Your Independent Guide to Culinary Arts and Career Chef Schools in the United States

There is more involved in food preparation than a mere necessity for survival, and it shows that our society respects those that master the culinary arts. Read more »

State-of-the Art Chef Education in Lancaster, PA's Amish Country

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

Lancaster, PA is Amish country, and prides itself on its Pennsylvania Dutch roots. Your chef education will be shaped by the wholesome values and foods from the Land Time Forgot.

The Amish, who live a simple farming life without electricity or motorized vehicles, draw countless visitors to the region each year. People come to enjoy the rolling hills, let go of stress, and soak up some of Pennsylvania’s rich cultural heritage. And they also come to experience wholesome country cooking. A typical Amish meal might include baked country ham, mashed potatoes, chow chow, sauerkraut, and Shoo Fly pie.

Of course, you’ll be preparing cosmopolitan fare using your chef college’s state-of-the-art equipment. Lancaster, PA’s chef education is as sophisticated as any chef college in the city. Nonetheless, the Amish pace of life and appreciation for simple, healthy foods pervades this small town, and it might change the way you see gourmet cooking as well.

Lancaster, PA, established in 1730, is one of the largest historic areas in the country. One of its historical features will be of particular interest to chef college students: the oldest continuously operating farmer’s market.

Lancaster, PA’s commitment to historical preservation makes it a rich environment for a chef education. History is not just an artifact on display at a museum—it’s integrated into every aspect of life. Lancaster City offers contemporary upscale dining, but chefs regularly slip whoopie pie, schnitz und knepp, and chow chow into the menu. Downtown you’ll find nightclubs alongside glass-blowing studios.

Many chef colleges follow a standard contemporary curriculum; this isn’t Lancaster, PA’s style. Your chef education may be state-of-the-art, but don’t expect to leave the past behind.

Source

PADutchCountry.com

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 November 24, 2006 at 04:03 PM