Food is a big part of our lives. It’s more than just a snack or a meal; it’s also a way of life and of celebrating culture. While many people start their culinary careers accumulating industry experience by working as line cooks or other kitchen helpers, attending a culinary school is the ultimate way to take your skills and passion to the next level. Culinary schools offer specialized hands-on training in cooking techniques, food preparation and kitchen management.
The best culinary schools have a wide range of programs to suit students with different career goals. These include degree programs in culinary arts, restaurant management, pastry and baking, wine studies, and international cuisine. Many also provide internships and job placement services for students who want to work in the field after graduation.
Some of the top culinary schools in America include ICE in New York, Johnson and Wales University with locations in Florida, Colorado, and Texas, and Auguste Escoffier in San Francisco. ICE in particular offers students the opportunity to get hands-on experience in its four public eateries, which serve Italian, French, and American dishes as well as cafe fares. The school also has its own farms that supply ingredients for the restaurants, giving students a glimpse of farm-to-table culinary trends.
If you’re looking for a more casual way to learn about the world of food, there are plenty of popular culinary television shows and cookbooks to check out. Chefs like Bobby Flay are a favorite of food fans, but they’re far from the only celebrities who have made a name for themselves in the culinary world.
There are numerous food-focused magazines as well, which focus on topics as diverse as the cuisines featured in them. Some are more focused on home cooking and recipes, while others discuss the culture of food and the history behind it. Most of these publications target a specific audience, with some geared towards beginner cooks and others for more experienced chefs.
There’s no doubt that there are a lot of exciting things happening in the world of culinary arts. As the popularity of artisanal breads and slow-food catches on, there are more and more opportunities for those with culinary degrees to make a living doing what they love. But, with so many culinary schools out there, it’s important to choose the one that’s right for you. Luckily, this list of the best culinary schools can help you make that decision.