How can I get my first job in the restaurant industry?

I am a 24 year old college dropout who has been working his way up the chain in the accounting field, and office environment. I've recently been laid off and was thinking about making a change to what I am really passionate about... cooking. I have no desire to go to culinary school and I was wondering if anyone will hire someone with no experience at all to work in a restaurant. I'd be fine chopping veg all day if it meant I could learn.