Friday, April 22, 2011

Top Culinary Arts Schools - Pick the Right One For You

There are many factors to consider when choosing which school to go to when it's time to further your education and get your degree in culinary arts. Location; how far would you have to travel? Is there reasonable housing close to campus? Finances; is financial aid an option? The school itself; is it the best of the best? What kind of reputation does it have? What are the Harvard's and Oxfords of culinary arts schools?

The Culinary Institute of America is reported to be right at the top of the list of great culinary arts schools. It offers campuses in three locations; their main campus finds its home in Hyde Park, NY. They have a west coast campus in St. Helena, CA, which offers many food and wine related programs. Last but not least is their San Antonio, TX campus which hosts Latin American cuisine course. The Culinary Institute of America prides itself on its reputation as the world's premier culinary college and offering the best opportunity to career success. Their alumni alone should be enough to impress anyone trying to choose a school. There is Christopher Martone, executive chef of Subway restaurants; Steve Ells, founder of Chipotle Grill, and Dan Coudreaut, director of culinary innovation for McDonald's amongst many others.

The Arts Institute is also among of the top rated culinary arts schools with campuses in over 20 states. They offer associate degree programs in baking and pastry arts, culinary arts and restaurant ownership, restaurant and catering management, and wine, spirits and beverage management just to name a few. They also offer bachelor degrees in culinary arts skills, culinary restaurant management, food and beverage management, and hotel and restaurant management as well. You can become certifications through them for the art of cooking, baking and pastry arts and culinary arts skills. Program options vary by school so you'll want to request further information from the campus you're interested in.

Another top school is The French Culinary Institute in New York City. At this particular school training is done at a very fast pace and in depth through a hands-on curriculum referred to as Total Immersion. The French Culinary Institute also has a sister school in Italy which their students are also invited to train at in order to get the full experience of the Italian culinary experience. What this school offers through their Total Immersion approach is having their students trained in six to nine months what takes other schools years to teach. Depending on what kind of a learner you are, that may hinder or help you. The French Culinary Institute also offers their students the opportunity to be taught by legends in the field of culinary arts such as Jacques Torres, Alain Sailhac, and even Andre Soltner.

Choosing a school is very personal and should be carefully thought out. Regardless of which school you decide on, ultimately your future is in your hands. Hard work, perseverance and dedication are just as important as which school you decide on. Follow your dreams and have fun!