Culinary schools in Maryland have been a big factor in the fantastic food scene of the state. Only a few people are aware of how favorable the economy of the state is for upcoming chefs and culinary professionals. There is a high demand for culinary jobs such as chefs, cooks, caterers, restaurateurs and managers.
In Maryland, local cuisine is what you make it to be. Chefs can cook with any ingredient from seafood to locally grown vegetables. Flavors are unlimited and customers come from all over the world. Therefore, when looking for a school, you need to keep your eye out for one that includes local cuisine. A curriculum that covers local cuisine is not the only element that defines a good school.
- Culinary arts
- Baking and cooking principles
- Nutrition
- Food safety and sanitation
- Kitchen equipment (use and care)
- Hospitality
- Basic restaurant administration, procedures and operations
- Institution management
Note that subjects will differ across learning programs. Certificate and diploma programs tend to focus on providing students with technical skills while associate and bachelor degrees include more theoretical areas of study: cost control, food purchasing and menu planning are some examples. Each qualification has its own goals. It is important to speak to your course administrator to learn about these.
Some of the highly recommended culinary schools in Maryland are:
- Stratford University (BIC foundation)
- Allegheny College of Maryland
- L’Academie de Cuisine
- Wor-Wic Community College
- Howard Community College
- Frederick Community College
- The Anne Arundel Community College
Being a student at top culinary schools is Maryland is one way to kick off your career in the foodservice industry but you should also ensure you put your best foot forward in the local culinary scene as well. Take the opportunity to extend your education by getting involved in festivals like the Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast, the Havre de Grace Seafood festival and the Chesapeake Oyster and Beer Festival. This is where many local and chefs from out of state gather to showcase their latest dishes and chatting to them can result in career opportunities when you complete your studies. The earlier you start networking, the better your chances of landing a job early.
In addition to attending festivals, join associations like the Central Maryland Chefs and Cook Association and the Maryland Restaurant Association. Most of the time, membership is cheaper for students and the benefits include receiving job alerts, learning about new trends in the industry and staying updated with news.
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