When did Chefs Become Celebrities?
By Kirk Bangstad
kirk.bangstad@chefschoolreview.com
Chef School Review Columnist
The era of celebrity chefs is upon us. Bobby Flay and Emeril Lagasse, two particularly charismatic chefs, are household names for anyone who loves watching The Food Network. Whatever has caused this newfound interest in chefs has done wonders for the culinary profession.
Chef Careers have been “Kicked up a Notch”
Famous chefs are not a new phenomenon. Julia Child was one of the first chefs who achieved celebrity as a TV personality, and Wolfgang Puck has been in the spotlight for decades. The main difference these days is that celebrity chefs are popping up much more frequently than ever before.
The main force behind this phenomenon, at least in the United States, is probably The Food Network. This popular network dedicated to the culinary arts has launched many chef careers. Bobby Flay’s stint on the “Iron Chef” was hilarious, and Emeril’s catch phrases like “kick it up a notch” quickly became a pop culture cliché.
The Food Network Adds Spice to Chef Career Prospects
Because so many chefs have become TV stars on the Food Network, the culinary profession is starting to look more glamorous. Those thinking about chef careers are encouraged by the possibilities of fame and fortune. As a result, culinary schools are starting to see higher enrollments. The Food Network has also brought the culinary arts to the masses. More people are experimenting with gourmet cooking, and fine dining is no longer an activity reserved solely for the haughty elite.
This era of chef stardom may only be a passing trend, but its effect on chef careers and the public’s view of the culinary arts will definitely be felt for years to come.
Sources
About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is a singer living in Chicago, IL. Having received his B.A. in Government at Harvard, Kirk previously worked as a management consultant.
Posted on November 24, 2006 at 12:27 PM
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