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Culinary & Food Service


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What's It Like to Work in Culinary or Food Service Careers?

Culinary professionals are passionate about food. Whether working behind the scenes in the kitchen or one-on-one with guests, people in this field provide a positive experience to others.

Culinary professionals may work in hotels, bars, healthcare settings, schools, tourism venues and other places where food and drink are served.

 

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Talents & Interests

People who enjoy this field often have these characteristics or interests: 

  • are excited by restaurants
  • enjoy making recipes and menus
  • like to bake
  • make friends easily

Discover More About This Industry

  • Dairy Farmer

  • Restaurant Manager

Explore More

From toddlers to teens, there are plenty of toys, games and activities that can help you dig into the culinary and food service industry: 

  • America’s Test Kitchen has two cookbooks for children: My First Cookbook and The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefs. Whether you buy your own copy or hit your local library, start choosing recipes to work through together. 
  • Take “playing restaurant” to the next level. Kids create a menu and set the table, then adults can be their customers.
  • There are tons of child-sized kitchen sets out there. With varying prices and features — like moving parts, sounds, buttons and more — you might be able to bring a mini stove, sink and oven into your home to experiment with. This article lists ten of the best-reviewed sets on Amazon. 
  • The Culinary Center of Kansas City offers in-person and virtual cooking classes for all ages and abilities. From fundamental lessons and pastry workshops to courses focused on international cuisines, there is a class for everyone.
  • An oldie but goodie: kids shopping with their parents. Spend a few minutes before you head out making a list or discussing what the family would like to eat for the next week or two. When you get to the store, talk through various brand and price options. What make sense to spend a little extra on, and what doesn’t? 
  • If you’re short on time or don’t have access to a great grocery store, consider purchasing a meal kit service. Older kids can help with the meals or make them themselves, depending on age and ability. You pick the recipes and how frequently they’ll arrive, then the service sends you a box complete with ingredients and recipes to prepare the dishes you’ve selected. With easy, step-by-step instructions, this a good way for teens to start diving into food preparation. This article lists nine meal service kit providers and gives pros and cons to each. 

Real Success Stories

  • Kati Butrico

    Executive Chef

  • Martine Chery-Hilaire

    Owner and Executive Chef, Chez Matou Catering

  • Tiffany Oppelt

    Tiffany Oppelt

    Owner, TheraPie

  • Dylan Tweedy

    Owner, Kensington Lockers

Featured Jobs in Culinary & Food Service

Event planner

Coordinate activities of staff, convention personnel or clients to make arrangements for group meetings, events or conventions.

Baker High Demand!

Mix ingredients and follow recipes to make breads, pastries and other baked goods.

Food preparation worker High Demand!

Help prepare food in restaurants, hotels, and other places where meals are served such as cafeterias, grocery stores, hospitals and schools.

Chef and head cook High Demand!

Oversee the daily food preparation at restaurants and other places where food is served.

Service manager High Demand!

Responsible for the daily operation of restaurants or other establishments that prepare and serve food and beverages.

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