Cooking School and Chef Careers in Colorado

Looking for a cooking school program in Colorado? Search among professional culinary arts schools that do nothing but train you to be a pro cook. Or check out what the state community and technical colleges offer. Popular cities in Colorado include Denver, Boulder, Aspen and Colorado Springs.

The culinary scene in Colorado is overall characterized by all-natural, organic and innovative. In cities like Boulder and Aspen emphasis is on seasonal, locally produced foods and delivery of menus that reflect the personality of place and the bounty of the region. Part of your culinary education should include a personal foray into the local culinary scene: sample notable restaurant fare, familiarize yourself with the best Colorado chefs and their specialty dishes, learn about the seasonal produce and menu ingredients available to you. Then bring your own creativity and culinary vision to the table.

Popular Food Festivals in Colorado

Food festivals are veritable gold mines for student and pro chefs. IN one place you get to sample much of the area’s best restaurants, meet local chefs, participate in cooking competitions, and have the opportunity to rub elbows with guest celebrity chefs. If you go to cooking school in Colorado, check out these popular regional food festivals:

• Boulder Food and Wine Festival
• Food and Wine Classic in Aspen
• A Taste of Colorado

Colorado Chef Associations and Professional Organizations

The value of membership in a local industry association cannot be over-emphasized. Here are some of the organizations available to you in Colorado:

• Colorado Chef’s Association
• American Culinary Federation Colorado Chef’s Association
• Colorado Restaurant Association

Use student memberships to access scholarships, discounted annual conferences and educational seminars and to forge valuable professional connections that can help you get started in a chef career.

Compete for a Chef’s Job in Colorado

Colorado is a destination for many and home to many more. Good news is that the state’s demand for culinary pros remains high. Think outside the box when it comes time to job search and keep in mind all of the following possibilities:

• Restaurant Chef/Cook
• Kitchen help/line cook
• Caterer
• Personal chef
• Hotel, resort, spa chef/cook
• Corporate, banquet chef/cook
• Institutional cook
• Test kitchen chef/cook
• Ski resort chef/cook

Cooking and Culinary Schools in Colorado

International Culinary Schools at the Art Institutes of Colorado – Denver is one of the hottest culinary arts campuses in the U.S. Denver itself offers access to some of the best ski resorts in the country, as well as hiking and other outdoor activities. Programs of study include: Bachelors Culinary Management, Associates Baking and Pastry, Associates Culinary Arts, Diploma Baking and Pastry, Diploma Art of Cooking.

Johnson and Wales University – Denver is a world-class liberal arts culinary program with a stellar alumni, including celeb chef Emeril Lagasse. Denver is one of four strategically placed campus locations. Study under the guidance of some of the best faculty in degrees such as: Associates Baking and Pastry Arts, Associates Culinary Arts, Bachelors Culinary Arts/Food Service Management, Bachelors Culinary Nutrition.

Culinary School of the Rockies – Boulder is planted in one of the most popular small cities in Colorado. Study culinary arts among the striking craggy peaks of the Rockies. In your off time enjoy rigorous outdoor activities like climbing, biking and kayaking. Check out the collection of fine dining options in downtown and learn what the best local chefs have to dish up. Programs are designed for both professionals and serious cooking enthusiasts. This is deeply immersive and customized culinary training: Chefs Track, Culinary Arts, Baking and Pastry programs. Learn from faculty and guest chefs.

Cook Street School of Fine Cooking – Denver is a small, intensive culinary arts school specifically designed to train budding chefs and professionals. Study in small groups under the scrutiny and guidance of top chefs in what school officials believe is one of the more unique educational training experiences available to chefs and cooks. Accelerated, 5-month program in Professional Culinary Arts.

Colorado State Colleges, Community and Technical Colleges Offering Culinary, Restaurant Management, and/or Hospitality Degrees

Arapahoe Community College – Littleton
Colorado Mountain College – Glenwood Springs
Colorado State University - Ft Collins
Front Range Community College – Westminster
Mesa State College - Grand Junction
Metropolitan State College of Denver – Denver
Pueblo Community College – Pueblo
University of Denver – Denver
University of Northern Colorado - Greeley