Expert: Paul Brouse - 12/19/2000

Question
Hello,
My question is a simple one but one that has me wondering if I should be applying to certain jobs or not.  I would like to know just what is a "sous chef" and what does that title entail.  See, I have been in food service for a very, very long time.  My only formal training has been with the US Navy, but my resume is extensive.  As I look for better employment, I come across listings for sous chefs and I just want to know if I have qualifications that would allow me to answer these ads as well.  Thank you for your time.

Answer
Sous chef is like chefs assistant or second in charge.  Usually a sous chef is the head chefs right hand man or someone that could take over for the chef if they take a vacation or something like that.  If you have several years experience you should be able to get a sous chef job.  Some sous chefs jobs require more formal training that im not sure if the navy offers.  I have a degree in culinary arts and only about 31/2 years of job experience and i just got a job as a head chef, so im sure you could get a sous chef job or better.  I hope that helps.