18/07/2017
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE CULINARY PROFESSION:
Embedded within this discussion of Culinary Masters is the subject of race. Its relevance today is highly debated. The subject of race remains a sensitive topic with varying opinions about its influence. How large of a role does race play on a person's advancement in the industry? What glass ceilings exist, if any, and is race still a determining factor?
There are striking emerging views of the culinary field as a profession: the long dated misconceptions mostly amongst African families with negative views of culinary studies as a profession. Meanwhile, nobody including the black race even he that considers himself poor likes to eat rubbish; every one of us likes enjoying good cuisines and are ready to pay anything within means to have it. Is it rational therefore to perceive a career in the culinary profession as derogatory, degrading and or not prestigious enough? Is this still the irony of the black man's mentality, a case of self-defeatism, intimidation or lack of confidence to rise to the occasion? Consequently, the high echelon of the culinary profession has become or seems to have become the exclusive reserve of the European, American and or their Asian counterparts, leaving pantry and second fiddle roles on the hierarchy for the black man. What recognition is accorded the African Menu in international hotel menu cards? What challenges are there in being a Black chef? To be a successful black chef even in Black Africa you must have tangible and recognizable skills in intercontinental cuisines. They marketed their menus we accepted and classified it as exotic, who will market the African menu to the world if not the African Chef? Who says African Menus are not even more sumptuous and healthier? The challenges are within us, we must change our perceptions & misconceptions of the profession first, and then other things will follow.
Come on, join us in HTMS let’s explore and promote our own, while we help in whetting and brandishing your other skills and experiences in the Whiteman’s menu. visit us at www.htms.com.ng for further details and inquires