Genie Kwon, a pastry cook at Eleven Madison Park, initially associated the phrase 'Yes, chef' with the strict hierarchy of fine dining kitchens. However, she noticed a cultural shift when friends outside the industry began to use it casually and sarcastically. This change signifies a move away from the traditional authoritarian structure of professional kitchens, as the once-intimidating phrase has entered the realm of everyday conversation, reflecting a more relaxed and accessible attitude toward chef culture.
For a long time, Ms. Kwon, who co-owns the Filipino restaurant Kasama in Chicago, associated the phrase with the unyielding hierarchy of the kitchen at Eleven Madison Park, known for its exacting vision of fine dining.
What was once a term of intimidation in the kitchen became a casual expression among friends, highlighting the shift from strict culinary discipline to a lighter, everyday use.
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