the funniest and most outrageous complaints chefs have received from customers. From complains about a T-bone steak having a bone in it to the inside of a fish and chips not being crispy enough, this post is sure to give you a chuckle.
4. Claude Bosi is the latest chef to cut working hours to tackle chef shortage
Fourth on the list is chef Claude Bosi announcing that he would cut working hours to increase consistency, allow chefs a better work life balance, create more time to train young chefs coming into the kitchen and ultimately address the skilled chef shortage situation. He made the decision to close his two Michelin-starred Hibiscus restaurant for lunch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
3. Chef Alan Gibb has died suddenly following a stroke
Next up is the sad news of chef Alan Gibb passing away. He died in Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital after suffering a stroke. Alan was the executive chef at the five star resort and Golf Club, Gleneagles Hotel in Scotland. Alan began his career in 1984 working for kitchens across Scotland, London and France.
2. Dear Chefs (This Is For You) By Chris Hill
Second on the list is a blog post by chef Chris Hill who left a job in the business world to pursue a career in cooking. He gives an honest account of the too familiar challenges that come with the profession, from the long hours to the frequent nicks and burns. Through it all he urges chefs not to give up and make the most of doing the job they are the most passionate about, no matter how hard it gets.
1. 'World's best chef' Benoit Violier found dead in apparent suicide
The most read article on the site from January to June this year was the tragic death of the 'World's best chef' Benoit Violier. His body was found in his home after an apparent suicide. He was awarded 'chef of the year 2013' by the gourmet guide, Gault Millau and his eatery, Restaurant de l'Hotel de Ville, was named the world’s best restaurant by France’s La Liste before he passed away.
