Train to Become a Chef in Boulder, Colorado

While many of the most prestigious and well-known culinary institutes around the world are located in bustling cities, not every aspiring culinary professional wants to work or live among skyscrapers. For decades, the city of Boulder has been known as a kind of anti-city that boasts incredible scenery, amazing opportunities for outdoor recreation and an Eco-friendly atmosphere among locals. Boulder cooking schools often put an emphasis on local ingredients, organic produce and sustainable living, which are all things that the local community values. If this sounds like the kind of place where you would like to train in the culinary arts, then learn more about what it is like to live, work and eat in Boulder, Colorado.

Getting Active Outdoors

Boulder is the kind of place where people regularly meet on the weekends for long bike rides and hikes through the mountains. The cool climate and breathtaking scenery is definitely encouraging for those who enjoy outdoor activity, and there is no shortage of places to get active. As you walk through town, you will notice that locals are often decked out in workout gear, and it is common to see groups of runners or bikers finishing their evening rides and runs at a local brewery with friends.

Incredible Dining Diversity

Located in the Rocky Mountains, Boulder is in a unique position within the United States. It is clearly a mountain town, but it also has influences from the Pacific Northwest and Mexico. If you are interested in trying new flavor combinations, indulging in exotic ingredients and tasting authentic cuisines from around the world, then attending one of the many Boundler culinary schools is perfect. In Boulder, hungry diners can enjoy affordable Mexican fare from Efrain’s II, cuisine from Tajikistan at the Boulder Teahouse Restaurant, French specialties from Brasserie 1010 and amazing Japanese dishes from Sushi Zanmai.

Fresh Local Ingredients

While Boulder itself is far from rural, it is located in the middle of undeveloped land. This is perfect for chefs who like to work with fresh ingredients as there are farms on every side of the city. Aspiring chefs who spend their days whipping up dishes in one of the many Colorado culinary arts schools will love having access to regional and seasonal produce as well as wild and farm-raised meat like buffalo, elk and beef.

Easy to Get Around the City

Boulder is known as one of the top American cities for public transport. The city’s RTD bus route has several distinct lines, and it is easy to hop on and off the regional buses. As an environmentally-friendly urban area, many residents even ride their bikes from place to place, and bike lanes are frequent and safe. Chefs who care about the planet, or those who don’t want to have to drive while attending chef schools in Boulder, will definitely appreciate the mass transit options in the city.

If you are interested in training to become a chef or a culinary professional in a beautiful destination with plenty of fresh produce, friendly locals and an outdoor focus, then Boulder might be the perfect fit.

Dine Your Way Through Boulder, Colorado

Each year, thousands of visitors head to the scenic city of Boulder. Located at the base of the Rocky Mountains, the city offers everything that an outdoor enthusiast could desire. Great trails for hiking, plenty of snow for skiing or snowboarding and even nearby rivers for tubing, swimming and kayaking. What many people don’t realize, however, is that the progressive values and diverse population of the city help to create a truly unique dining landscape. Whether you are interested in the more traditional Rocky Mountain fare, nutritious vegan food or upscale international cuisine, you can find it all within this exciting Colorado city. If you are planning a trip to the area in the future, use this guide to dine your way through all the top eateries in the city.

SALT the Bistro

This restaurant is a place where the refined tastes of the local population and the classic recipes of the Rocky Mountains come together perfectly. Chef Bradford Heap runs the kitchen at SALT, and his goal is to introduce diners to a new way of thinking about their favorite foods. The varied menu includes everything from pulled pork to pizza, so anyone will be able to find something that they enjoy. Don’t expect ordinary food, however. The ingredients are locally sourced, resulting in some beautiful dishes like local grass-fed beef burgers, roasted organic root vegetables and oven-roasted pork tenderloin with smoky maple syrup.

Know Thai

Many visitors to the area are surprised to learn that authentic ethnic foods are available in abundance. This is especially true of Asian cuisines, thanks to a large Chinese, Thai, Laotian and Vietnamese population in the city. At Know Thai, Thai chefs and waitstaff help to create a truly traditional and authentic experience for diners. The restaurant itself is small and relatively unassuming, but the portions are large and the quality topnotch. Although the classic Pad Thai noodle dish is the most popular menu item, branch out and try some of the green and red curries for which the restaurant is famed. As a bonus, Know Thai is also incredibly affordable, with meals coming in under $10 per person.

The Mediterranean

There really can be no denying that one of the hottest food trends in the United States is the Spanish idea of tapas, or small plates. At The Mediterranean, this idea is the focus of the menu. Instead of limiting guests to traditional Spanish tapas, however, the chefs have created a variety of small tasting dishes from places like Egypt, Greece and Italy. Enjoy these delicious small plates with friends over cocktails, or dig into the impressive wine list at The Mediterranean.

Walnut Cafe

Although most of the top restaurants in the city offer lunch or dinner rather than breakfast, there is nothing quite like a hearty brunch on a vacation. For a delicious morning meal, head to the Walnut Cafe. Although the menu items may seem like classic brunch fare, the cooks put special touches on everything. Expect your breakfast sandwich to be made with fresh rosemary bread and the breakfast burritos to contain pieces of local goat cheese.

Mountain Sun

When you’re in what was once cowboy country, it makes sense to enjoy a hearty burger. Mountain Sun uses fresh local ingredients to put a contemporary twist on the classic burger. Enjoy blackened blue-cheeseburgers, burgers with a savory date puree and jalapeños or even tasty burgers suitable for vegetarians or vegans.

By using this guide on your next vacation in Boulder, you can have the opportunity to taste the best of this Colorado city and enjoy fresh, bold flavors that are found nowhere else on Earth.

For those who want to develop their cooking skills, there are opportunities to attend culinary school in Boulder too!