Motivational Culinary Quotes to Inspire You to Become a Chef

A career in food service is more than a job—it is an extension of life. The best chefs understand the relationship between food and humanity; they understand the deep history of culinary tradition; and they know that preparing good food is more than copying a recipe.

Put simply, the most successful chefs are dedicated, driven, and devoted. And for the right person, a degree in culinary arts can open the doors to a rewarding future. To help give some context on the importance of food, consider the following quotes from acclaimed chefs and authors.

“Food is everything we are. It's an extension of nationalist feeling, ethnic feeling, your personal history, your province, your region, your tribe, your grandma. It's inseparable from those from the get-go.”

– Anthony Bourdain

Aside from serving as sustenance, food creates identity. As this quote indicates, food is a representation of national uniqueness. Consider some of the world’s notorious food cultures: Spain, France, Japan, and Vietnam. Now think about how disparate and distinct these nation’s food traditions are. It’s no surprise that the world’s oldest nations have the best recipes. That’s the power of history.

“A recipe has no soul, you as the cook must bring soul to the recipe.”

– Thomas Keller

As this quote implies, without creativity, a recipe is nothing more than a suggestion. Recipes serve as the framework for masterpieces and are often the catalyst for inspiration. It is soul—not blind conventionality—that separates a culinary experience from bland nourishment. A degree in culinary arts can help chefs discover not only the science behind cooking, but the creativity required to create dishes that leave diners speechless.

“Cooking is like love, it should be entered into with complete abandon or not at all.”  

– Harriet Von Horne

It is easy to make parallels between cooking and life, as the two so often complement each other. And as in life, chefs are often required to immerse themselves entirely in their craft. As this quote suggests, passion—and a bit of calculated recklessness—is required for a chef to be truly successful. Culinary arts degrees can arm students with the necessary technical and analytical skills, allowing them to enter a kitchen with fervor and confidence.

“One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop whatever it is we are doing and devote our attention to eating.”

– Luciano Pavarotti

Sharing food with family and friends has been a tradition since the dawn of time. What does this mean for culinary arts students? Put simply, food culture is not going anywhere. As this quote suggests, a meal demands attention and—when done right—can be an experience. Ultimately, a good meal can be a pleasurable, rewarding sensation for the diner, and for the chef.

Watching my papa graduate :) #chefgerry #civ #ecpi pic.twitter.com/vQmCV44z2c

— Jenni Y (@imsimplyjenni) June 28, 2013

An Associate of Applied Science degree in Culinary Arts from ECPI University’s College of Culinary Arts can educate and train prospective chefs with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to compete for employment in the food service industry. Students will be exposed to the skill sets required of a successful chef, including managerial skills, kitchen etiquette, and the proper ways to prepare and serve food. And for the right chefs, a culinary arts degree can help foster creativity and a deep understanding of food’s complex history. Call today—it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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