On a Roll: The Past, Present, and Future of the Chef

Posted on May 12, 2011 by admin

While the profession of a chef has certainly evolved over the past few centuries, it is definitely a career that has deep roots in history. According to historians, the profession of chef as we know it probably began in ancient Assyria. Since so many rulers were assassinated by poisoning, a chef was carefully selected to guard the king’s life. As a special distinction, the chef was given a hat to wear that looked like a crown – similar to the toque that chefs wear today.

In 776 BCE, a chef became famous – not for his foods, but for his athletic prowess. Coroebus of Elis, a cook, became the first winner of the Olympic sprint race. In 258 AD, a chef gained notoriety as well as canonization: Saint Lawrence, the patron saint of chefs, was burned at the stake.

Royalty definitely played a role in the development of culinary traditions, and hence the profession of chefs. Charles VII of France (born in 1403) had a mistress named Agnes Sorel who became a celebrated cook as well. The Medici dynasty out of Florence also heightened the artistry of cooking. When Catherine de Medici of France married King Henry II of France, she brought several Italian chefs with her who altered the course of French cuisine for centuries. In 1718, John Montague, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, was born. He developed the first sandwich so that he could eat without pausing his gambling. Later, Captain Cook named the Sandwich Islands (now Hawaii) after him.

The History of Restaurant
The restaurant as we know it was really developed in the 1700s. Boulanger is widely regarded as the first restauranteur. His bouillon shop, established in 1765, is regarded by many to be the first of the modern restaurants in France. In 1766, Mathurin Roze de Chantolseau came to Paris with the idea of establishing a restaurant. In 1782, Beauvilliers established a restaurant, the first of its kind with a menu and individual tables. Called the Grande Taverne de Londres, this establishment set the tone for the modern restaurant.
It’s an idea that has been popular across the globe for centuries now. There are currently over 209,819 limited service restaurants; 266,534 limited service eating places; and 217,282 full service restaurants in America.

Becoming a Chef: What You Should Know
The concept of going to school to become a chef is relatively new. Le Cordon Bleu, the world’s most famous cooking school, began in 1895 as a magazine for trading recipes. Now it numbers over 20,000 students. The Culinary Institute of America was originally established as a vocational training program for veterans returning from the war in 1946. Now it boasts 2,757 students in three states. The New England Culinary Institute was founded in 1980 and is the smallest vocational chef school at 500 students.

No matter where you choose to get your training and no matter what path you choose to follow, the future for chefs looks bright and the salaries are good. Whether you train to be a saucier or a patissier, you should know that the lowest average salary for chefs is around $22,120. On average a chef earns $38,770, but the highest salaries can average around $66,680.

The lowest salaries are typically found in the restaurant industry, which averages $39,930. Special food services rank a little higher at $43,600. Travel accommodations typically average above $50,000, while the recreation industries can go above $50,720.

Posted in General | Leave a comment

Five Pastry Chef Schools in New Jersey

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

If you like to bake, consider getting an education at a pastry chef school in New Jersey. A pastry chef is more than just a baker, however. A pastry chef at a restaurant is usually in charge of preparing and baking the breads, rolls and biscuits that are served with meals as well as handling all the desserts that are baked. Pastry chefs also work in bakeries, grocery stores, or as part of a catering team.

The state of New Jersey offers several certificate and degree programs for pastry chefs. The Academy of Culinary Arts at Atlantic Cape Community College, in Mays Landing, NJ offers a two year Baking & Pastry degree program or a Specialization Certificate that takes two semesters to complete. For those interested in acquiring basic baking skills, there is a five month non-credit Culinary Arts career training program.

Brookdale Community College, located in Lincroft, NJ, has several options for pastry chef students. They offer a Culinary Arts Associate’s Degree program, a Culinary Arts Academic Credit Certificate, a Pastry Arts Academic Credit Certificate and a Culinary Arts Letter of Recognition. The Associate’s Degree program is 74 credit hours and requires two years to complete. Both Academic Credit Certificates require 33 credit hours. The Pastry Arts Academic Credit Certificate courses emphasize the skills needed to become a pastry chef.

Middlesex County College in Edison, NJ and Hudson County Community College in Jersey City both offer Culinary Arts certificates and certificates that focus on pastry arts. A 12 credit hour Baking Proficiency Certificate is offered at Hudson County Community College, and an 18 credit hour Pastry Arts Certificate can be obtained through successful completion of the required courses at Middlesex County College.

