Culinary Arts Colleges

It’s one thing to like to cook; it’s a whole other ballgame to aspire to be a chef. Culinary arts is a career that commands respect, and though a certain amount of inherent talent is beneficial, the right training can be crucial. Culinary arts colleges can help to shape a passion for cooking into a lucrative lifetime career, one that can take a person in many interesting directions.

When looking for the right culinary arts college to attend, a number of things need to be taken into consideration. Location sometimes plays a part in the decision, though it’s rarely the most important consideration. The factors that play the biggest roles are usually things such as emphasis on a certain type of cuisine, the school’s reputation, scholarships, graduate placement and faculty.

There are some highly acclaimed culinary arts colleges all over the world and many of them are in the United States. Each one has its own unique features and benefits, giving students a wide choice in which direction to go with their culinary studies. Here are three excellent culinary arts colleges:

1.      Le Cordon Bleu - Arguably one of the most famous culinary arts colleges anywhere, Le Cordon Bleu was founded in Paris, France. It has campuses all over the world however, including such places as Japan and Canada, and affiliate locations across the United States. This school employs only the most experienced master chef instructors, and provides excellent instruction in a wide range of cooking techniques and styles. Tuition can vary greatly according to which campus you attend and which course of study you choose within the curriculum, but it tends to be on the higher side.

2.      Johnson and Wales - With campuses in Rhode Island, North Carolina, Florida and Colorado, Johnson and Wales University is one of the most highly acclaimed culinary arts colleges. This school places an emphasis on innovation in cooking, while still teaching its students the tried and true methods that have worked for centuries. Hospitality training is top notch, and their job placement service for students and graduates is excellent.

3.      Tante Marie - There’s something about San Francisco that makes one think of varied and delicious cuisine. Their eclectic mix of top rated restaurants draw people from all over, and the city is a natural draw for culinary students as well. Tante Marie Cooking School is a private culinary school in San Francisco that, although not widely recognized, is still one of the best. Smaller and more intimate, Tante Marie teaches not only gourmet culinary arts, but also holds classes for “normal folk” who simply want to improve their cooking skills. Students love the family-like atmosphere, but still appreciate the professionalism.

This is just a very small sampling of the culinary arts colleges that are available for aspiring chefs. Whatever the culinary goal, whether it be gourmet pastry chef, French restaurant owner or the best griller on the block, there are culinary schools that can help you reach it. All it takes is a passion for cooking and the willingness to jump in and start learning and practicing.