Top Culinary Schools - Le Cordon Bleu Schools

Heard of Le Cordon Bleu? Who hasn't! No how about Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America? Maybe not so familiar but they are one of the premier culinary school specialists out there. Le Cordon Bleu Schools of North America programs are a slightly different version of the world-famous Le Cordon Bleu in France. As of 4th of July 2009, there are fifteen campuses located across the United States in 12 different states. Most are in close proximity to the nation’s largest metro areas, including San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, and Dallas.

So what is it that makes Le Cordon Bleu so special? Well French cuisine is one of the most revered in the world and Le Cordon Bleu combines classical French techniques with innovative American technology. A match made in culinary heaven. The curriculum offered strictly follows the French style of cooking which of course will equip its students with the skills required to have a successful culinary career. Students are frequently encouraged to take the skills they have learned and create new exciting and innovative recipes. They also spend a great deal of time on the students personal needs as well as professional and educational.

The types of study offered are also exceptional. Students can choose to follow one of the paths listed below.

* The Culinary Arts program is designed for students who would like to pursue a professional chef career. Classic French cuisine and traditional American techniques are taught. The emphasis is very much on being hands on and working in simulated kitches with faculty chefs, and guest chefs and your final few months of the program are spent sharpening your skills in an externship in a professional restaurant kitchen. The course includes:

• Basic Cookery
• Culinary Arts Concepts – Baking and Pastry
• Nutrition
• Hospitality Supervision– International Cuisine
• Food and Beverage Cost Control

* Patisserie and Baking program trains those wishing to be pastry chefs and bakers. Topics such as baking, including how to execute and handle cakes, breads, chocolate and sugar. Modern professional baking equipement is on hand for you to use. Finally you perfect your skills in advanced baking and pastry applications. This course includes:

• Introduction to Pâtisserie and Baking...
• Introduction to Cake Formulas and Assembly Techniques
• Advanced Pâtisserie and Baking Techniques

* Hospitality and Restaurant Management programs train students in a wide range of skills necessary to successfully run a restaurant or hotel in the demanding hospitality industry. These programs are usually Associates or Bachelors degrees due to the length of the course. This course includes:

• Hospitality Marketing
• Professional Communication
• Le Cordon Bleu Cuisine
• Hospitality and Restaurant Operations
  

* Culinary Management is offered in some campuses and teaches top-level food preparation and culinary skills, but this is combined with training ineconomics and finance, cost control and culinary management methods that put you on the track to successfully supervising a range of food service businesses.

Curriculum's may vary slightly from campus to campus so ensure you check this before signing up. Some Le Cordon Bleu campuses are standalone programs while others have become an add-on to an already well-established culinary school, such as the California School of Culinary Arts.

As you can see, Le Coron Bleu is one of top culinary schools on offer.