Culinary Program

Find culinary inspiration and helpful career information on topics such as cooking with chocolate, French and Greek cuisine, the life of a Chef, and what to expect in culinary school.

Does your sweet tooth lead you straight to your oven? Read how to avoid the pitfalls of cheese cake, bake creative cookies, use fresh fruits in baking, and more.

Catering and Restaurant Management

If you've ever prepared a Thanksgiving dinner, you know that cooking for a group takes planning and skill. Learn more about the art of catering and restaurant management, including specialized catering such as chocolates or high tea and how to prepare for a restaurant career.

Culinary Schools in the United States

With culinary schools in all 50 states and additional culinary education available online, you don't need to relocate unless you want to. Each state has its own special mixture of culture, cuisine, and locally grown agriculture that inspires the chefs and students who work and live there. If you're passionate about Maine lobster dishes, California cuisine, or any dish or state in between, you'll find a culinary school that is where you are or where you'd like to be.

Home | Culinary | Culinary Schools in the United States | Illinois Culinary Gems Begin in Chicago and Extend Throughout the State

Illinois Culinary Gems Begin in Chicago and Extend Throughout the State

Illinois cuisine results from the historical mix of Native American food, European settlers' practices, and the Industrial Revolution. Chicago became the meat capital of America, and steaks today are still served with the corn, pumpkins and beans that native tribes cultivated.

Working in such a unique culinary environment can be a challenge. Thankfully, Illinois has numerous culinary arts institutes that offer career training to get you started in a growing industry.

Culinary Arts Scene in Illinois

If you are looking for a thriving metropolis, then Chicago itself has plenty to offer. As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago rivals New York with its museums, tourist attractions and, of course, fine restaurants. This makes Chicago a natural place to learn hotel or restaurant management. The diverse neighborhoods and ethnic blends that flood Chicago also mean that you can study the cuisine of your choice in cooking classes or at one of the city's culinary arts schools.

While most people may instantly think of Chicago as the top place to become a chef in Illinois, other metropolitan areas such as Decatur and Peoria offer culinary career training opportunities. Combined with a cost of living 30 percent lower than the nation's average, Decatur offers chefs and head cooks an excellent environment in which to build their careers.

Why Get Your Career Training in Illinois?

An important part of your culinary training comes from an internship or apprenticeship at a restaurant affiliated with your school. The sheer number of quality restaurants and talented chefs in Illinois may increase the number of opportunities available to you. And since these apprenticeships can last years, it's smart to pick an exciting location where you can enjoy spending your time.