If you love to cook or aspire to be an inventive culinary artist, it’s worth getting formal training to sharpen your skills. There are many top culinary schools in the world that will provide you with the tools to succeed in a competitive and, at times, brutal industry. You’ll learn invaluable lessons for when you eventually open your own restaurant such as menu planning, facilities design, cost control and management techniques.
However, you should weigh the benefits of formal education against the high tuition costs and a sometimes difficult pay structure for chefs. Luckily, there are ways to make it more affordable to attend a top culinary school. You can also find scholarships that can offset or even completely cover your tuition costs.
Some of the best culinary schools in the country offer a variety of associate degree majors like Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry Arts and Professional Catering that can get you well on your way to a career as an expert chef. However, you should also consider a bachelor’s or master’s degree to really make the most of your talents.
If you can afford it, you can attend a top culinary school like the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City that has been named “Culinary School of the Year” four times by The Daily Meal. The school offers a variety of culinary and baking and pastry arts degrees with the opportunity to specialize in menu pairing, baking or restaurant management.
The school is named after Auguste Escoffier who revolutionized modern French cooking and inspired countless future chefs. The program teaches classical culinary arts and focuses on hands-on learning that prepares students for careers as expert chefs, restaurant owners and managers and food industry leaders.
Food & Wine was founded in 1978 and helped launch the modern foodie movement with its focus on worldwide regional cuisines, star chefs, and reliable recipes. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the latest culinary trends and restaurants.
A recent shake-up at the James Beard Foundation saw a shift towards more diversity with women and people of color winning 11 out of 16 national awards last year. That’s the first time that minority chefs have dominated the annual award.
There’s no substitute for learning from the pros, so it’s important to have a library of cookbooks from some of the most famous culinary authors around. These books range from classics to the most up-to-date.
Whether you’re looking to level up your recipe game or just want to impress your mother-in-law with a grilled watermelon salad, these culinary books will help you reach your cooking goals. Felicity Cloake’s The Ultimate Cookbook for Everyday Cooking is a must-have for any kitchen shelf, while Bourdain’s Kitchen Confidential: Adventures in the Culinary Underbelly is a must-read memoir for culinary enthusiasts. You can also read up on meal-planning hacks that will transform your kitchen from a hectic mess to an efficient workspace. With these great culinary books in your library, you can be well on your way to becoming an expert chef in no time.