If the issue is indeed recovery, then one big thing that has barely been mentioned is nutrition. How is your omega 3 to omega 6 intake ratio? As a chef you might now about how much oil (and omega 6) the average diet consumes, which I hear greatly impair recovery. For one thing, seems people consume way to much food processed or cooked with not-good-for-you oils such as corn, canola, sunflower, soybean etc. that all lead to muscle inflammation. I hear even most olive oil is no good - cut with other cheaper oils.

Also stretching was mentioned but I have found rolling to be more effective for some things like calves (I just use a short bit of PVC pipe). Often times if you have damaged spots then simply stretching will tend to overstretch the areas that don't need it and understretch the areas that do. In many cases stretching can be unnecessary. Instead the damaged areas need stimulated to break up scar tissues and promote circulation. Putting pressure on the area instead of attempting to stretch a whole muscle group can be beneficial.