If you love food and are interested in a career in cooking, it’s worth checking out culinary schools. Formal training gives you the skills and confidence to succeed in what can be a stressful, competitive industry—and opens the doors to restaurants of every size. In addition to teaching you the technical side of cooking, the best culinary schools can offer invaluable lessons for when it comes time to start your own restaurant like menu planning, facilities design, and cost control. Some of the most famous culinary school alumni include Charlie Palmer, Michael Mina, Grant Achatz, Anne Burrell, and Cat Cora.
Culinary schools aren’t cheap, and a degree takes years to complete. If you’re not completely committed to a career in cooking, however, you can still cook gourmet-like dishes at home. These easy culinary recipes will test your cooking skills and impress your loved ones at the same time.
Top Chef is one of the most popular reality shows on TV, and many of its contestants go on to become renowned chefs. Here are some of their recipes that you can try to bring a little bit of the show’s magic into your kitchen:
Le Cordon Bleu in Paris is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. It’s been around for over 100 years and has trained some of the world’s most celebrated chefs, including Julia Child. This institute is considered the guardian of French techniques and is a great place to learn how to make classics such as boeuf bourguignon and pommes frites.
The Culinary Institute of America in New York is another renowned culinary school. Its upstate location is beautiful and its students work in five on campus restaurants to gain hands-on experience. In addition, the school has a number of short-term programs for those who just want to take a few courses.
Another option for studying culinary arts is Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. This school offers bachelor’s, associate, and master’s degrees in a wide range of culinary areas. Some of these include pastry and confectionery, hospitality management & gastronomy, culinary sustainability, and global cuisine.
If you’re interested in studying abroad, there are also a few renowned culinary schools in Europe. Some of these include the Ecole Hotelier de la Provence in France, Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, and the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy.
While you’re waiting to decide whether or not culinary school is right for you, why not try these delicious culinary recipes. With a few of these, you’ll be on your way to becoming a full-fledged, home gourmet chef!