A culinary career may be hard to get into, but for those who have the passion and talent it can lead to a lucrative and satisfying life. Culinary schools are an investment of time and money, but a good school can help hone the skills that will set you up for success in a restaurant or food business. Choosing the right school is essential, as it can have a significant impact on how well you do in the industry once you graduate.
A new culinary award is recasting how to celebrate food professionals. The 50 Next List, from the same team that compiles The World’s Best Restaurant list, recognizes chefs, entrepreneurs, farmers, activists, educators, and others for their work in creating a better world through food. The list also highlights rising stars. Unlike many longstanding culinary awards, everyone is considered a winner on the 50 Next List.
When it comes to culinary education, the best programs are not necessarily the most expensive. Instead, the best culinary schools are those that have a strong reputation and will open up employment opportunities after graduation. A good school will teach students how to prepare and cook a wide range of dishes, but it will also teach them how to run a restaurant.
The most prestigious culinary school is the Culinary Institute of America in New York City. The school offers several degree options, from a two-year associate’s to a four-year bachelor’s. The school is also recognized for offering an externship program, which allows students to gain real-world experience in the field of culinary arts.
Another prestigious culinary school is Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska. This school offers a variety of culinary programs, including the Auguste Escoffier School, which trains future chefs in techniques created by the “King of Chefs.” The school also has low tuition prices, making it one of the best culinary schools for those on a budget.
Food & Wine helped launch the modern foodie movement and is still a great source for worldwide regional cuisines, star chefs, and reliable recipes. The magazine is owned by William Reed Media, which also owns The Spruce Eats, and focuses on restaurants, recipes, food trends, travel, and wine.
Last year’s James Beard awards, which were the first held since the rise of the #MeToo movement, showed signs that the restaurant industry was shifting away from its white male dominance. However, it’s unclear whether those changes will continue into the future.