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That was so informative and fascinating. How unfortunate that more often than not stagiaires don't get paid. Free labor should not be a thing, even if there may be value of experience and potential future career development.

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Really good point! There is so much value to the experience. Unfortunately, the economic model of these restaurants is reliant on this free labour. And I don't see that as a very accessible practice.

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That is absolutely horrible. :(

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“Bear in mind that Noma, maybe the biggest, most famous fine-dining restaurant of them all, only figured out a way of paying their stagiaires at the end of last year.

A few months later they announced they’ll be closing as a restaurant in 2024.”

High-end restaurant culture is so fascinating. The combination of ruthless dedication and passion, and the absurdity of thrift and costs and personalities, is pure story-fuel.

You harness it very well! Great piece Wil.

Have you ever watched The Bear? It’s a recent TV show

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Thanks! And yes, I've seen it. I think it does the best job of reflecting kitchen life of any such film/show I've seen. They clearly did their research.

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Nicely put.

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Thanks Will.

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