Chefs jackets are easily recognized all over the world. They are so typical that when you use them, other people already know that you work in the gastronomy field. Currently there are different models, colors, and embroidery, but it was not always so. How did the gastronomic employee suit come about? Why do the jackets have that name? How are the traditional ones? Can they be customized? What does it mean to have a black one?
The kitchen is a magical place where professionals in the field handle different dishes and desserts. Many of them, with their special costumes that have been used for centuries. But how did they arise and why are they called the Philippines?
In the 16th century many cooks and chefs were jailed or even executed for their thinking. They were the famous "Freethinkers". Because of that, in order not to be persecuted, many hid in Orthodox churches. That was when they began to have the famous long suits with the difference that theirs was gray and that of the priests was black.
Two centuries later, thanks to Marie-Antoine Carême (a French chef cook for Napoleon I, among other important politicians of the time), the suit was changed to white as it denoted cleanliness and identity. At the same time, double-breasted jackets and the differentiation of hats by rank began to be used in the kitchen: chefs were taller and younger cooks were shorter.
In 1924, a gastronomic event was held that forever changed the direction of jackets in the kitchen. Chefs from the Philippines participated in it, wearing their traditional costume called borang tagalog. It was at that moment when the French chef Augusto Escoffie decided to adapt the chef's jackets to the style of these shirts, made of 100% cotton. Since then the jackets are called Filipina.
(Photo: wearncook)
These shirts insulate chefs and cooks from the high temperatures in the kitchen, due to the ovens and burners, as well as protecting them from possible burns that may be generated. The double flap allows to avoid and hide stains when the dishes are served.
Characteristically, to personalize a jacket with your name you had to be a chef. However, now chefs can also customize them. Despite this, there are still restaurants and hotels where there is a strict protocol and only chefs can do it.
In addition, some of the high positions of the kitchens can use the black Philippines, which is a symbol of knowledge, effort, nobility and experience. In turn, this represents growth, leadership and ethics, as well as having respect and admiration for the chef who uses it.
Comments