Chef School Review is a guide to chef schools offering education, diplomas, and degree programs (including Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Programs) in cooking and culinary arts.

By Kirk Bangstad
Kirk.bangstad@chefschoolreview.com
Chef School Review Columnist

Interest in the culinary arts has skyrocketed ever since the introduction of some very popular cooking shows on The Food Network, a cable network that is entirely dedicated to the culinary arts. The art of preparing food has suddenly become more glamorous as attractive chefs teach viewers cool cooking tips. This enhanced interest in the cooking field isn't merely based on advancing the culinary art form however - many people just want to host their own cooking shows!

Why Artists Flock to Culinary Arts Schools

Although some of the reasons to go to culinary art schools may be suspect, enrollments are definitely going up. Students see that receiving a culinary education can open a number of career doors, and many view cooking as a form of expression. Creative people who can't envision precarious careers as visual artists or musicians often turn to the culinary arts schools because cooking jobs tend to be more prevalent and lucrative. Artistically-minded people often feel that as chefs, they can still flex their creative muscles without living like a bohemian.

The Cooking and Hospitality Institute of Chicago (CHIC) prepares more students in the Chicago area for successful careers in food service than any other culinary school — using the traditional, European hands-on approach to culinary education that was previously difficult to obtain in the Midwest. Affiliated with the prestigious Le Cordon Bleu, CHIC combines classical cooking techniques with leading-edge American technology.

Whether or not you want to cook the perfect ham, or just ham it up in front of the camera, attending culinary school will help you develop some very marketable skills. Who knows, while you're auditioning for that new pilot on the Food Network, you may actually have to work as a chef to make ends meet.

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 August 25, 2005 at 2:51 PM

Earlier: Chef Training for Home Chefs
Later: What to Expect in a Culinary Arts Management Program
Go back to Daily Specials archives