The culinary world is highly competitive and requires a great deal of knowledge in the kitchen to thrive. While chefs often receive their know-how through on-the-job experience, formal education is a crucial step for many aspiring professionals. The best culinary schools are well-respected for their comprehensive programs that prepare students for every facet of gastronomy, from kitchen management to menu planning. In addition to rigorous academic coursework, top culinary programs offer networking opportunities with industry leaders and guest chefs. While every good culinary school has its own unique perks, it’s important for students to research their options carefully and consider the costs before making a commitment.
The best culinary schools offer a range of programs and degrees, from bachelor’s to master’s. Some are highly specialized, while others focus on teaching general kitchen and hospitality management skills. Some even have their own public eateries that provide students with a taste of real-world kitchens. For example, students at the Auguste Escoffier School in New York can sample Italian, French, and American dishes at on-campus restaurants. Other top culinary schools have a more diverse menu, offering everything from burgers and sandwiches to soups and baked goods.
In terms of prestige, there are few names in the restaurant world more recognizable than those listed by Michelin and James Beard. However, both awards have come under criticism in recent years for a lack of diversity and their tendency to reward old-school establishments. Regardless, the awards still play an important role in promoting the industry, as they encourage people to try new restaurants and cuisines.
Michelin, founded in France in 1900, is one of the most influential culinary guides in the world. The awards are based on the opinions of an elite panel of journalists and other experts, who travel the globe in search of the most outstanding restaurants. The results are announced at a ceremony that tours the world.
James Beard, established in 1946, is a widely respected food award that honors outstanding restaurants and chefs. The winners are determined by a nomination and voting process that is both public and anonymous. The awards are widely considered to be the most prestigious in the United States. However, they have come under scrutiny for their lack of diversity and the possibility of corruption.
Both awards have made strides in recent years to improve these issues, with Michelin granting a three-star rating to Atelier Crenn in San Francisco in 2018, and the James Beard Foundation changing its rules for 2019 to allow for more turnover on its short list of 50.
Whether it’s a burger named after a heavy metal band, a pitch-perfect refinement of Midwestern favorites by Paul Kahan at The Publican, or flavor-forward Asian fusion by Fariyal Abdullahi at Hav & Mar, the culinary scene in New York City is booming. The city is home to the top culinary schools in the country, including the famed Le Cordon Bleu and the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Many of these institutions have also produced a number of James Beard Award winners, as well as other finalists and nominees for national and international culinary awards.