Top Portland Culinary School - Western Culinary Institute
If you ever thought about going to cooking school in the Portland Oregon area, you'll want to learn more about the Western Culinary Institute's Le Cordon Bleu Program .
What You Need to Know
Finding the right cooking school that meet your needs is the first step to an incredible new career in the field of Culinary Arts. Yes, a good culinary school is lot's of work and once you graduate the hard work continues. However, becoming a professional chef has its rewards too. Right now there is a huge demand for well trained cooks as America has a new found attraction to "celebrity" chefs.
Below is some basic information about the Western Culinary Institute and its programs. It should help you decide if this is a school to consider. If it does make your list of possible choices, I suggest you click on the "Request School Info" button, fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you to answer all your questions in detail, fill you in on costs and financial aid and explain the next steps to apply.
Western Culinary Institute
921 SW Morrison Street
Portland, OR 97205
Do you have a passion for cooking and a willingness to learn? Get the training you need for a culinary career.
Welcome to the Western Culinary Institute, located in Portland, Oregon. If you're not familiar with our city, you're in for a real treat. Two-thirds of our students come from out of state, and for good reason: Surrounded by rivers, mountains, and lush green hills, Portland is stunningly beautiful, and known for being one of the most livable cities in the United States.
Though it's a mid-sized city, it has a big-city feel. Portlanders enjoy an exciting array of arts and entertainment, including a thriving restaurant scene. In short, Portland is a great place in which to live, go to school, and work.
- As Americans' taste for fine cuisine grew in the '80s, so did the demand for professionally trained chefs. In 1983, two Portland businessmen, Horst Mager (locally famous for his Rheinlander restaurant and yearly Oktoberfest celebration) and Donald Waldbauer, teamed up to establish Western Culinary Institute. WCI quickly gained a reputation for being one of the nation's outstanding private schools.
- The school was originally called the Horst Mager Culinary Institute, and its quality, hands-on curriculum attracted students from all over the United States, as well as many countries around the world. In 1986, the Institute adopted its corporate name, Western Culinary Institute, to better reflect its geographic location and reputation as a nationally recognized culinary institute.
- In 1996, WCI became a part of Career Education Corporation (CEC), a network of career schools known for their quality curricula and their ability to place graduating students in positions within their chosen fields. And more great news for WCI students: In 1999, WCI formed a partnership with world-famous Le Cordon Bleu, meaning that future WCI students can graduate with a coveted Le Cordon Bleu diploma.
Associate of Occupational Studies - Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
Cooking Schools used to be seen as a hobby, but these days it's looked upon as a smart career decision. No wonder--with America's ever-growing love for fine dining, the culinary arts is one of the fastest growing professional fields. In fact, the industry is predicted to have 3 million new positions by 2005 (Newsweek, July 7, 1997). How's that for job security?
With such a bright future ahead for the food service industry, career opportunities are virtually unlimited. Western Culinary Institute has specialized its curriculum for job- and career-oriented students. Students at WCI are interested in training that will prepare them for professional culinary careers and advancement opportunities.
The curriculum is structured to ensure that all diploma graduates receive a diversified education in culinary arts. This progressive, comprehensive training provides students the fundamentals needed to follow their chosen culinary career path.
Associate of Occupational Studies - Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management Degree
- The restaurant industry employs 11 million people, making it the nation's largest employer outside of the government. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the restaurant industry's growth will be 30 per cent over the next two years. Industry professionals and owners indicate that the biggest challenge facing the industry is finding educated, competent, and well-trained management personnel to handle this growth.
- In order to meet the demand for qualified hospitality professionals, Western Culinary Institute has once again partnered with world renowned Le Cordon Bleu of Paris, France to offer this highly esteemed training considered among the best in the world. The 57 week program permits career-minded students to enter the workforce ready for the challenges in this exciting industry.
- The Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management Degree Program prepares graduates aspiring to seek employment at a range of levels in Restaurant Management. Restaurant Management courses will span the gap between the kitchen and the dining room. Students who successfully complete the program will be schooled in all aspects of managing restaurant facilities.
- If you are an ambitious individual and want to develop the tools to be successful in this highly competitive and rewarding industry, then this program is for you. You can be a part of the best when you enter the Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality & Restaurant Management Degree Degree Program at Western Culinary Institute.
Certificate – Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking
- Western Culinary Institute already enjoyed a reputation as an outstanding culinary school when it again partnered with Le Cordon Bleu International to offer the Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie & Baking certificate program. This new program is the “crème de la crème” of pastry and baking education.
- Western Culinary Institute offers an intensive program for those interested in a professional baking career. It will provide graduates the training necessary to master the artistry, elegance, and innovation of Pâtisserie and to excel in this creative, vibrant profession. The program includes hands-on teaching of fundamental baking skills as well as the theoretical knowledge that must underlie competency in the field.
- Cooking Schools The LCB Pâtisserie & Baking Certificate offers a comprehensive sequential course of study in the fundamentals of baking and pastry arts. The Le Cordon Bleu brand represents quality throughout the world. This affiliation has added to the esteem of our respected culinary school, and to the opportunities available to its graduates.
Other Portland Culinary Schools of Interest
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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.
