Cook: What it Takes to Make It in a Michelin-Starred Restaurant 

Nothing more chef-like than serving hundreds of plates and then coming home to make yourself eggs and toast.

"if you wanna be a chef, you can't wait around for someone to hand it to you. You almost have to take it. ".....truest words said.

Damn watching this as a line cook made me cried inside. This is our passion no matter if its overwork and getting low wages. We still love it for the art of the food. Wish me luck getting a michelin star one day.

As a sous chef at a Forbes 4 star steakhouse, I just want to say that I adored the fact that the dish-pit was featured in this clip. Those guys and gals are the unsung heros of any establishment.

I can relate, I started working at a Japanese food restaurant as a kitchen prep cook when I was 16 and I love the challenge, stress and reward at the end of the day. I spent 2 years in the kitchen and I'm currently at 2 and a half years at the sushi bar (I'm 20) I go to school part time and I'm studying computer science because eventhough I love making food especially sushi, it's not worth it. I worked 7 days a week for a year when I was 18 to 19, I worked 6 days open to close (10am-midnight or 1am) and one 8 hour day which was my half day. I've learned a lot and I'm gifted in the culinary arts, my dad is also a chef with over 20 years of experience. He's taught me things but not that many I've had to learn them on my own mainly from watching. I knew from the day I set foot on the kitchen for my first day that this was something I wanted to do, but now after a few years and life coming at me I realize that it's just not worth it. The money is bad for the amount of time I'm putting in and the amount of work I do. It's also getting in the way of me living my life because I'm always at work especially weekends. At the moment I don't go to school and work 5 full days open to close, I had to drop out because I wasn't making enough money. Kitchens aren't for everyone, I will be leaving this field of work soon but I will forever appreciate and applaud the people who are willing to do this forever simply because they love it. Thanks for anyone who read my entire rant comment I just wanted to get some of this off of my chest.

The cinematography on this video is amazing!

If this was an original Netflix documentary about a sous chef trying to open his own restaurant in LA I'd watch the hell out of it.

Watching this video 6 years later and it's still so awesome!! Really have to hand it to anyone who works in a kitchen and to all the chefs and restaurant staff.

There is no feeling like cooking a meal and seeing someone enjoy and appreciate the effort you put in, the feeling is like a drug that every chef should thrive on

always a pleasure to watch people who are passionate about what they do.

You forgot to mention the depression, anxiety, suicidaliy and chronic fatigue that goes along with this job. Oh and they're also ridiculously underpaid and overworked! As a medical doctor, I thought I had it tough! I've got the utmost admiration and respect for these chefs.

This video made me realise how important it is for a chef/cook to know that customers are satisfied. We're very quick to complain when food is not what we wanted or expected but quite rarely thank the people that cooked it when it's good. Just by saying "thank you, that was delicious!" we could make someone's long and tough day worth it!

As a fellow chef in Chicago, I wish more kids would watch videos like these and understand cooking is a way of life, not a career. If you can't wait to go Home at the end of your shift most days.... you will fail. If you are looking for riches... you don't find them. If you put your time heart, blood, flesh and tears into it you will be rewarded. Thanks for the inspiring video.

It always surprises me when I read comments about the portions being too small, as if they should be eating at the Waffle House or Denny's. If that's what you want. If a giant plate filled with an omelet comprised of 12 eggs, cheese, bacon, sausage, hash browns, toast, with pancakes on the side, then fine dining will never be your thing, and I understand. I grew up in the South where the more food you got the more you came back...where a restaurant was judged on quantity rather than quality. But fine dining is not aimed at busting your gut. It's purpose is to create dishes that amaze, surprise, and show the extraordinary skills of the chef. Yes, you get just one bite in most cases, even though you get 12-15 servings. The point is that you are given the opportunity to try things that you'd never considered. It's almost like an art exhibition as well as a restaurant. If that's not your thing, then don't go, and don't pay $350 per person. I don't have that kind of money to spend on 'fine dining', but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the artistry and talent it takes to create it.

4:40. This. I discovered my love for cooking when I took control of a kitchen at 18. Barely had any idea what I was doing, but just getting the orders out and seeing people’s faces light up when they bite into food that YOU made. Seeing families gather around and eat and make memories over a plate you prepared, there’s nothing better.

