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International Chefs Day is celebrated every year on October 20 to acknowledge the efforts of all the chefs around the world. It was the late chef, Dr. Bill Gallagher who introduced this day in 2004. Thus, the day was first celebrated in 2004.
As per the official website of the World Association of Chefs Societies, “It is our duty to pass on our knowledge and culinary skills to the next generation of chefs with a sense of pride and commitment to the future.”
The theme for this year’s International Chefs Day celebration is ‘Growing A Healthy Future’.
The different kinds of chefs include
- Executive chef – as managers for multiple outlets, executive chefs do very little cooking.
- Head chef – manages kitchen staff and controls the whole kitchen.
- Sous chef – the chef that is second in command to the head chef.
- Chef de Partie – runs a specific part of the kitchen.
- Commis chef – a junior member of the restaurant staff that works under a chef de partie.
- Kitchen porter – assists with basic food preparation, such as peeling potatoes.
- Dishwasher – washes all the dishes and cutlery. It’s not uncommon for a dishwasher to work their way up the chef ladder.
Some chefs specialize in preparing certain kinds of food. For instance, a butcher chef is in charge of preparing meats and poultry. A grill chef manages the grill. A pastry chef is responsible for creating desserts.
No matter the type of chef, it’s not just about making food. Chefs consider their profession an art and a science. They enjoy creating delicious combinations of food but want to make it look good, too.
HOW TO OBSERVE #InternationalChefsDay
Over 100 chef associations participate in International Chefs Day. These associations host events that promote the career of chefs. Chefs from all over the world also participate in this global observance. In recent years, nearly 5,000 chefs volunteered their time and energy to reach 37,000 children in 55 countries. Events have included culinary competitions, educational presentations, and networking opportunities. One of the most important aspects of International Chefs Day is to stress the importance of cooking and eating healthy foods.
INTERNATIONAL CHEFS DAY HISTORY
Esteemed chef Dr. Bill Gallagher created International Chefs Day in 2004. Gallagher was also the president of the World Association of Chefs Societies (WorldChefs). Since 2004, WorldChefs has used International Chefs Day to celebrate the nobility of this culinary profession.
Past themes for International Chefs Day have included
- 2019: How Healthy Food Works
- 2018: Healthy Foods for Growing UP
- 2017: Foods for Healthy Heroes
- 2016: Art on a Plate
