A chef must master countless techniques, memorize a mountain of information, and maintain a Zen master's calm. This book illuminates the path to becoming a culinary professional by sharing important kitchen fundamentals and indispensable advice, including

- practical how-tos, from holding a knife to calibrating a thermometer to creating a compost pile
- ways to emphasize, accent, deepen, and counterpoint flavors
- why we prefer a crisp outside and tender inside in most foods
- understanding wine labels and beer basics
- how to narrow innumerable culinary options to a manageable few, whether selecting knives, oils, thickeners, flours, potatoes, rice, or salad greens
- how a professional kitchen is organized and managed to maintain its mission

Written by a culinary professor and former White House chef, 101 Things I Learned(R) in Culinary School is a concise, highly readable resource for culinary students, home chefs, casual foodies, and anyone else trying to find their way around--or simply into--the kitchen.