The Ingester's Digest
by Kirk Bangstad
kirk.bangstad@chefschoolreview.com
Chef School Review Columnist
Welcome to "The Ingester's Digest," a weekly column for those interested in a culinary career. This week's column will focus on what you should look for in a culinary school.
Most restaurants that have a sophisticated clientele mainly hire chefs with a culinary degree. If you're definition of success is being the head chef at a fine dining establishment, you'll probably need to go to culinary school. If you want to open your own restaurant, and think that your family's famous recipes will turn you a profit, then you may not need a formal culinary education.
As well as learning how to efficiently execute difficult culinary techniques, you will also be taught how to run a kitchen with support staff, how to manage restaurant inventory, and how to keep a kitchen clean and safe.
Culinary school might not be necessary for everyone, but it will definitely give you an edge when it comes to getting your first job as a chef because you'll have industry- accepted techniques under your belt and probably a few people on your side to make calls on your behalf.
kirk.bangstad@chefschoolreview.com
Chef School Review Columnist
Welcome to "The Ingester's Digest," a weekly column for those interested in a culinary career. This week's column will focus on what you should look for in a culinary school.
Do You Need to go to Culinary School?
For many people interested in making cooking their career, the word is still out on whether or not potential chefs need to go to culinary school to become successful. If you are one of those undecided multitudes, read on to finally hear a definitive answer. Is culinary school a necessary step towards a culinary career? The answer is...it depends. The need to go to culinary school depends on a lot of variables.
Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts Miami brings the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu culinary arts program to students just like you who are looking for a rewarding career as a chef, caterer, baker, or pastry chef. The city of Miami provides an environment ideal for earning your degree and for getting some fun and sun.
Most restaurants that have a sophisticated clientele mainly hire chefs with a culinary degree. If you're definition of success is being the head chef at a fine dining establishment, you'll probably need to go to culinary school. If you want to open your own restaurant, and think that your family's famous recipes will turn you a profit, then you may not need a formal culinary education.
Culinary Art Schools Provide "Total" Education
If you choose to attend a culinary arts school, you'll be exposed to a number of different cooking techniques, recipes, and foods. By studying cooking in a program, students are more likely to have a better understanding of the entire culinary art as opposed to just knowing how to cook a few great dishes. You will learn a number of different food/taste combinations, and will eventually develop your own culinary repertoire.As well as learning how to efficiently execute difficult culinary techniques, you will also be taught how to run a kitchen with support staff, how to manage restaurant inventory, and how to keep a kitchen clean and safe.
...And Connections
Other than learning the tools of the culinary trade, another important aspect to culinary school is building a professional network. Many culinary schools keep track of their alumni and invite them to recruit graduating chefs. This network often enables students to connect with professionals in their field and land their first job.Culinary school might not be necessary for everyone, but it will definitely give you an edge when it comes to getting your first job as a chef because you'll have industry- accepted techniques under your belt and probably a few people on your side to make calls on your behalf.
About the Author
Kirk Bangstad is an artist manager and singer working in Chicago, IL. His previous experience includes consulting for technology companies in the Silicon Valley and serving as a field director and publicist for a statewide political campaign. Kirk holds a B.A. in government from Harvard University.Posted on May 31, 2005 at 6:13 PM
Earlier: The USDA's New Food Pyramid
Later: Bread-baking Secrets
Go back to Daily Specials archives
