"Dennis Pogson" wrote in message
...
A friend of mine who owns a large charter yacht (72ft LOA), has received an
enquiry from a group of US yachtsmen to charter his yacht and cruise the
inner and outer Hebrides for 2 weeks in August.

They have requested "a chef" to be available throughout the cruise, which
has somewhat perplexed my pal

Does the word "chef" mean the same in the US as here in the UK, i.e. a
professionally-qualified high-grade Gordon Ramsay type who will dream up
all manner of meals to satisfy the palates of every individual member of
the 8-strong party plus the crew of 3, or are they really looking for a
".cook"?

There is a huge difference in the meaing of these 2 words here in the UK.
Chefs can earn £50K to £150K a year in Europe (particularly in the UK),
and to engage one for 2 weeks would add considerably to the cost of the
charter.

Some clarification from US sailors would be most welcome!


Dennis Pogson

A real "chef" is "chief of the kitchen," running everything and everyone in
it. The word implies knowledge and skill in all aspects of the kitchen arts,
but is usually meant for, simply, a decent cook. Don't hire somebody from
Denny's. On the other hand, someone who has cooked for her own family for
years would probably have more than enough experience.