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A Bounty of Culinary Arts Schools in the Garden State

by Sonja Albrecht
sonja.albrecht@culinaryartsschoolreview.com
Culinary Arts School Review Columnist

For many, the biggest draw for culinary arts schools in New Jersey is proximity to New York City. No doubt, your chef education experience will be shaped by the epicurean mecca next door. Once you’re here, you’ll discover all that New Jersey has to offer. From authentic Italian fare to classic diners, juicy Jersey tomatoes to fresh seafood, New Jersey proves itself a worthy home for its top-notch culinary arts schools.

A chef education in New Jersey extends well beyond the classroom. New Jersey is a state of gastronomes. In the summer, you’ll find yourself enjoying New Jersey food at barbecue championships, peach and blueberry festivals, and clam fests. August brings out the coveted Jersey tomato, ripe and freshly picked.

Culinary arts schools draw inspiration from the fresh foods of New Jersey’s surf and turf. Your chef education might include hand-picking choice crabs and lobsters right off the boat. Turfside, you’ll find fresh mozzarella factories, buffalo farms, and cider mills. Rural enclaves, such as the northwest Skylands, offer blueberries, figs, and peaches. Vineyards produce award-winning wines, and wine-tasting is a common pastime. Amid this bounty, quaint country inns preserve classic regional recipes and one-of-a-kind creations.

When you’re not busy in culinary arts school, explore New Jersey’s recreation and nightlife. Summer features a lively boardwalk and beach scene. Atlantic City is the state’s seaside entertainment center, with casinos, shows, golf—and great dining. Horseback riding, kayaking, and hiking are popular outdoor activities.

With diners, homey Italian restaurants, local farms, and upscale restaurants, the Garden State is a foodie’s paradise—the perfect setting for your chef education.

Sources

Peter Genovese, Food Lovers’ Guide to New Jersey. (Globe Pequot, 2005) State of New Jersey

About the Author

Sonja Albrecht works as a writer and editor for an online media company. She has also taught college writing and completed a Ph.D. in English.

Posted on October 2, 2006 at 02:25 PM