Go to Cooking School in the Bayou State

Maybe the biggest names in Food associated with Louisiana are Chefs Emeril Lagasse and Paul Prudhomme. Between the two of them they have made famous the flavors of Cajun and Creole if not the native dishes. Both – corporations in their own right – have developed commercial seasonings indicative of the traditional spices added to various regional dishes.

An Education in the Louisiana Culinary Scene

Lagasse and Prudhomme have only shed light on what has been one of the most unique culinary scenes in the country-they have not invented it. You could master real Louisiana cooking as well. And if you don’t immerse yourself in the local food while you learn your craft in an area cooking school, then you are missing the best part of a real chef’s education. Dip yourself regularly in the area fare, both haute cuisine and down-home. Taste the best dishes from the most talked about chefs in Louisiana, and become familiar with the native and seasonal ingredients and the nuances of flavor.

Local food and wine festivals are plentiful in the state and offer yet another prime opportunity to augment your classroom culinary studies with local color and culture:

• Louisiana Watermelon Festival
• World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cook-off
• New Orleans Wine and Food Experience
• Mudbug Madness

Festival themes emphasize crawfish, hot sauce, and jambalaya—traditional Louisiana foods and ingredients. Food competitions often feature guest celeb chefs and judges, and are accompanied by amazing music.

Getting a Chef’s Job in Louisiana

Much of Louisiana is a top tourist destination and for that reason the food service and hospitality industries thrive. If you are motivated, passionate about cooking and ambitious you will have no problem landing a job out of school. However, some cooking schools focus more on job than others. Make sure the school you choose offers the following to help you in your initial career launch:

• Local and regional internships, externships and/or apprenticeships with good restaurants and hotels
• On-site student-run restaurant that caters to a busy public audience
• Professional chef/instructors with industry connections
• Career assistance
• Job placement

Also, don’t overlook the value in joining a professional organization or association, such as the local chapter of the American Culinary Federation. Many offer student memberships and scholarships. You’ll also have opportunities to network with other industry pros, gain access to valuable job boards, and attend educational events and conferences.

Louisiana Cooking Schools

The Culinary Institute of New Orleans is one of the top specialty schools in the state. Courses are designed for both student/chefs as well as serious, but amateur enthusiasts. Students may choose from a Culinary Arts Certificate or Diploma program.

John Folse Culinary Institute

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

Bossier Parish Community College - Bossier City
Delgado Community College - New Orleans
Grambling State University – Grambling
Louisiana State University – Baton Rouge
Louisiana Technical College – Cottonport-Lafayette-Lake Charles-Metairie-Minden-New Orleans-New Roads-Plaquemine-Ruston-Shreveport-Slidell-West Monroe
Northwestern State University of Louisiana – Natchitoches
Southern University - Shreveport
University of Louisiana - Lafayette
University of New Orleans - New Orleans