When it comes to culinary awards, many diners are interested in which restaurants the world’s best chefs think are the cream of the crop. While taste can be subjective, the S. Pellegrino list does its best to provide a broad and objective overview of some of the most respected dining spots around the globe.
But if you’re interested in becoming the next chef who earns a prestigious award, you’ll want to know where to go to get your training. Luckily, there are a number of excellent culinary schools out there that offer programs that will help you achieve your dream. The best culinary schools are ones that will provide you with the most hands-on training possible, with on campus student-run eateries that give you a taste of real life and expert instruction.
For example, at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA), students can experience working in a French-style restaurant, an American classic or a Mexican restaurant. They’ll also be able to experiment with the many different cooking techniques that are available. Similarly, the Metropolitan Community College in Omaha offers its students a chance to learn cooking and management skills in a wide range of cuisines and styles.
Regardless of which school you choose, there is one thing that all of these top culinary schools have in common: they are all accredited. This means that they have been evaluated by an independent group and are recognized as being high-quality programs. So, if you’re thinking about taking the plunge and starting your culinary career, make sure to research each program carefully to determine whether it is right for you.
While there are many benefits to attending a top culinary school, not everyone is willing to put in the years of hard work and financial investment required to become a successful chef. And if you don’t have the resources to attend a top culinary school, you may be wondering whether it’s worth it to even try.
There are a few things to keep in mind before you decide whether or not culinary school is the best way to pursue your dreams of becoming a chef. First of all, you’ll have to be ready for the fact that you’ll likely have to work in a restaurant for 10 to 15 years before you can open your own restaurant. Secondly, you’ll have to be prepared for the reality that it’s not uncommon for restaurant employees to struggle with stress, depression and substance abuse.
Despite the recent surge in awareness of sexual misconduct in the restaurant industry, it’s still a male-dominated field. But last year, in the first James Beard awards season after the rise of #MeToo, voters started to break with that tradition, giving awards to more women and people of color. For instance, a Southeast Portland restaurant called Kann won the award for best new restaurant, and a San Francisco chef won the top national prize. And Michelin shows signs of finally acknowledging the broader scope of the industry by giving its top star to female-led restaurants, such as Atelier Crenn in San Francisco and Eleven Madison Park in New York.