Chef Citrin blessed me with the opportunity to stage (work for free) at Melisse when i was 15. His restaurant and the entire dining experience it serves, inspired me to become a cook. Fast forward 6 years, i almost finished a whole year at another one of Citrin's restaurants, and i just got laid off in March because of the virus. Today I got a text asking me to come back to Melisse to prepare takeout. Honestly cooking is the only reason i believe i can still make something out of my life. Another chapter towards becoming a chef is about to unfold. :')

As someone who can't even bake a potato correctly, I greatly respect all chefs.

absolutely love this guys work ethic. self sacrifice, discipline and passion. properties of a successful and destined to be successful person. this guy has it and i hope he becomes very sucessful in his career, it would be well deserved.

Being a chef is no joke. It blows me that people in other “dignified careers” put their noses up like doctors and lawyers on a pedestal thinking they’re better. In my opinion, chefs deserve a high salary too, what do you doctors/lawyers do when you have meetings? You go out and eat? Having a party/get together? You go eat the finest food in the city. It’s bullshxt to be underpaid for something you like to do and be under appreciated. The stress is crazy too.

Why in the world is this vid only 5 minutes long?? This deserves at least a half hour!

beautifully produced. Thanks for this awesome video. b-roll, voice-over, story, everything was amazing with this video.

I've read many of the comments here talking about the immense stress involved in producing high quality food in quantity for the public. I left the professional kitchens in 2009 and there hasn't been a week where I haven't at least reminisced deeply about my years in the kitchen. The passion for the kitchen is something that can never die. It's all consuming and when you're in your element, everything is acceptable. I've yet to get the same job satisfaction anywhere else. The pulling together as a team, creating amazing flavour combinations, meeting people from all over the world with different stories to tell (and, somehow, everyone is a little more open and honest about who they are...maybe it's the stress that forces honesty which allows you to work as a real team?) the long clean-down at the end of the night....leaving the kitchen feeling like you've had a physical workout ('cause you have!) and smiling at the thought of the journey you took the diners on with their palate. Yes, during those years, I got paid without doing a day of work. Many times, I found myself rushing to get back the next day to make that bread or Ice-cream I needed to make. I hope everyone gets to experience that feeling at least once in their life :)

Still watching this, even in 2020. The chef featured here went on to open Josiah's new restaurant in Venice, CA.

This lad is so good looking and personable, he could really make it with his own cooking show, like Gordon Ramsey or Jamie Oliver have.

over worked and underpayed no matter where you go in this industry

Kitchen is hell.... You really got to like it. Long hours, stress, tight timelines, accidents...getting shit on by the chef up the ladder...

I always love to see passion in someone's eyes...it's like that immediate glimmer of pride that what i put out to people is a product of hard work...

What make this video so pleasing to watch are this man’s hard work, humility, and his soft-spoken eloquence.

My first job, I started working as a dish washer at 17 years old with in 2 weeks of hard work I was promoted to server. After being a server for almost a month. I got promoted again and was now working in the kitchen. I work in a catering banquet hall and I love everything about it. Its an amazing feeling when we are swerving dinner and people walk up to us to praise our food, its the best feeling ever. I love being in the kitchen getting everything started. I don't mind the long hours or being on your feet all the time. That's what its all about. I am now 18 years old, and my plan is to become a great chef. This is a great video that motivates anyone out there.

I've watched this video numerous times throughout the time it's been uploaded, can't get enough of it.

"Satisfaction..and comfort knowing that what I serve pleases someone else." Hearing thank you, Chef and the joy that comes to you even if its small, means a lot and it pushes people's inspirations. I truly want to reach that.

This was beautiful. I've never appreciated cooking, especially as an art. This was eye-opening. Wonderful!

I have been in a kitchen for 8 years now and qualified as a chef for 3 of them, without a doubt it has been one of the most inspiring and best choices I have ever made. The people you meet, the new ideas and garnishes you learn is amazing. Ever since i was as young as 4 I have wanted to cook and make big meals for people and family. I had always cooked with my mother and my grandma baking scones, biscuits and making Friday night roasts using the drippings to make a more flavorful gravy sauce just by adding flour and cooking it out. I simply love my job. I want to cook for people but not just give them great food but a great experience as well. This is My Life, My Love, My Passion.

This is absolutely my favorite RU-vid video of all time! I show this video to my students, it captures the moment! Great job!!!

There’s nothing in this world I love more than seeing someone immersed in their craft.

I love hearing the success stories of chefs who came up from dishwashers. They are dedicated foodies whom have devoted their careers/lives to the excellence of their craft, the enjoyment of their guests, & are the most elemental ingredient of a restaurant's brigade. Cheers to those who worked hard, learned the craft, & enriched the lives of their diners. Seriously, to all those who came up from the bottom: You're some of the best.

And he still gets paid shit. This industry is the worst.

