Typed manuscript copy.

“[A] first ever history of the nation’s foundational ‘culinarians’—the chefs, caterers, and restauranteurs who made cooking an art.” —Marcie Cohen Ferris, author of The Edible South In this encyclopedic history of the rise of professional cooking in America, the 175 biographies include the legendary Julien, founder in 1793 of America’s first restaurant, Boston’s Restorator; and Louis Diat and Oscar of the Waldorf, the men most responsible for keeping the ideal of fine dining alive between the World Wars. Though many of the gastronomic pioneers gathered here are less well known, their diverse influence on American dining should not be overlooked—plus, their stories are truly entertaining. We meet an African American oyster dealer who became the Congressional caterer, and, thus, a powerful broker of political patronage; a French chef who was a culinary savant of vegetables and drove the rise of California cuisine in the 1870s; and a rotund Philadelphia confectioner who prevailed in a culinary contest with a rival in New York by staging what many believed to be the greatest American meal of the nineteenth century. He later grew wealthy selling ice cream to the masses. Shields also introduces us to a French chef who brought haute cuisine to wealthy prospectors and a black restaurateur who hosted a reconciliation dinner for black and white citizens at the close of the Civil War in Charleston. Altogether, The Culinarians is a delightful compendium of charcuterie-makers, pastry-pipers, caterers, railroad chefs, and cooking school matrons—not to mention drunks, temperance converts, and gangsters—who all had a hand in creating the first age of American fine dining and its legacy of conviviality and innovation that continues today.

When I was trying to find my way in the culinary world, I was a mess - disorganized and unsure of how to best serve myself and my mission of becoming a great chef. I had legal pads and binders full of notes, I had plate sketches scattered throughout - there was no order to it. As I listened to young culinarians who are in similar shoes to those that I was in not long ago, it made sense to put together a journal that could include all of the things that help bring your career full circle - your schedule, goal setting prompts, contact information of key individuals. Plus, the later half of the journal has templates designed for sketching out plates, creating recipes and experimenting with flavor profiles. All throughout the book are quotes from some of the industry's most respected chefs and restaurateur's who are they to keep you inspired along your journey towards creating a successful career for yourself.

"What an extraordinary book! Pain, gain, joy, pathos, and the aroma of braised short ribs. It made me want to open (God forbid!) another restaurant. I never thought anyone could capture the magic and mission of being a chef, but theyve done it!" Barbara Tropp, Chef-Owner, China Moon Cafe "An unusually comprehensive book, immensely readable, at once passionate and coherent, probing and well-informed. For anyone interested in the historic coming of age of the professional American kitchen, this is a requisite buy." Michael and Ariane Batterberry, Founding Editors and Associate Publishers of Food Arts "Finally, a book that lets chefs speak for themselves! An insightful look at the complex life of a professional chef in the 90s. Fascinating portraits of the people who have defined American cuisinewho they are and how they got to be where they are today. Anyone who is interested in becoming a chef will find this book invaluablethis is what it takes to make it." Mark Miller, Chef-Owner, Coyote Cafe and Red Sage "After reading this book, I understand that becoming an outstanding leader is not very different from becoming a chef. Both roles require passion, discipline, authenticity, and an experimental attitude. On top of that, organizing a kitchen may be as difficult as organizing any business. Not only will present and future chefs and restaurateurs want to read this book, but anyone with a taste for excellent cooking and excellent leadership will find something of interest on every page." Warren Bennis, Distinguised Professor of Business Administration at the University of Southern California and Author, On Becoming a Leader and Leaders "Becoming a Chef is a marvelous book for the interested home cook as well as the aspiring chef. Like great wines with great food, there are great dishes and a great education here." Robert Mondavi, Founder, Robert Mondavi Winery

A must-have resource for anyone crafting a career in the culinary arts Ronald Hayes, the Career Development Manager with The Culinary Institute of America, explores the broad scope of jobs available in the culinary field. Building your culinary skills as a novice, discovering your specialization as a journeyman, and establishing your interests as you master your career path, Creating Your Culinary Career offers a framework for career exploration, development, and growth. This book offers insider information on all of the regular staff positions available in the culinary field, including traditional restaurants, catering facilities, and institutional facilities; front of the house, bakeshop, and food and beverage outlets; and food communications, media, and sales positions. It then helps readers establish goals, design resumes, and develop interview skills for landing that perfect job. The ideal career guide for aspiring culinary professionals, this book helps readers discover the ideal career path by building skills and setting goals Written by The Culinary Institute of America's Career Development Manager, this book celebrates the passion, persistence, and drive required to succeed in one of today's most exciting careers For anyone beginning a career in the culinary arts, Creating Your Culinary Career features must-have information for the aspiring food professional.