Mercer County Community College offers an Associate’s degree in Applied Science with an emphasis in Culinary Arts. Sixty-six credit hours are required to successfully complete the Associate’s in Applied Science degree program. Sixteen credit hours must concentrate on either Pastry Arts or Culinary Arts. Mercer County Community College is located in West Windsor, NJ.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Top 3 Chef Schools in New York

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Choosing among the best chef schools in New York is not an easy task. Now that the lead chefs of many New York restaurants are graduates of culinary institutes; aspiring chefs must impress restaurants with their cooking skills and education. While all New York chef schools promise a quality education, not every school will properly prepare you for the fast pace life of a chef. When choosing a school it is important to research the school’s accreditation, tuition, history, and cooking facilities. To help make your search easier, we have profiled the top 3 culinary institutes in New York.

The French Culinary Institute

Teaching students how to efficiently prepare French dishes along with traditional American cuisine, the French Culinary Institute provides aspiring chefs with valuable experience. Unique among chef schools in New York, the institute gives students a chance to cook for the public at the institute operated restaurant, L’ Ecole. Evening classes are offered to those students who are already in the work force, and several financial aid packages are available to help with tuition expenses.

The Culinary Institute of America

Students who attend the Culinary Institute of America take part in a rigorous training program designed to get students ready for real-life work quickly. In addition to several degree programs, the Culinary Institute of America offers several flexible financing options. While most chef schools in New York only offer financial aid in the form of low-interest loans. Culinary Institute of America has scholarships and grants for deserving students. Work-study programs are also available for students who need additional financial assistance. Perhaps most importantly, the schools extensive network of alumni opens doors for new graduates seeking employment.

Culinary Academy of Long Island

The Culinary Academy of Long Island is one of the chef schools in New York that does not focus on teaching a specific culinary style. Instead of focusing on a cooking niche, the institute teaches students the practical preparation skills needed to work in a busy kitchen. Students who attend the Culinary Academy of Long Island specializes in getting students accustomed to working with a team of chefs in a chaotic environment.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Culinary Chef Schools

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Culinary chef schools can be found online and at many trade schools and community colleges. Culinary programs and chef schools range in style and offer many styles for seasoned professionals as well as new culinary students seeking to start a career in the industry. Whether it is fine dining, gourmet, homestyle cooking, or pastry preparation there is something for any style and any taste out there. Culinary certifications offer students the ability to work with restaurants, hotels, and even as private chefs. The sky is the limit when it comes to this career choice.

Culinary chef schools offer such a wide variety of training methods that it is always good to start out with the first step of researching what you as a student are looking for. Many online culinary courses are geared toward students who are already working in the industry and looking to expand their knowledge. Culinary chef schools such as Culinard, however, offer a more well rounded culinary education. Methods range from basic cooking techniques such as proper preparation methods to more advanced techniques dealing with specific cuisine styles.

There is a school of thought that in order to receive the best education in culinary chef schools you should study in a major city. New York, Paris, and London are some of the top places to receive education. However, many great chefs state that the real education comes from being in the actual trenches. Being asked to make dishes in short amounts of time or being asked to use ingredients you have never heard of are some of the main tasks used to season good culinary chef students. Also, cooking in restaurants and on the line for busy restaurants allow the student to take what they have learned in the classroom and apply to real life issues. There is no mistaking that the combination of study and application are the best training tools. Regardless of the method the culinary field is a growing trend that offers great opportunity for growth and development in a field that can take you around the world.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

South Africa’s Hidden Treasure: Chef Schools

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

With fine chef schools the world over prospective culinary students may not immediately consider South African chef schools, and instead be drawn to schools in the USA, France, Italy, etc where the more traditional gastronomies are taught. However, many South African chef schools not only teach traditional gastronomies, but also offer a unique environment. In today’s economy where everyone in the hospitality business is fighting for the edge in an environment of constant change, it is important to obtain skills that will set you apart from and above the others.

Known for its rich history, South Africa is a cultural melting pot and has been experiencing a surge in the hospitality industry. With the influx of tourists, you will find no shortage of opportunities to put your culinary skills to the test. In South Africa where chef schools pride themselves on innovation and variety, an education obtained here will serve you for a lifetime. The following schools are a mere taste of what South Africa has to offer for those interested in boosting their culinary repertoire.

