What Can I Do - Chef?

[samcheeseman]

Hey Guys.

I left working as Chef De Partie in Jamie Oliver's Italian restaurant in London to come to Hong Kong. I've had previous experience in a gastropub for 6 months and I was Development Chef of a restaurant in Cambodia for a year before that. Prior to that I finished an English Literature degree (2:1).

I've had a number of interviews here with some amazing restaurants but due to the fact that I've only been working as a chef for a limited amount of time, they've all believed it would be really difficult to obtain a work permit.

I had another interview with a worldwide food services company who said the same thing, but that they would be able to get me a 'Training Visa', but it would be on a lower renumeration package. I didn't care. I just wanted to work. Unfortunately that now seems to have fallen through due to circumstances beyond my control.

So now I'm stuck. I have my English degree but all the jobs seem to require a teaching qualification and experience. And I'd much rather work in a kitchen.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Sam

[bryant.english]

Everyone here has heard of Jamie Oliver.

Me, I would be running my own show teaching people to cook JAMIE OLIVER style. Teach kids to cook in English.....hmmm..

Where are you based?

[samcheeseman]

It's a good idea. I did post an ad on Gumtree advertising private cooking tutorials (with a big lean on Jamie Oliver), but I only got one reply and no follow up. Someone suggested that maybe gumtree wasn't the best place.

Currently living in Kennedy Town

[bryant.english]

It's a good idea. I did post an ad on Gumtree advertising private cooking tutorials (with a big lean on Jamie Oliver), but I only got one reply and no follow up. Someone suggested that maybe gumtree wasn't the best place.

Currently living in Kennedy Town

Why not contact the YWCA or YMCA and suggesting your idea for a course.

Gumtree....no!

[mishin]

Hi Sam,

You could try cold calling places you want to work, talk to the chefs and let them know your situation. Word of mouth could get you a visa and anyway, networking doesn't hurt.
Gingers catering may be looking for someone, if you're willing to try catering. Talk to Liz she's the owner, she sorted my work visa a few years back.

In the meantime, if I were you I would get a TEFL. That, with a Lit degree should get you a sponsor and once you have the visa you could cook part time.

Gingers Catering, Hong Kong. The Caterer for Business or Pleasure. - Liz Seaton

Online TEFL Courses | ITTT - International TEFL TESOL Training

[East_coast]

trying hiring or jointly running with one of the little cooking training centres interesting teaching sessions then slap some ads on Group-On and others
$148 for Two-Hour Cooking Class for One, $288 for Two (Up to $800 value)
$188 and up for a 2.5-Hour Latte Art Class (Up to $1552 value)



$188 to pour a coffee - Is there a making old rope class?

[HKNumberOne]

Have you considered a bartender, waiter, or hotel type job ie concierge or doorman? It seems to me employers in the hospitality and restaurant industry are always keen to hire English speakers as some of the staff Ive seen are Filipino. So that might be a good solution for you if you need something temporary while you work on your plan. How about teaching English?

[cjp711]

Hey Sam
I would like to talk to you. Please post your email. Thanks. C