CookingSchool

The kitchen is the real star of any culinary career or training program. A chef is no one without it. Top schools will have the best kitchens with the best equipment. Some will differentiate with labs for baking, butchering and wine making. An extension of the kitchen should be a student-run restaurant or bakery. Top schools will have fully functional operations that are open to the public and that offer students training opportunities in the front and back of the house. If there is no restaurant, look for other events that are open to the public, such as cooking demonstrations or gourmet-dinner nights. The best schools will emphasize training by providing these opportunities and requiring a high number of cooking hours. Training may also be offered in the form of internships or apprenticeships in the community. Many schools will have established partnerships with leading businesses to give students training and experience.