Just like actors get Oscars and singers get Grammys, chefs earn their own share of culinary awards. Some might argue that the World’s 50 Best List, Michelin, and the James Beard Foundation have a monopoly on such accolades, but there are many more domestic and international organizations that honor chefs and restaurants.
For example, Eat Your World is a website that highlights restaurants in various cities and regions across the country and globe. The site focuses on sourcing ingredients from local farmers and producers, which can be a great way to support the community and find fresh, healthy food. There are also recipes and guides for dining out with kids, making your own cocktails, and more.
Another website, Food52, is a food-focused online community. While some might say that Food52’s selection of best chefs and restaurants is too Eurocentric, it does offer a glimpse into the global restaurant scene and can provide inspiration for your next meal.
The James Beard Foundation, which honors people in the restaurant industry, aims to educate and inspire future generations of cooks. Its award winners are not only celebrated for their skills in the kitchen, but for their dedication to their craft and the broader restaurant community. In the past, many of the winners were relatively mainstream European-leaning places, but the foundation has shifted towards a more diverse set of restaurants in recent years. Last year, the foundation’s Rising Star Chef award went to Zachary Engel, who runs the modern Israeli restaurant Shaya; it also awarded Best New Restaurant to Seattle’s JuneBaby and Brooklyn’s Korean Atomix.
For those looking to pursue a career in the culinary arts, there are a number of schools that can help. The Culinary Institute of America, for instance, is a famous school that is located in upstate New York. It has a gorgeous campus, picturesque views, and five on-site restaurants for students to gain hands-on experience in real kitchens.
Another popular option is Johnson and Wales, a school that offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in the culinary arts. It is known for its small class sizes and hands-on learning, as well as its impressive internship program. It also has connections with employers in the industry, giving graduates a leg up on finding jobs after graduation.
Finally, there is Le Cordon Bleu, which is a prestigious school that teaches traditional French techniques. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn how to make classic dishes such as boeuf bourguignon. The school has a long list of famous alumni, including Julia Child, who is known to have attended the school for her cooking lessons. The school also has a demo room where its students can showcase their talents.