Institute for Hospitality Education (SA)

  • Fast-paced environment where students learn skills quickly and do not need to commit to a certain number of years at the school
  • Recognized as “one of the most affordable South African schools for international students”
  • Internationally recognized diplomas: Hotel Operations and Management, Restaurant Management, Professional Cookery, and Pâtisserie

Prue Leith Chefs Academy

  • Practical experience is obtained by working at top-notch South African hospitality businesses partnered with the academy
  • Learn a wide-variety of gastronomy including traditional French, local cuisine, and the up-and-coming molecular fare
  • Diplomas: (Grande Diploma) Culinary Studies and Wine, Culinary Studies, Pâtisserie, (Certificate) Sugarcraft

South Africa Institute of Culinary Arts

  • According to the school’s website, Students spend 22-26 hours weekly in practical applications
  • Kitchens are featured with top-of-the-line cooking equipment with a professor to student ratio of 1:7
  • Internationally recognized diplomas: City & Guilds Diploma in Culinary Arts and Pâtisserie, ICA Aleit Academy Diploma in Events Management, City & Guilds Diploma in Food Preparation & Culinary Arts, ICA Higher Diploma in Culinary Arts Professional Cheffing & Pâtisserie, City & Guilds Certificate / Diploma in Food Preparation & Cooking

Just beyond the cooking schools’ doors are the breathtaking scenic wonders of South Africa, the friendly population, and amazing wildlife found only in Africa. This beautiful backdrop will add spice to your life and be a wonderful first chapter to the rest of your culinary career. Don’t just settle for any culinary school, consider South African chef schools for memories that last a lifetime.

South African chef schools allow you to learn from notable chefs from around the world, enabling you to please client palates from various cultures.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

All About Pastry Chef Schools in Chicago

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Someone who is looking to attend a culinary arts school may want to consider the pastry chef schools in Chicago. A quick glance at the available options makes it look like there is only one pastry school in the entire city. Not true. A potential student shouldn’t let themselves be turned aside by this fact as there are plenty of options available for pastry chef certificates.

All of the pastry chef schools in Chicago have a variety of programs to choose from. There are 24-week certificates, continuing education options, and associate degrees on tap. Here is an overview of what is available:

Kendall College offers an associate degree in pastry arts. It requires a total of 99 credit hours spread over six quarters. This is an intense program to be sure, but graduates go on to own businesses and work for the best restaurants around the world.

Le Cordon Bleu also has an associates degree program. Students are taught the fundamentals by industry professionals in commercial quality kitchens. The course focuses on starting out with the basics and progresses to the level of creating masterpieces of pastry art.

The French Pastry School is part of the City Colleges of Chicago, meaning that current residents can save a little money on their education. The curriculum for the certificate offers up a variety of French, and only French, pastry cooking styles for learning. It also has an excellent selection of continuing education classes for credit hours.

Art Institutes, not to be confused with The Art Institute School, has a pastry program that is geared towards those who are looking to gain some skills to broaden their basic knowledge. Here, a student learns entry-level knowledge and a certificate that gives them access to the bottom rung of the ladder. This is not necessarily a bad thing as there are those who want to learn hands-on, but need their certificate to do so.

Pastry chef schools in Chicago offer a rainbow of education options. A student can get just enough education to open a door, or they can go whole hog and learn in the best kitchens with world-class chefs.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing Pastry Chef Schools: Top Factors to Consider

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

In choosing pastry chef schools, it is best to consider the following factors so that you’ll receive the best possible education, training, and preparation for becoming an expert pastry chef.

Types of Schools

In most cases, studying in a culinary institute is the best option because it offers the widest range of programs for pastry chefs, and these programs could be short or long term. Culinary institutes often have the best facilities and equipment to give you specialized and instant training that you’ll need once you start looking for a job. You can also receive relevant education and training from vocational schools or community colleges; they are cheaper, short term, and go direct to the heart of the matter. But, they won’t give you the technical expertise you can get from a culinary institute. Lastly, you can receive training from a university or full-service college, but courses here usually provide equal focus on culinary activities, as well as business management, to prepare students for having their own restaurant, patisserie, or food business in general.

Types of Programs

Pastry chef schools basically offer three types of programs. Certificate programs are short term, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, and offered usually and focus on a particular type of pastry making. Diploma programs, on the other hand, can best be obtained from culinary institutes, and could take anywhere from a year or so. Finally, there are associate and bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree can take up to 2 years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree offers the most comprehensive training and requires 4 years to complete.

Accreditation

The best pastry chef schools are those accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. From there, you can get additional credentials from the American Culinary Federation.

