There's a lot of people in this world who, deep down, would really like to open a restaurant.
Maybe they've always secretly loved cooking, or maybe they have great recipes in the family, or maybe it just sounds like more fun than their current gig. Either way, becoming a chef is one of the ultimate "do it yourself" jobs—one where you can work for yourself and make a living based only on your own skills.
In fact, there's even a fair number of celebrities who have made it clear they might be happier in a kitchen!
Five Celeb Chef Wannabes . . . Should They Give Up Their Day Job?
1 - Matthew McConaughey
This long-time fan favorite, seen recently saving the galaxy with the power of love in Interstellar, is like any good Texan: He loves barbecue! He loves it so much that he's constantly cooking his own, loves cooking shows, and has hinted more than once he might like to have a restaurant. But with three movies coming in the next year alone, he's clearly too popular to settle down quite yet...
2 - Jessica Biel
This star of TV and film, and wife to Justin Timberlake, has never hidden her love of cooking. She talks about it constantly, and said for years that she'd like to have her own restaurant. And, in 2015, it came true! She's now a co-owner of LA-based Au Fudge, a fun kid-friendly restaurant focusing on deserts. She may not be behind the counter yet, but it seems like a matter of time.
3 - Emma Stone
This red-hot star and face of Revlon may be on her way to being one of the great actresses of her generation... if she doesn't get distracted by baking, that is! Her very first job was at a bakery. And according to her Spider-Man costar Andrew Garfield, she talked consistently about her interest in having a restaurant. She's even talked with major Manhattan restaurants about interning to learn the trade in depth. With beauty and brains, her success as a future restaurateur seems almost assured.
4 - Harry Styles
This hunky member of One Direction may be best-loved by his fans for his singing, but he has another secret love: Pizza! He can make pizza by hand from scratch, and is particularly known for dropping in unexpectedly at Chicago-style joints. One time, he even spent over 3,000 pounds buying pizza for the homeless. If 1D ever breaks up, he's definitely got a sideline ready.
5 - Eva Longoria
Rather than just talking about her love of cooking, the world-famous Eva Longoria did something about it. In 2011, she published Eva's Kitchen: Cooking with Love for Family and Friends, a cookbook dedicated to the legions of fans of her television roles. And unlike Gabrielle Solis, a character she portrayed on Desperate housewives, she definitely knows her stuff. While it's hard to imagine her giving up her career, she'd make a fine chef in more ways than one!
Bonus! Three Celebrities Who Did Embrace Their Calling As A Chef
Never let it be said you can't follow your dreams. We've even got a few examples of those who stepped out of the spotlight, and into a toque and whites...
1 - Mario Batali
You undoubtedly know Mario Batali from his many TV appearances and role as Iron Chef America judge, as well as his string of highly-successful restaurants. What few know, however, is that Chef Batali first majored in theater. However, after working in a restaurant while looking for gigs, he discovered the call of the kitchen was even louder. Now, he has the best of both worlds with his TV stardom!
2 - The Iron Sheik
Also known as Hossein Khosrow Ali Vaziri, the Iron Sheik was a staple of 1980s pro wrestling, almost always playing a heel. However, after retiring in the mid-90s (aside from sporadic appearances at WrestleMania) he went for a much more quiet life: behind the counter at Sheik Burritos n Kabobs, in Atlanta GA. This colorful local eatery is always popular with tourists, and yes, even today you can still see the Sheik running rampant... in his own kitchen.
3 - Francis Ford Coppola
The legendary director of The Godfather and Apocalypse Now has more interests than just filmmaking. He and his family own a vineyard and winery in Sonoma County, complete with its own restaurant – The Rustic – serving up authentic legacy Coppola-family northern Italian dishes. And after Godfather Part III, perhaps he should stick to cooking.
Ecpi #Culinary school sooooo excited. .. pic.twitter.com/5ffahbRJIM
— Lakisha Lilly (@lakisha_lilly) August 4, 2015
Do You Dream Of Becoming a Chef? Answer Your Calling!
At the ECPI University College of Culinary Arts, it's possible to earn a degree in the culinary arts in as little as 15 months, thanks to our accelerated year-round courses. With training in both professional cooking and business management, you could be well on your way to your culinary dreams.
Contact us today for more information! It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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