Doug Freyburger > wrote:

> Must be a sign of amateur status. Facial hair is a
> big inconvenience if working in the business. Masks
> or clean shaven.

Well, then what about Alain Senderens, Pierre Gagnaire, or Guy Savoy?
Alain Ducasse has been known to sport a beard at times, too, if I
remember correctly. Michel Troisgros has always had a moustache and his
late brother Jean always had a beard. These are all Michelin three-star
chefs. I have trouble imagining any of them wearing masks in the
kitchen.

Victor