There are a lot of pastry chef schools in the country, but not all of them may be found in a specific location or area. How much you are willing to spend on tuition, as well as what kind of pastry chef you’d like to be known as, would determine which type of pastry chef school is best for your needs.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Choosing Pastry Chef Schools: Top 3 Factors to Consider

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

In choosing pastry chef schools, it is best to consider the following factors so that you’ll receive the best possible education, training, and preparation for becoming an expert pastry chef. There are a lot of pastry chef schools in the country, but not all of them may be found in a specific location or area. How much you are willing to spend on tuition, as well as what kind of pastry chef you’d like to be known as, would determine which type of pastry chef school is best for your needs. In most cases, studying in a culinary institute is the best option because it offers the widest range of programs for pastry chefs, and these programs could be short or long term.

Culinary institutes often have the best facilities and equipment to give you specialized and instant training that you’ll need once you start looking for a job. You can also receive relevant education and training from vocational schools or community colleges; they are cheaper, short term, and go direct to the heart of the matter. But, they won’t give you the technical expertise you can get from a culinary institute. Lastly, you can receive training from a university or full-service college, but courses here usually provide equal focus on culinary activities, as well as business management, to prepare students for having their own restaurant, patisserie, or food business in general.

Pastry chef schools basically offer three types of programs. Certificate programs are short term, lasting anywhere from 6 months to 1 year, and offered usually and focus on a particular type of pastry making. Diploma programs, on the other hand, can best be obtained from culinary institutes, and could take anywhere from a year or so. Finally, there are associate and bachelor’s degrees. An associate degree can take up to 2 years to complete, while a bachelor’s degree offers the most comprehensive training and requires 4 years to complete.

The best pastry chef schools are those accredited by The Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges. From there, you can get additional credentials from the American Culinary Federation.

Posted in Schools | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Top Canadian Chef Schools

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Canadian chef schools have gained a lot of recognition all over the world in recent years because of the diverse chef training that they offer. These culinary schools can be found all over the country, although a particularly high number exist in Vancouver and southern Ontario. The culinary arts programs in these schools are truly world class and offer training in a number of different disciplines. This industry is in great shape, so once you receive your Canadian culinary arts diploma, plenty of work will be available for you in the future.

Liaison College of Culinary Arts is the largest of the Canadian chef schools in Ontario. This school features basic diplomas, advanced diplomas, Read Seal preparation and even personal chef diplomas. Most of these programs take about 15 weeks to complete and it is possible to take your courses on weekends or in the evening. Every instructor that you will find at this Canadian culinary school is a Master Chef, so all attendees will receive some of the top instruction available in the country.

The International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute of Vancouver features both diploma and certificate programs. While considered one of the top Canadian chef schools, the program is the only American-based culinary course that you can take in Canada. It is even possible to take restaurant ownership country through this school, so chefs who have more ambitious goals for the future can learn the basics. Diplomas and certificates in pasty and baking can be achieved, so chefs with all types of interests can get their schooling here.

The Culinary Institute of Canada is found at Holland College in Charlottetown, PEI. This is one of the better-known Canadian chef schools because of its location. Prince Edward Island is a small maritime province that is known for its seafood, but chefs who attend this school will learn how to cook more than just fish. Canada’s chef competition team can be found at this school, which creates a very competitive and fun environment for all students.

Posted in Articles | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Four Top Chef Schools Worth a Good Look

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Take your time when examining the top chef schools. If anything, you will probably find several that catch your eye and have to narrow down your choices from there. Look them all over carefully and make sure you find schools that not only provide an excellent education in the fine art of cooking, but plenty of hands on training and individual attention. Most culinary schools are not cheap and you want to make sure you get the best education for your money. Let’s take a look at four top chef schools to give you some background in what you might expect from some of the best.

1. The Culinary Institute of America is found in the United States located in New York. It has the honor of being named “the best culinary school in the world.” With this kind of honor, it’s definitely worth a close look. The school prides itself on offering the most teaching time for each class than any culinary school of its type. This culinary school offers the Baking and Pastry Arts course and another program called the Culinary Arts.

2. Another famous culinary school also located in New York City is the French Culinary Institute. It offers a combination of traditional American cooking with a blend of classic French cuisine. They offer an impressive hands-on six-month course that bares close inspection.

3. We have all heard of Le Cordon Bleu in France. This legendary school teaches restaurant management and techniques for French cooking along with hospitality management. All three areas of education certainly could prove handy for a new career. Students also receive training in pastry, baking and culinary arts. In addition to training in France, they also offer courses in Australia, Asia, Europe, Canada and the United States.

4. L’Academie de Cuisine is another fine culinary school for chefs which not only trains student to become professional chefs, but also provides classes for those peoples that just wish to learn for their own cooking enjoyment.

Posted in General | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment