Archive for June, 2008

Discovering Culinary Arts Schools paths to success

Sunday, June 22nd, 2008

A funny thing happened to me on the way to the kitchen..i loved cooking and in discovering that little nuance of my existance i decided to try to follow my love of kitchen all the way through to become a chef. The culinary arts schools industry is an exciting and dynamic field, offering a number of opportunities for those who have a passion for cooking and strong creative skills. Pursuing a formal culinary training can lead to a professional position as a restaurant chef, baker, pastry chef, or an administration role overseeing in the area of menu development, catering, and food science. The field is growing rapidly with the increases in dining and hospitality establishments around the world, and a need for personal chefs and catering companies is on the rise. Culinary schools and a formal program of education can prep students with fundamental skills to become well-trained in a variety of cooking styles and cuisine. But one question many students never get a chance to answer because of time constraints of family friends or career.

Time for cooking as a career?

 Should you attend a class a school a program that offers certificates? many star chefs have simply apprenticed under the guidance of a pro. The culinary field is one of the fastest growing industries today, and locating the perfect cooking school is one way to begin your career as a master chef with the appeal of such top rated shows as “Top Chef” the allure of becoming a professional in the industry has certain media appeal as well too. If you simply are looking for a class, a program of teaching chef skills or degree in the field there are many locations online with pertinent information about each cooking school is offered on each state page, allowing you to contact culinary schools directly.

A Sampling of top chefs who opened there own school found Francois Dionot, Director of LAcademie de Cuisine, enamored when he learned culinary arts schools arts school he founded in 1976 was recognized by the culinary community. It has taken 29 years of hard work, but I am delighted that LAcademie has been recognized among the best culinary arts schools in the country. There graduates are truly professionals. They are among the hardest working and most talented cooks in the business, and we receive great support from the fine dining establishments in the Washington area as well as around the country who hire our students and graduates in their kitchens,” said Chef Dionot.

A standard culinary arts training programs will offer a range of programs like this, students can study: - Culinary Arts, some will have an emphasis on French cuisine and techniques - Pastry Arts, from tiny hors doeuvres to elaborate wedding cakes - And Recreational Classes for both beginners and experienced cooks

Sullivan University also has a tremendous program in Kentucky. For over 25 years, professional chef, educator, food writer and mentor, Chef Derek Spendlove, CEPC, CCE has shared his expertise with many aspiring and seasoned chefs. Trained in the traditional Europeantechnique, he earned his City and Guild examination in Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, and Kentucky Chefs Association named him Chef of the year 2000. Chef Spendlove is also the Team manager of the award winning Sullivan University student Culinary Competition team. Schools offer students a chance to gain professional experience by working with a variety of culinary arts styles, techniques, and gaining knowledge about different cuisine. From reviewing recipes to developing menus, cooking programs at a culinary arts institute or cooking school make it simple to learn about different methods and apply each principle in a real-life setting.

Cooking classes have changed, too. Teachers used to be people who taught high school home ec, or in professional culinary training programs. Now, cooking teachers are everyone from chefs with publicists to food writers who teach out of their homes. Hands-on classes still exist, but the demonstration cooking class, invented by television and popularized by the Food Network, where students sit, watch, and if they’re lucky, eat, has become the norm. Our research shows there are a multitude of schools such as the top level Art Institutes schooling or even as unique as a program at Laney College .

Located 36 miles away from San Jose in Oakland, California, Laney College is a public, two-year educational institution attended by more than 11,000 undergraduate students. It offers several different associate degrees and professional certificate programs, including one in Culinary Arts for students interested in acquiring the skills of cooking and cooking technology. The two different majors in the school revolve around baking and cooking and both are dedicated to providing students with the skills and tools necessary to obtain a career in the Culinary Arts upon graduation. Most of the courses in the program are approved by the Retail Bakers Association and the National Restaurant Association. You can find an amazing level of info on these culinary schools by researching online.

About 60% of students who attend culinary arts schools or cooking school work in the service and hospitality industry, while 20% work in hospital cafeterias, nursing homes, or colleges and universities. Training can also give students a path to work in hotels, retail stores, or open their own business.