The Food Nerds

So, you think you’re the next “top Chef” but want to get some credentials under your belt before you go public? Check out this list of a few of the top US culinary schools where you can get the diploma to match the skill.Institute of Culinary Education (NYC) offers a fast, intensive culinary education geared for adults at least 20 years old. Students are required to have completed at least two years of college or to have two years of work experience in order to enroll.Johnson & Wales University (Providence, Miami, Denver, Charlotte) became the first school in the country to offer a Bachelor of Science degree in the Culinary Arts. As a full university, Johnson & Wales is much more than just a “cooking school.” They are in fact one of the preeminent culinary colleges in the world. Their associate and bachelor’s degree programs have been designed to provide students with the hands-on skills, knowledge, real-life experience and critical thinking skills needed to become the best.Sullivan University (Louisville) prepares students for careers in the hospitality field by offering five Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree Majors. Students can earn an Associate of Science Degree in Culinary Arts; Baking and Pastry Arts; Professional Catering; Hotel and Restaurant Management; and Travel and Tourism. The University also offers Diplomas in Professional Cooking and Professional Baking.Scottsdale Culinary Institute (Scottsdale) offers an Associate Degree of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary arts. This intensive program can be completed in as little as 15 months including a three month externship at the location of your choice. The facilities feature state-of-the-art culinary equipment in their eight kitchens, bakery, and meat shop.French Culinary Institute (NYC) offers a fast-paced curriculum in French techniques with American inventiveness. Distinguished faculty includes the master chefs Alain Sailhac, Jacques Ppin, Andr Soltner, Jacques Torres and master sommelier Andrea Immer. Visiting-lecturer symposiums featured Marcella Hazan, Alice Waters, and Bobby Flay. FCI has rigorous, hands-on program that gets well-trained graduates into the workplace quickly.California Culinary Academy (San Francisco) offers professional training in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, and hospitality and restaurant management with hands-on cooking classes and lecture courses. Instruction in classical and contemporary culinary techniques, business management, wine appreciation, and hotel operations is included.The School of Culinary Arts –Kendall College (Chicago) is long regarded as one of the top culinary arts and baking and pastry schools in the nation. It is one of the few schools that offer a four-year Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts degree in addition to the AAS and Certificate programs. The four year program gives an in-depth examination of international cuisine, including Latin and South America, the Mediterranean and Asia, as well as nutrition. Business skills, from finance to marketing will prepare students to plan, build, promote and sustain a food-related business.Western Culinary Institute (Portland) encourages students to pursue their passion while living in one of the most stunningly beautiful cities in America – Portland, Oregon – in the Pacific Northwest. Students have the opportunity to build a strong foundation for career opportunities in the culinary and hospitality industry. Le Cordon Bleu training.