Being a black cook, aspiring to be a professional chef, this piece is what I've been looking for! For many years, too! Not just the color issue; the passion, the drive, knowing what it really takes to do THIS job--love this piece!

love to see a young brotha motivated

The way he describes cooking ... comparing it to symphony is beautiful 💕

“We’re just cooks”, and in the background “ thank you Chef”. You are my Chef.. Respect Chef.Where is your channel mate?

There will always be a need for cooks. Appreciate them, give them respect, and pay them more!

I have unlimited respect for any chef, they transform cooking in pure art . Peace !

This was an excellent short film. I feel the exact same way about food, all of it. Exceptionally inspirational and thank you! Moves me even more to want to create these dishes for people.

Cooking saved my life. This was very inspirational.

I trully tip my hat to you guys. Use to work in a kitchen but my body and mind couldn't take it, I love it but couldn't hack it. I miss the smell of a working kitchen.

I just saw this.... it was truly amazing. Beautifully filmed, so much heart and soul. It made me cry

Hats off to the chef; your mamma must be super proud of you. You have demonstrated that nothing in life is easy but hard work pays off

I relate to that satisfaction. I love when I get told that a guest said "compliments to the chef" on a dish I prepared. The satisfaction of presenting a beautiful dish. It's hard work, and very stressful but its fun.

He won on an episode of "Chopped" (grilling). 💗💗💗 him!

I have no clue who he is but loved his quotes and cooking. Going to try his grandma's recipe. Thank you Grandma.

I don't even want to be a chef, but there is something about watching people display their passion for what they do that is so inspiring and makes me want to work just as hard on my passion in life.

I have been cooking for a number of years and no question the stress and long hours can really burn a cook out, however at the same time it's extremely rewarding when someone loves your food that goes with the passion and energy that you put into it.

Been working in restaurants since I was 15, 3 years later and now I’m in culinary school. Being on the line is literally the best thing ever, the adrenaline the stress I love it so much, just to put amazing food in front of people literally it’s a blessing. It’s definitely not for everyone but honestly it’s something I will be apart of for the rest of my life

I watch the video everyday as a way to motivate myself, I want to be a chef sooo bad... this is my reminder to take IT

That was beautiful! I wish it were longer.

It's NOT about the money , anyone that makes a money comment ....obviously doesn't understand , nor have they worked in a quality kitchen were everyone is absolutely committed to the craft......

Much love and dedication to all my fellow chefs out there !

I always being inspired by this video. There is a lot of ups and down being a chef but at the end of the day you'll feel satisfied and fulfilled if you create good food and make your guest happy. And for us that is priceless. I'm a proud filipino chef

I worked as a chef just in my local gastro pub. Even there the work was hard and the hours were long. I have nothing but respect for any chef especially at Michelin level. It's a hard and not a very rewarding life in terms of pay but if you have the passion it can be very rewarding. Hats off to every chef

Working in a kitchen especially for minimum wage is one of the hardest, painful and annoying jobs. Do not recommend at all unless you are a cook and actually have a passion for it. Any youngsters out there, if you have a choice work retail as a temporary job instead, much easier, same pay.

this was so inspiring. intimidating as well, and yet, inspiring. for a would-be chef, my dream is to prepare meals that others can enjoy, my angle is comfort food- Italian/Danish (two peninsulas) what drives a good chef is that people do enjoy what you prepared, and if you are very lucky, have it a transcendent moment

Every time I watch biographies on cooks/chefs I hear this melody on servitude. It’s so humbling.

Cheers to you and all the hardworking culinary workers out there.

Wow......amazing video! As a cook myself I've been in the kitchen since I was 15 also started off on salads. This video is very inspiring, I actually took dental in college and tried working in a dental lab for 3 months but left to get back into the kitchen, my passion has always been in the kitchen to become a chef. Despite the long hours I just love learning from my head chef, who also specializes in french cuisine, he was also the private chef for the royal family in Egypt. Great Video, Love It!!!

I am so GLAD I saw this video. This video has inspired and motivated me even more! Thank you so much for posting this video. I am 18 and I am too just started working at a restaurant and I do dishwasher also. I have a dream and that is to open 5 restaurants and help my family from there. I've always have passion for food and I wanted to become a chef! Again thanks for posting this! Hopefully I can achieve that dream!

If I wasn't a barber I would be a chef. All my respect to anyone who works in job where you're always honing your skills to try to reach "perfection"

Respect and awe; that level of creativity and commitment is very demanding. I was really touched by him remembering his grandma teaching him to scramble eggs, as my little boy scrambles too.

Amazing!!! I am a chef and his shirt 5 min video has me balling my eyes out!!! So touching! Gave me back my fire for what I love ! Thank you!!

