Ohio, America's Culinary Crossroadsby Sonja Albrecht Ohio’s culinary scene is all over the map. In other words, it’s distinctly American, a melting pot of flavors. The same menu will feature Pecan-crusted Amish chicken with maple bourbon gravy; Lake Erie Walleye; Jalapeno-marinated swordfish; Hoisin sauce; Mac n’ Cheese. Chef school here is a license to let your imagination run wild. Ohio is a cultural crossroads, centrally located between the Great Midwest, the cosmopolitan east, and the rural south. As you pursue your culinary degree at one of Ohio’s world-class chef schools, you’ll have an opportunity to explore the diversity of the sixth most visited state in the nation. To the North, Ohio borders the Great Lakes. The shores of Lake Erie, Ohio’s wine country, offers fishing, boating, and other recreation. The Southeast offers a whole range of other diversions from your culinary degree: Ohio’s ‘Appalachia’ features the Hocking Hills, site of nine state parks. Hike, canoe, visit antique shops, or, if you’re missing chef school, sample Appalachian dining at the local inns. Northeastern Ohio is home to the largest Amish population in the nation. Orrville, in the heart of Amish country, is known for its fruit jams and jellies; Smucker’s originated here. Nearby Crawford county has a large German community, as you’ll discover if you journey to Bucyrus’ annual Bratwurst festival. Much of Ohio remains rural; agriculture is the state’s major industry, contributing $79 billion per year. Most of this revenue comes from corn and soybeans, but your chef school will also have access to a range of locally-grown fruits and vegetables. Ohio’s central location makes it an ideal setting to pursue a culinary degree. Chef school here will expose you to the cultural diversity that defines America—and American cuisine. SourcesDiscoverOhio.com About the AuthorSonja 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 24, 2006 at 12:43 PM
|
||
