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Lure of being a social media chef means youngsters forgoing classic training, Michelin star cook warns

Industry figures say that going viral is no replacement for the classic route of apprenticeships and competitions

Lure of being a social media chef means youngsters forgoing classic training, Michelin star cook warns

TL;DR

  • Social media cooking videos are popular, with many people, including celebrities, sharing recipes online.
  • Industry figures suggest that the rise of social media chefs may be causing young individuals to forgo formal training at catering colleges.
  • Chef Will Murray believes social media cooking content can sometimes distort reality and set unrealistic expectations for aspiring cooks.
  • Apprenticeship programs are reportedly struggling to attract young talent, with cooking not being unique in this challenge.
  • Competitions like the San Pellegrino academy and the Roux scholarship are seen as vital for forging culinary skills and providing high-pressure training.
  • Harrison Brockington won the Roux scholarship with a "Surf & Turf" dish, earning him a three-month apprenticeship at a three-star Michelin restaurant.
  • Emily Roux emphasizes that competitions test skills in real-life, high-pressure environments and offer valuable life lessons.
  • MasterChef judges Anna Haugh and Grace Dent have criticized the proliferation of unrealistic cooking videos on platforms like TikTok.