"I always have this sense of satisfaction. And I'm most comforted knowing that something that I served pleased someone else. And I think that's what most cooks strive on." So true. I totally get what he means by that. There is a small subset of cooks who understand and feel that when they prepare a dish. To prepare a dish - a meal - is to offer life. It is an action imparting the essence of one's being to another person. You either understand that or you don't.

As a restaurant cook, I see many plates come back half-eaten or barely touched. nothing brings me joy like seeing the dish I prepared for someone completely clean because the customer ate all of it. It takes a lot of time and care to prep the ingredients, cook the food, and plate the dish, so seeing that my food was enjoyed is very rewarding.

Started out as a dishwasher when I was 15. Spent the next 5 years working as a cook and ended up absolutely hating it. Went into office work for a year, did some retail, bouncing from job to job, realized I actually missed cooking and hated sitting on my ass all day talking on phones. Got back into cooking and am now a junior sous at 24 and love it. This line of work is not for everyone and is very psychically and mentally demanding. Never went to school for cooking, but I get a kick out of the people who do and get a job in a kitchen only to quit very shortly when they realize how much physical demand is required. If you want to work in a kitchen, get a job in a kitchen and train under a chef. Read about cooking, and practice at home. School is a waste of time and money.

Bless him, such a beautiful story ❤️ continue to be an inspiration

This made me tear up , very inspirational . Im currently in culinary school and I’m very passionate about it . I feel happy being in the kitchen but I hope this really is for me. It’s been a very long ride of finding myself and I hope the ride is over

this is one of the best videos on youtube. always find myself coming back to it

working myself up there. started as a prep cook now i’m a line cook. my passion for food is there. love seeing these short films.

The chef said it takes self sacrifice. Maybe he means that it takes dedication, single-mindedness and commitment to excellence. Nice looking work!

I love hearing the servers coming back into the kitchen and saying their tables loved the food. I’m only 19, and love cooking. I currently work in a restaurant and I love it.

this was SO inspirational!!! would love to see more... you made my goals that much more worth it.

Loved this... thanks! I cried inside. Glad there are ppl like this in the world.

Well shot and well produced video. Feels like I'm watching a full length documentary.

"Something i served pleased someone else" 👌

So happy for people like them. We love our cooks!

Respect to you for your discipline, sacrafice, humility and kindness. I wish you all the best!

this vid is for those that look down on chef and say how its not hard to cook food. Sure anyone can whip a meal or two, but these guys are seeking to be on another level of cooking

I work as a line cook I get payed a little more than minimum wage, its my first cook job, it's hard and tiring. I don't have much of a background on cooking but I'm learning new thing and Ngl it's hard but I love everyday I go to work even when I'm tired completing a plate and knowing someone loves it is the best feeling, I never thought I'd love cooking but it's my new passion and it's awesome. Bless all cooks and chefs! It's a hard job but it's a passion tbh. ✊🏽

When he said at the end of the day I’m just a cook and I love making people happy, I love that!

Pros of this industry!! Tons of creativity, tons of networking, being able to meet awesome people, cook fantastic food, feel a sense of pride in what you do!! Cons long hours, weekends and holidays working, stress, constantly moving, sacrificing your personal life with work, and burnouts at times! But for me I’ve been doing this for about 4 years I love it and wouldn’t trade anything for it with all the jobs out there I chose this one!!

Throughout the years Ive come back to this video for inspiration. Specially now amid this pandemic, love to all my fellow cooks. May we hold down the line again soon.

love it... been in the industry for 20yrs. made me tear up. seriously. amazing... Keep pushing your limits.... Chef Colin

This video has inspired me so much when i was around 16 yo , i was commi and I wanted so much one day to be chef ! Every night after work I watched this video to recharge me after the long and exhausting hours of my shift , this video has kept me focused and sharp about my dream it was like a daily reminder of my dreams . Now i have advanced a lot in my career and I’m thankful !!!

I watch these videos because they are entertaining and at times make me hungry!! 🙂 but mostly they help me fall asleep.

Love the guy whos just keep grindin to get where he wants.

I hope that every one who work in the kitchen is like him cooking with passion, philosophy and respect.

Saw this video, when it came out. Was 16, it motivated me to start my cooking career

3:28 The Way he eats his Toast is Amazing. Something about the way the toast was just ready perfectly to fit in his mouth,

This was such an incredible video!! Thank you! Inspiring!!

It's our life, our style, our energy... be Chef Its all that Beautifull short film

i watch this everyday to inspire me and not get burnt out

Relating to you makes me so happy. It's like a reminder that I'm meant to do this. Great video, thanks.