In the first edition we met Tino from Germany. You can read his story here: http://marcelriemer.co/marcels-monthly-chefs-table/

In this second edition you are going to meet David Arnold. David is an American Operations Consultant and Certified Executive Chef focusing on Culinary Project Development throughout the world.

He is a Senior Coach
and Manager of the Emirates Culinary Olympic Team.

David
functions as an instructor, mentor, advisor, restaurateur and culinarian with
recent projects in Africa, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia, Dubai and the United States.

As usually, let’s dig right in and see
what David has to say:

How is the
expat life David? What is your experience?

“Being an
expat does have advantages and disadvantages. First, the biggest disadvantage
is that you are not in America any longer. The
laws and freedoms that we as Americans enjoy in the USA are not with us in
other countries. Some are great and some are downright scary. I told you
previously a little about Saudi Arabia. I do enjoy it there and as an American
and an American Chef, you are looked at very favorably. I lived well, and had
no real issues with most people. On the other hand, my experience in Somalia
was not the best, when I was not under the protection of the UN Green Zone. I
think all experience is good. Working overseas does have its perils but as long
as you learn and respect the local laws and customs, you’ll be fine. Now, I
would not trade my life working as an expat with anyone. I am very lucky. I get
to work in a job that I love and travel the world!”

Tell us a
story you think is definitely worthwhile sharing.

“Wow, only
one! I am writing this on New Year’s Day! I look back over the last several
years to see the large number of countries that I have worked in from the
Americas to Asia, from Europe to the Middle East. I think the one best message
would be to never stop learning. I continue to learn daily. I think when we
think, albeit arrogantly, that we know everything and have seen everything, we
are then stale to the culinary world. I have been fortunate enough to be a
culinary instructor in several countries and my message remains the same: never
stop learning. Practice every day and make your love of our craft personal.”

What’s a great
advice?

“Work for as many great chefs as you can. Travel to as many places as you can. Never say no. Be humble not arrogant. Be kind, not mean spirited.”

What is your
message to the people?

“I think the
message that I would try to convey would be to never turn down an opportunity.
My life in Somalia paled in comparison to my life in Dubai. But I am so much
better at what I do because I was fortunate enough to go to Somalia and help
the UN and some embassies figure out how to make their lives better. Was it a
challenge? You bet! It was a huge challenge to build a culinary school in Nepal
too, but it was hugely rewarding!

I love to
share. Our business has an unfortunate reputation for arrogance and meanness. I
try to instill in others that our job in this business is the greatest job in
the world. I am so lucky to be able to do what I love every day. The instant
gratification that we as cooks get from serving good food is amazing. There is
no other profession in this world that allows for that — plus
we get to start over every day! How great is that?”

Check out David’s
LinkedIn profile:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chefdavid...

Are you hungry for more kitchen wisdom?

Then check out my new book “Slamming It Out! How I got shit done in 5* kitchens” at: https://amzn.to/2MB8NZc

In this book I share with you
my story how I became an expatriate chef. This book is not about celebrity
chefs. My book is about the normal “every-day-chef.” I’ll show you
what kitchen life really is about.

Look behind the scenes into
professional kitchens, something you have never seen before!

You will learn about the ups
and downs. I will share my realizations and wisdom which I have gained in more
than 26 years in the world-wide kitchens. 

I unveil the secrets and will
to tell you what TV chefs never would!

Now available as eBook and paperback version!

P.S. Check out my website www.marcelriemer.co for
more great content!

I am happy to announce that I am currently
producing my online course “Leadership in the Kitchen”.

This course is schedule to be released by
end of this year on Udemy, the
world’s largest online learning platform!

Thanks for reading!

Marcel

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