Chefs, do they deserve that much celebrity status?

Given the number of teachers and other hard-working people in the world who get little or no recognition, then no, celebrity chefs probably do not merit so much attention.

On the other hand, given the number of musicians, actors, and athletes who also work hard, yet promote an image- and consumer-based culture, then chefs probably deserve whatever share of that limelight they get.

The food thing is very much connected to crass materialism, overeating, and "affluenza" in general, but at least there is a creative dimension to their work that many people can relate to regardless of class, body image, and values.

It depends on the chef. I think Mario (as an example) is a marvelous chef who has really researched his passion and tries to teach it to others in a positive way (he's also very much a gentleman). Other chefs like Flay (who stood on a cutting board as a victory dance) I seriously question their star status.

the cooking industry is growing and as a result some truly good culinarians will come forward to our eye. Some deserve attention, some should be chastized -- but its human nature to want heroes.

IMO a truly fabulous chef is one that knows his or her art and who does it with heart!

the truth is, some are there by luck, others by personality, and yet others are there because they damn have worked their bottoms off for over 20 years - if you have ever worked in a professional kitchen, then you would know its one of the toughest careers, standing hours on end 80-100 hrs a week, every single weekend and holiday, mostly evenings when everyone else is out and about... my hats off to those great chefs that survive the early formative years and continue to be driven by their passion, and for all the sacrifices that they make

Cooking is a talent. It comes from learning and practice. As with most talents, the more time spent learning and practicing, the better you'll become.

Yes, a good Chef deserves notorirety. They paid their dues in burnt and smelly experience.

I appreciate a good chef as much as I appreciate a musician so yes, chef's deserve whatever attention they can gather.

depends on the chef, which more than a few on food network would not be considered chefs. i think they should have either the schooling or the top restaurant experience to get to the top. on food network, that doesn't count in all cases.

jointly as I believe your concept I hate to think of of Titus Oates on the Scott day out . Titus Oates became right into a 17 C Protestant priest who revealed the mythical Papish Plot in 1678. the guy you like is Dr Lawrence Oates. on your place variety checklist why no longer upload a footballer who rather ought to play and did no longer have confidence he became into God's present to mankind - I mean Sir Stanley Matthews.

nope

yes, if they are that good.