Difference between a cook and a chef?

[bbqchef]

I heard a cute line the other day...

What's the difference between a cook and a chef?

A chef is a cook with an attitude!

(Unfortunately it's usually true.)

[sliding_billy]

Nice.. Nothing wrong with being a cook.  I like John Mueller's line...

***JMMC (John Mueller Meat Co.) takes its name from talented meat master John Mueller, a legend amongst the barbecue circuit and a third generation Texan meat merchant. Though, don’t dare call him a pit boss: “I’m not a pit boss. I’m not a pit master. I’m a cook, I cook for a living” says Mueller.***

[bbqchef]

I used to be a chef... now I'm just a cook!

Julia Childs once said a chef is one "that leads the brigade" referring to the classic French "brigade" style of kitchen hierarchy.

I prefer being a cook!

[Smokin Don]

I always said a chef is one who cooks for his business and livelihood. A cook is one who cooks for a hobby and enjoyment. When people have told me I am a chef, I say "No I am just a cook that knows how to read and follow directions and with a lot of practice do pretty well."  Smokin Don

[deestafford]

Mike,  From what I hear pastry chefs are in another world of their own.  Dee

[bbqchef]

We won't even talk about pastry chefs and garde mangers <lol>.