Culinary skills can lead to exciting careers in restaurants and other food businesses. Choosing the best culinary school is one of the first steps towards a career in this rewarding field. While many schools offer similar programs, each has its own unique perks and features. Some are located in the heart of a city, offering students the opportunity to study and enjoy world-renowned cuisines after class. Other top culinary schools are situated in quieter areas, allowing for more focused learning without the distractions of bustling restaurants and cafes.
Whichever culinary school you choose, it’s important to have a good understanding of the culinary industry and how it works. Thankfully, there are plenty of great resources available online and on TV. Whether you’re looking for the perfect recipe or want to learn about new ingredients, these shows will help you on your culinary journey.
1. Chef’s Table
This Netflix series takes viewers into the kitchens of world-renowned chefs to see how they work their magic. From American chefs like Grant Achatz to Christina Tosi of Milk Bar, each episode highlights a different chef and their personal story. It’s an informative and enjoyable way to spend a few hours in front of the TV.
2. Top Chef
Top Chef is arguably the most popular cooking competition show on television. With 19 seasons under its belt and eight spin-offs, the franchise has established itself as a benchmark in competitive cooking. The show follows chefs as they compete in challenging challenges and battle it out in the restaurant to become the next Top Chef. The competition is intense, but always fun to watch.
3. The New York Times Restaurant Critics
If you want to eat at the most interesting places in New York, look no further than the NYT’s restaurant critics. Robert Sietsema is particularly talented at finding great restaurants that are off the beaten path and bringing attention to them. Whether you’re looking for Mexican seafood in Queens or African curry in the Bronx, he’ll point you in the right direction.
4. Cook’s Illustrated
This beloved cookbook/magazine is a go-to for the most reliable recipes, cooking techniques, and tips. Its army of test kitchen chefs bust myths and explain why certain methods are better than others. It’s also a great resource for understanding which kitchen tools are essential and which ones are fleeting trends.
5. Food & Wine
This magazine has been around since 1978, and it helped kick off the modern foodie movement. It offers a wide range of restaurant reviews and recipes, as well as advice on wine, travel, and more. The magazine also features a variety of food and beverage events. The magazine is based in New York City, but it also has campuses in Denver, Colorado; and Austin, Texas-both of which are known for their vibrant culinary cultures.