Interested in starting your culinary career today at the Culinary Institute of Virginia in Norfolk, VA?
If you ever thought about going to cooking school in Virginia, you'll want to learn more about the Culinary Institute of Virginia.
What You Need to Know
The Culinary Institute of Virginia opened in 2006 to “train the chefs of tomorrow” and to meet the desperate need for culinary professionals in the Hampton Roads area. It is utilizing the facility that previously housed Johnson and Wales University’s culinary program.
Below is some basic information about the Culinary Institute of Virginia and its programs, but if you really want to learn more, you should fill out the short questionnaire and someone will contact you to talk about how to apply, time requirements, costs and just about anything else you may need to know.
Culinary Institute of Virginia
2428 Almeda Avenue
Norfolk, VA 23513
The Culinary Institute of virginia?
Johnson & Wales closed its Norfolk and Charleston (SC) campuses in 2004, consolidating its southern campuses at Charlotte, NC. Norfolk’s increasing tourism industry created a demand for culinary professionals in restaurants and hotels at the same time that Johnson & Wales’ departure created a gap in the education of those professionals. Restauranteurs and other employers found it increasingly difficult to find the employees they needed.
ECPI College of Technology stepped up to fill the gap by opening the Culinary Institute of Virginia. They invested $3.5 million in upgrading the Johnson & Wales facility and chose Dorothea Bovani as Director of the new school. Ms. Bovani has extensive experience in culinary education and especially in implementing new culinary programs. ECPI contracted with the New England Culinary Institute, one of the top culinary schools in the country, to develop a European-style, experience-based curriculum.
Programs of Study.
The Culinary Institute offers an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Science. The program can be completed in 72 weeks. It is a standards-based curriculum designed to help you master the foundational skills necessary for a career as a culinary professional.
They utilize a European model that combines classroom and laboratory learning with real-world experience in the community. Classes are kept small so that students get individual attention and mentoring from instructors
ECPI provides career-focused education that is designed for adult learning. Flexible scheduling allows you to work while taking classes. Classes are available on day, evening or weekend schedules, and some are available online. Paid externships are a vital part of the program and allow you to “earn while you learn.”
Some of the things you’ll learn at the Culinary Institute are:
- Culinary techniques
- Fundamental culinary methods
- Front of house, kitchen and storeroom management
- Table and beverage service
- Food theory and culinary science
- Baking and pastry arts
- Classical, regional and international cuisines
- Garde Manger
Accreditation
ECPI is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Faculty and Facility
The Virginia Culinary Institute has a faculty of industry professionals with experience in American Regional and International cuisine. They also work closely with chefs, hoteliers and restauranteurs in the Norfolk area to ensure that graduates have the expertise and training that local employers need.
The newly upgraded facility is equipped with modern, industry-standard kitchens and equipment. Student housing is available.
Financial Aid
The Culinary Institute is full accredited and participates in Federal and State financial aid programs. Students should complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as early as possible. Scholarships are available, especially for Norfolk residents.
Going to School in Norfolk, Virginia
Norfolk is an independent city in Hampton Roads, a harbor on Chesapeake Bay. It’s home to the largest naval base in the world, Norfolk Naval Base and is the regional educational, medical, business, financial and cultural center.
The city is known for historic sites and neighborhoods, for its association with the Navy, and for world-class cultural events. You can visit outstanding art and historical museums or attend professional theater, opera and symphony performances. You can go to the Botanical Gardens or the Zoological Park or visit the Nauticus National Maritime Center. If you prefer sports, you can watch the Norfolk Tides, an International League Baseball team, or the Norfolk Admirals play hockey.
Norfolk has always been a tourist destination, but the tourism industry has grown rapidly in recent years. Cruise ships regularly visit and depart from Norfolk and the cruise terminal is near the revitalized downtown area, which has excellent restaurants and hotels and a growing club and music scene. The increase in tourism has created a demand for skilled, trained culinary arts professionals, like the graduates of the Culinary Institute of Virginia.
If you are interested in any of these great programs at the Culinary Institute of Virginia , please click on the button below, fill out the form and a representative will contact you to answer your questions and send more information about the school including an application.
What Do You Need To Know to Get Into Culinary School?
As the Reluctant Gourmet, I have never been to cooking school, but I keep telling myself it's never too late. The best way for you to learn more about becoming a chef is to visit my new Culinary School Resource Center. Here you will find articles, books, school resources and many other useful resources.
Also, try reading as much as you can about going to cooking school and what it is like to be a professional chef. One book I highly recommend to anyone thinking about culinary school is, The Making of A Chef, by Michael Ruhlman. It will really help you understand what you may be getting yourself into. For a complete list of Books For Cooks.
