Study Cooking at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute

School History

The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute (PCI) was founded in 1986 as a branch of the Sawyer School. Culinary and cooking schools have gained greater attention and popularity with the "Iron Chef" television series and movies such as "Julie and Julia." PCI is now a member of the Career Education Corporation, which has connected to the worldwide network of prestigious "Le Cordon Bleu" cooking schools.

In 1896, the first Le Cordon Bleu cooking demonstration took place in Paris. This French School of Cooking specializes in pastry creation, following the French philosophy of "L'Art de Vivre," which translates to "The Art of Living Well." Le Cordon Bleu is a recognized worldwide leader in gastronomy with schools in Paris, London and Tokyo, to name a few.

Learn from the best who have accumulated a wealth of culinary experience. This vibrant culinary network, Le Cordon Bleu, has provided the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute with master chefs, great techniques and numerous resources to prepare the cooking student for the vibrant culinary field.

Why Choose a Culinary Career?

People always need to eat. Imagine being paid to provide the most basic sustenance of food and beverages in an interesting, entertaining and creative fashion. Be rewarded by the smiles of enjoyment when your customers consume your latest creation and by great compensation. The best chefs get paid to entertain.

The Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that since chefs, cooks and food preparation workers are an important element of the hospitality and restaurant industry, they will experience a continued increase in employment opportunities.

The hospitality industry always had a need for great chefs. Hotels, casinos and amusement venues offer great meals for their patrons. The culinary field offers a dynamic, rewarding, fulfilling career with great potential. Open your own restaurant if you are talented enough.

What will you learn at the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute?

With its linkage with Le Cordon Bleu schools, the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute has a great network for teaching the well-known French expertise in culinary arts. Some French people reach the ripe age of 120 years old due to the quality of their cuisine. Learn the secrets of the French cooking style.

Learn how to express your culinary talents, within accepted cooking norms, for preparing meals that satisfy different palates and tastes. French culinary refinement, sophistication and artistry is appreciated around the world. PCI attempts to draws upon the centuries of French cooking traditions to create modern meals using industry-related technologies.

Why choose the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute?

• Great facilities
  
• Hands-on training
  
• Professional chef instruction
  
• Externship available
  
• Flexible schedule

"Le Cordon Bleu" Facilities

Prepare enticing meals in a wide variety of kitchen style settings: American and European. Learn how to use stock, soup, meat, poultry, pastry, dessert, chocolate and candy inventory to create delicious dishes.

Hands-on Learning

Learn both the theoretical concepts of culinary preparation and practical applications with hands-on learning. PCI's working restaurant provides a hands-on experience, where students can test their talents in dining and kitchen management. Cooking competitions also challenge the students to prove their culinary skills.

The Best Chefs in the World are Instructors

The world's most accomplished chefs, mixologists and business management professionals will share their business savvy and expertise in preparing great meals. Prepare meals next to the proven experts in culinary excellence.

Programs of study include the following:

Associate of Specialized Technology degree (three programs at different lengths of time):

Culinary Arts

Students learn food chemistry, sanitation, nutrition, kitchen management, purchasing and inventory control. Students will gain a foundation of classical French cooking methods for baking and pastry.

Hospitality and Restaurant Management

Learn basic culinary skills and how to manage both the front (dining room) and back (kitchen) ends of the operation. Students will also be learn professional communication skills for the culinary world.

Patisserie & Baking

Instructors will teach classical French patisserie (pastry) baking techniques using modern American technology. Students will study nutrition, sanitation, purchasing and inventory control. Learn how to create doughs, cookies, syrups, creams, icings and desserts.

Diploma / Certificate Programs

Culinary Techniques

Students learn European techniques for baking and pastry, including the responsibilities of the "garde manager" pastry supervisor. Basic standards for buffet and plate presentation, food identification, sanitation and food composition will also be taught.

Online Training Options

More advanced students, who have already completed an Associate degree in Culinary Arts, Pastry Arts or Hospitality and Restaurant Management from an accredited school can gain a Bachelor of Arts in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Management through the online program. This option offers great flexibility in learning while working. This program covers a wide range of topics including facilities and event management, financial management, cost control, marketing, research, writing, small business development and organizational psychology.

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute Contact Information

PCI is located at:

Pennsylvania Culinary Institute
717 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222

Its Web site is found at:

"www.chefs.edu/pittsburgh/"

The class size is estimated at around 28 students to 1 instructor. There are about 1,000 students enrolled at the institute.

How do I enroll at PCI?

The enrollment process is based on an interview where instructors will see if you have the drive and passion to succeed in this demanding field. If you pass the interview, there is a written application. An online application is also an option.

Housing is close to the campus with many forms of convenient transportation available. Financial aid is also available.

PCI is proud of its high rate of job placement of graduates within six months of graduation.

The Pennsylvania Culinary Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology and American Culinary Federation.

Discover the rewarding, fulfilling professional career of culinary professionals where you can both satisfy the basic need of your customers to eat with a creative flair to make the dining experience truly memorable. Turn yourself into a top-notch culinary professional with a first-rate education from the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute "Le Cordon Bleu".