How "Vegetarian" Chefs with Eating Meat for Work

​www.independent.co.uk/life-style/food-and-drink/vegetarian-chefs-who-have-to-eat-meat-silo-flat-three-a7715651.html

I found this story quite interesting but also quite confusing at the same time. Reading the title I thought to myself, "You can't be a Vegetarian and eat meat" and was already skeptical of what I was about to read. After reading the story however, I was intrigued by their different perspectives on the situation although they both ended up agreeing in the end that eating meat at work is unpleasant but necessary. Necessary to ensure things like quality, flavour, and consistency when presenting restaurant dishes. I have a few questions however (as always).

I became a Vegetarian 16 years ago, and since then I've eaten meat only 3 times with two out of the three times being a complete accident. (The other time involved too much booze mixed with excruciating hunger) My question here is why are they eating it when there are plenty of solutions to this miniscule problem. 

Solution number one is follow through with your commitment to animals and find a job as a vegetarian / vegan chef. Admittedly, I worked at KFC when I was younger and became a Vegetarian during that time. I wasn't as passionate as I am now and would never consider working in a kitchen that served meat. I haven't had anything to do with meat for years and would never compromise my beliefs for the sake of a job regardless of the pay. In my opinion, you can't truly be devoted to a vegetarian and cruelty free lifestyle while eating meat for the sake of a job. It's a bit of a hypocrisy if you ask me. 

Solution number two would be to have the second chef in command the designated taster. I understand it being the chef's kitchen and any bad food is a reflection on them but eating it is a direct compromise of the supposed beliefs they hold. If you have a staff that you truly trust and appreciate, how can you not put your trust in them to taste for the very things you claim to be tasting for. Frankly, it makes no sense to me that they would continue eating meat for any reason.
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A picture of a chicken that thinks you're full of sh!t. 

​It's difficult for me to wrap my head around anyone continuing to utilize meat when abstaining from eating it. I could never detach myself from the cause enough to ever butcher or cook a piece of meat. 

If there's one thing I've learned since becoming a vegetarian and having the opportunity to work with a great group of vegans and non vegans alike, it's that there are a million different reasons to become a vegetarian / vegan. It took me a long time to understand not everyone who adapts this lifestyle is doing it for the sake of animal welfare. Health and environmental impact of the meat industry are also big factors when considering a meat free / plant based lifestyle. With that being said, I think regardless of the reason, a better understanding of animal welfare is so important to fully envelop yourself in the lifestyle.

Anyone can be a vegetarian or vegan if they want, but without a passion for the lifestyle, it's quite obviously easy to compromise those beliefs. 
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What do you guys think? Would you be willing to compromise your beliefs for the sake of a job? I'd love to hear your thoughts!


​HAPPY VEG