In Brazil, we have a special date (not to be confused with International Chef’s Day) for commemorating the work of all those people who love to stick their necks out in the kitchen, be they amateurs or professionals
It is believed that the date came about thanks to the approval of Decree nº 6049, in 2005, by Deputy Alex Canziani, who regulates and officialises the cooking profession in Brazil. However, cookery is one of the most ancient of activities that there are, having existed since the moment man first discovered fire, in or around 3000 BC.
The origins of the specific role of ‘chef’ are not so clear, but there is evidence to suggest that the Mesopotamian courts enjoyed sumptuous banquets, which tends to suggest that there would have been cooks at the time.
Being a Chef is a respected and successful profession, but anyone who thinks a Chef’s life is all glamour is sorely mistaken. For those who wish to enter the profession, let it be known that they’ll need plenty of hard work, effort, learning and love for what they do.
For those of you, however, who simply enjoy creating new recipes, and for all the mothers and grandmothers out there who regularly make mouth-watering dishes, this day is for you too, because cooking is a way of showing love and affection, and provides countless unforgettable moments at the dinner table.
A big ‘thank you’ and ‘well done’ to all cooks, especially our own Chef and contributor, Luciana Berry!
