Scottsdale Culinary Institute

Located in Scottsdale, Arizona and only minutes from the city’s bustling metropolis, Scottsdale Culinary Institute maintains two campuses in the area. Camelback campus, housed in a former country club, is the main campus and overlooks beautiful Camelback Mountain. Camelback campus houses administrative offices, the library and resource center, classrooms, and kitchens. The SkyBridge campus, found in popular Old Town Scottsdale, houses the remainder of the administrative offices, and its own set of classrooms and kitchens. Scottsdale Culinary Institute also hosts two popular student run restaurants, L’Academie and award winning L’Ecole, where it is recommended that reservations be made at least a month in advance.

Why is Scottsdale any different than the average culinary school?

The name “Le Cordon Bleu” has a long and distinguished history that few can rival. The term was first used in 1578 where it quickly became synonymous with nobility and sumptuous cuisine. Members of L’Ordre des Chavaliers du Saint Esprit (The Order of the Holy Spirit), held the nickname, “Le Cordon Bleus”. The delectable banquets hosted by and for this order were the first association of the term with the fine cuisine that France is noted for today. A legend of its time, the term is now fittingly used to depict today’s premier culinary institution.

The Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute was first established in Paris, France in 1895. During that time a series of popular culinary writings, “La Cuisiniere Cordon Bleu”, written by journalist Marthe Distel established the guidelines still held by today’s Le Cordon Bleu. The original Le Cordon Bleu quickly gained prestige when the first cooking class was held on January 14, 1896 in La Palais Royale (the Royal Palace).

The standards which guided Le Cordon Bleu so long ago still drive both the Paris institute and its North American affiliates, one of which is Scottsdale Culinary Institute. As a result the graduates from Scottsdale Culinary Institute receive not only a degree or certificate from Scottsdale Culinary Institute but also the much coveted Le Cordon Bleu diploma, establishing them internationally as esteemed Le Cordon Bleu chefs.

With hands-on training which has been finely tuned over the past twenty years, an instructional staff made up of top quality chefs from the field, quality ingredients, and innovative techniques incorporating the old and the new, Scottsdale’s programs prepare graduates for a memorable career in the culinary field. Furthermore, for the concerned student, Scottsdale Culinary Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC), Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS), and by the Higher Learning Commissions North Central Association. The American Culinary Federation Accrediting Commission has also given program specific accreditation to both the Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts program and the Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking program.

What can I expect to accomplish at Scottsdale Culinary Institute?

With traditional day classes and an assortment of weekend classes Scottsdale can help you achieve your culinary dreams amidst the hustle and bustle of your hectic life. With a small student population, averaging around 1200, your instructor’s attention will not be divided by a class of a hundred plus. Instead you have smaller, more intimate, hands-on learning environments in which your culinary talents can truly blossom. Within this learning structure is a wealth of information leading to the completion of a Culinary Arts, Patisserie and Baking, or Hospitality and Restaurant Management program.

Culinary Arts Program

The culinary arts program is designed to meet the training needs of those wishing to turn their cooking passion into five-star hospitality. Students can look forward to completing one of the following:

• Bachelor of Arts in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Management
• Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts
• Certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts

During this hands-on training program you can expect to expand your knowledge on:

• Classical cooking methods
• Culinary Skills and Techniques
• American Regional cuisine
• International cuisine
• Food science
• Baking concepts
• Pastry concepts

Patisserie and Baking Program

This intensive program is perfectly suited to the student wishing to expand your knowledge of pastry and baking into a finely honed art. As a student in this program you can expect, upon completion, to earn one of the following:

• Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking
• Certificate in Le Cordon Bleu Patisserie and Baking

With exposure to the finest instructors you will learn firsthand the intricacies of:

• Artisan Bread production
  
• Chocolate/Sugar Arts Design and Creation
  
• Classic European Pastry production
  
• Fine patisserie

Hospitality and Restaurant Management Program

The management program will prepare you to serve in the hospitality industry with proficiency in the most up to date management approaches, the skills of a wine connoisseur, and a working knowledge of all aspects of managing both the professional kitchen and dining room. Upon graduation you will have completed one of the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management
  
• Associate of Occupational Studies in Le Cordon Bleu Hospitality and Restaurant Management

No less intensive then the other programs, the hospitality and restaurant management program will give you the skills you need through a series of focused classes addressing topics such as:

• Theoretical and Practical Management approaches
  
• Wine studies
  
• Hospitality business law
  
• Food and beverage management
  
• Dining room management
  
• Kitchen management
  
• Restaurant management

Online Program

For those of you who don’t have the time or circumstances to continue on with your degree in the traditional manner, once you’ve completed your degree from any of these three programs you can continue your studies online to receive the Bachelor of Arts in Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Management. This specialized program addresses topics such as:

• Facilities and event management
  
• Financial management
  
• Cost control
  
• Marketing
  
• Research and writing
  
• Small business development
  
• Organizational psychology