Culinary Schools – Baking & Pastry Schools
Hospitality & Restaurant Management Schools in New York City
A truly unique city, New York is often referred to as the "Big Apple."
A cultural and educational mecca in the United States, New York City is also home to the Statue of Liberty, Broadway, and numerous other landmarks (including the Empire State Building).
If you've dreamed of a culinary career in a big city that is chock full of action, New York City might be the perfect location for you. With numerous top culinary arts schools, New York is a great place to live and go to school.
Read, Read and Read Some More
One of the best suggestions I have for anyone thinking of going to culinary school or just getting into the restaurant industry is to read everything you can get your hands on. Learn from professional chefs who have worked in the industry and those who have taught in culinary schools.There are many great books available to get you started in your culinary education and I suggest you read as much as possible before making that big decision to make sure this is the right move for you. Below is just a sample of books you might be interested in checking out.
For a much more comprehensive list of books for aspiring culinary, baking and restaurant management students, I suggest checking out my post on books for future culinary students and chefs.
The International Culinary Center
The International Culinary Center, formally known as the French Culinary Institute is located in the heart of SoHo give students access to a vast number of opportunities in the culinary field. Founded in 1984 by Dorothy Cann Hamilton as The French Culinary Institute in an effort to blend classic French cooking and American “inventiveness.”
New York City Campus – 462 Broadway – New York, NY 10013-2618
The Institute of Culinary Education
The Institute of Culinary Education is considered both the oldest and the largest culinary school in New York City. It was founded in 1975 under the name Peter Kump’s New York Cooking School. The Institute of Culinary Education prides itself on teaching taste and improvisation.
New York City City Campus – 225 Liberty St, New York, NY 10281
Natural Gourmet Institute
Natural Gourmet Institute’s Chef’s Training Program consists of over 600 hours of rigorous, life-changing culinary education. Licensed by the New York State Department of Education, they are also the first culinary school dedicated to healthful cooking to be accredited nationally. Offered both as a full-time and part-time program, CTP is where you will learn essential cooking techniques, methods for sourcing ingredients, culinary business principles, and the art of healthful cooking.
New York City Campus - 48 W 21 Street, 2nd Floor, NYC 10010
The Culinary Tech Center
The Culinary Tech Center is dedicated to offering programs that provide students with practical skills to enter the work force through theory and practice. The programs focus on experiential learning in a real-world culinary and service environment, which is the core of practical learning. Experiential learning is further enhanced through an externship, which enables students to apply what they have learned in a fast-paced, realistic setting.
New York City Campus - 460 West 34th street, located on 10th avenue between 33rd and 34th streets just 2 blocks from Penn Station
TOP NEW YORK COOKING SCHOOLS FOR THE HOME COOK
Natural Gourmet Institute
Natural Gourmet Institute’s recreational programs include:
Lectures, labs which are hands-on classes which combine instruction with active student participation, workshops, accelerators which are multi-day workshops focused on techniques and skills and certificates which are advanced or specialized workshops, typically lasting one to two weeks.
New York City Campus - 48 W 21 Street, 2nd Floor, NYC 10010
De Gustibus Cooking School - Macy's
It is our goal that you are entertained—with friends, or on your own—and that you learn and experience what we consider to be a unique culinary performance at each event. De Gustibus also offers hands-on cooking classes, some on location and some in our cooking school. We can arrange private and corporate events in our Herald Square venue that can accommodate up to 60 people.
New York City Location - Macy's Herald Square, 8th Floor - 151 West 34th Street New York, NY 10001
Home Cooking New York
Home Cooking New York (HCNY) was founded in May 2002, shortly after founder Jennifer Clair was downsized from her Food Editor position at Martha Stewart Living. HCNY’s offer both private classes in your home and public classes at our Grand Street kitchen. Our classes range from the basic cooking techniques (Culinary Boot Camp for Everyone, Six Basic Cooking Techniques, Quick & Delicious Dinners, How to Cook Fish) to cuisine-focused favorites (Indian, Thai, Korean, French Bistro, Middle Eastern, Northern Italian).
New York City Campus - 158 Grand Street, Studio #206 (at Lafayette), New York City
Going to Culinary School in New York City
Home to a large number of immigrants, it's no surprise that New York is known for its diverse culinary traditions. In addition to having over 4,000 mobile food vendors positioned around the city, New York is home to Greek, Moroccan, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, English, German, Russian, Spanish and French cuisines.
While dishes such as New York-style pizza and cheesecake might be the most popular, the city is also famous for its bagels, and world-renowned haute cuisine.
The People of New York
Home to over 8 million residents, New York is the most populous city in the United States. Likewise, the city is also home to the largest number of Jewish residents, more than any other city in the world. While New Yorkers are often known for being obnoxious and rude, most residents are friendly, contrary to the popular stereotype.
While there is a wide disparity in income levels between residents of New York (the wealthy earn an average of $200,000/year, while the poor average around $10,000/year), culinary arts students will be able to pursue employment in a number of high-end culinary establishments.
Sports and Education in New York City
Home to the New York Rangers (NHL), New York Mets (MLB), New York Yankees (MLB), New York Jets (NFL), New York Giants (NFL), and the New York Nets (NHL), it's no exaggeration to say that sporting events are a pretty big deal in New York City. The city is also home to the New York Marathon, a major attraction that is run every year.
Home to the largest public school system in the United States, New York City is also home to an elite network of private schools, in addition to numerous secondary education and college facilities. The Julliard School, Columbia University, NYU, and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine are just a few of the educational facilities located within the city.
Sights and Activities in the Big Apple
Often called “The City That Never Sleeps,” New York boasts 24-hour action in a variety of venues. Even the subways run nearly all the time. With no shortage of activities, residents and visitors alike enjoy nightly theater and Broadway performances, views of the New York skyline, or touring the harbor.
Central Park is also a huge draw, as it is home to a zoo, hiking trails, and numerous other activities. With other parks located throughout New York, and a wide variety of restaurants, residents never lack for something to do.
Independent films and new music groups are constantly popping up, and many film students choose New York City as their place of study. With an ever-growing number of talented artists calling New York home, it's no surprise that numerous comedy shows, talk shows, movies, and television shows are made in the city.
