What makes a Chef great ?

[ibcheft]

I am in the process of writing a blog, and wanted some other ideas, I want to know what you think makes a chef great, not good, but great like Julia, like Emeril, like Justin Wilson, like James Beard, like Rick Bayless, like Gordon Ramsay?Is it the TV exposure ? is it the amount of cookbooks they write, or the kitchens they cook in or is it something else all together. I have my ideas as to what I think it is, and will be writing it in my blog. So tell me who is your great chef and why are they great ? and please one choice only ! why else would they be great.

[Food Network Fan]

I think that when Juila started she was needed to teach, something many people never had. If they didn't have a family member to teach them, or the family just didn't put much effort into it, she was great for bringing an interest in cooking things in a better way to the masses.

Now days you have to be able to make things that are original, but work together. In Gordon's case I think he is one of those super tasters we hear about, so he picks up on things many do not. That can really help develop flavors many might not think of combining.

I think Emeril has a style, a persona and a talent that is just generally appealing to lots of people.

[MiseEnPlace]

All of the people you mentioned have a passion for food, cooking, teaching. Plus, Julia, Justin, Emeril and Gordon all seem to have big personalities.


As for me, personally, it is Alton. I know AB isn't a chef (he doesn't call himself one nor is he by classic definition) but he has those same passions for teaching, cooking and food. That passion to do better in teaching and curiosity is what helped him create his show and he does I great job getting that across in the show and his books.

I like all of the chefs you mentioned, btw, but AB is just the one I've learned so much from in food science and techniques that he's my favorite.

Looking forward to the blog post

[isilzha]

They have to be able to connect with people. There are a lot of great chefs out there, but to be able to go on TV and share cooking with an audience is a special gift. I think many of the chefs mentioned above are able to bring new ideas and new ways to cook both to people comfortable in the kitchen and those who aren't comfortable in the kitchen. They have broad appeal along the spectrum of cooking experience.