best colleges for cooking?
If you're interested in a culinary arts education, the United States has a number of excellent programs to consider. Here are some of the top-rated culinary schools as of my last knowledge update in 2021:
- The Culinary Institute of America (CIA): The CIA has multiple campuses across the U.S. in New York, Texas, and California. It's widely recognized as one of the best culinary schools in the world, offering a variety of degree programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, food business management, and more.
- Johnson & Wales University: With campuses in Rhode Island and Colorado, Johnson & Wales is known for its strong culinary arts program and also offers degrees in baking & pastry arts and food service management.
- Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): Located in New York City and Los Angeles, ICE provides comprehensive diploma programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and restaurant & culinary management.
- Kendall College School of Culinary Arts: Located in Chicago, Kendall College offers a variety of degree programs in culinary arts and baking & pastry.
- New England Culinary Institute: Based in Vermont, this school offers hands-on learning in a real-world environment with its restaurant-based curriculum.
- L'Academie de Cuisine: Located in Maryland, it's considered one of the top culinary schools on the East Coast.
- International Culinary Center: Based in New York City, this school offers programs in culinary arts, pastry arts, and Italian cuisine.
- Le Cordon Bleu: Though it has closed many of its U.S. campuses, Le Cordon Bleu still offers online programs in hospitality management.
Please note that the culinary industry is often more about hands-on experience and apprenticeship than formal education. Some of the best chefs in the world didn't attend culinary school, but instead learned on the job in professional kitchens. It's also important to consider the cost of these programs, as culinary school can be quite expensive. Be sure to do thorough research and consider all your options before making a decision.
