March 13, 2006
by Sarah Christensen
Local Education Columnist
Not everybody has what it takes to be on "Iron Chef", but a solid culinary arts education in New York could get those gastronomic muscles bulging.
Realize your dream of becoming a chef, caterer, or restaurant manager in just nine months. The Culinary Academy of Long Island can help make it happen
It takes a lot to be a chef, as any contestant on "Iron Chef" knows. Pressure can be extreme, and it's no career for people who get hot under the collar--you've got to be as cool as a cucumber.
To get to the top, you'll need to put the work in. A culinary arts progam in New York can give you an excellent foundation for a career that will last, if you have the skill and determination.
After all, we've all gotta eat, right? Fast food is becoming quite unfashionable now as people begin to question the pedigree of what they eat, and the popularity of more sophisticated cuisine is increasing, making this a great time to become a chef.
What Does Culinary Arts Vocational Training Involve?
There are lots of different specialties, and you'll have plenty of time to decide exactly which direction you want to go in. You'll likely start with basic cooking techniques. Once you have mastered the basics such as food hygiene, you can go on to more complex things like patisserie, or sauces.
Remember, if you want to make it to be a top chef, you'll need to be able to take that legendary "heat in the kitchen." This type of vocational training is a long-term project--becoming a chef takes more than a few weeks of culinary arts school.
New York: The Big Apple
Where better to study than the great big melting pot of New York City. The 24/7 hustle and bustle of this metropolis will put you in good stead for the hectic lifestyle of working in the kitchen. One of the most fascinating things about New York is the fusion of so many different cultures and food styles: from Japanese to Thai, Caribbean to French, New York is a great place to experience it all.
And outside the kitchen, there's plenty to keep you occupied during your free time like visiting the Statue of Liberty, Lincoln Center, and Metropolitan Museum of Art, along with enjoying the culinary delights of Chinatown and Little Italy.
About the Author
Sarah Christensen is the Managing Director of an Internet based footwear company. She has worked for various international corporations including 3M. After many years of corporate sales and marketing, she devoted her time to business development specializing in small start-ups and e-commerce. Sarah graduated from King's College, University of London with a degree in Chemistry and Business Studies.
|
