What to Look For in Kansas City, Missouri Cooking Schools

Whether you want to break into the culinary industry as a food buyer, an executive chef, a caterer or a cake decorator, one of the best ways to get ahead is with a formal education. Since there are so many different cooking schools to choose from, narrowing down your options can feel overwhelming and challenging. The key is to first pick a geographic location and then work from there. If you have already narrowed down your scope to Kansas City, then you are in for a treat thanks to the beautiful layout of the metropolis, the exciting attractions and the culinary diversity. Once you have your destination in mind, you can start thinking about these top things to look for in Kansas City Missouri cooking schools.

Location in the City and Public Transport Options

Kansas City is a sprawling destination that stretches across state lines and is found in both Kansas and Missouri. Before you decide on one of the many chef schools in Kansas City Missouri, it is worth finding out the exact location whether that is in the city itself or in the surrounding suburbs. From there, take a look at your public transport options to find out if it will be easily accessible.

Dining Destinations in the Surrounding Areas

If you are heading to culinary school, then there is a good chance that you are a serious foodie. Kansas City is home to some incredible cuisine, but it makes sense to find out which areas offer the kind of food you love most. Barbecue is available in nearly every neighborhood, but be sure to scope out the best diners, Italian, ethnic or fine dining depending on your personal food preferences.

Quality of Teaching Staff

One of the key reasons to attend one of the Kansas City Missouri culinary schools is for the chance to learn from the best culinary professionals. Before you enroll into any particular program, spend some time researching the staff. You want a mix of successful restaurant chefs and teaching staff who are excellent at guiding students rather than simply showing off in the test kitchens.

Courses and Specializations

Keep in mind that no two culinary school programs are the same, and not every course will prepare you for your dream career. If you love making pastries, then single out a degree program that focuses on baking and cake decorating. If you are most interested in working as a restaurant manager, choose a culinary school that offers business courses for the hospitality industry.

Price and Duration of the Courses and Degree Program

For most students, budget and time will play big roles in the selection process. Courses and degree programs can range from intensive weekend classes at affordable prices to expensive four-year culinary arts degrees, and the choice will have to be entirely your own.

If you are interested in pursuing a certification or degree in the culinary arts, then give some thought to attending of the excellent cooking schools found in Kansas City, Missouri.

Kansas City Dining: More Than Meat

Kansas City is one of the largest cities in the American Midwest. Situated on the border of Missouri and Kansas, Kansas City is a little-known tourist destination, despite the plentiful historical landmarks, public parks and attractions within the city. When it comes to the Kansas City dining scene, there can be no denying the fact that steakhouses and barbecue restaurants rule. Even in more traditional American eateries, the standard meat and two sides is the most common option on the menu. For vegetarians, that might be reason enough to avoid Kansas City on an upcoming trip. However, that would definitely be a mistake. Progressive chefs interested in both the healthiness of their food and the state of the environment are making a move toward including more vegetarian and vegan dishes on the menu. If you are looking for healthy fare, you are a vegetarian or you simply want a break from all the wonderful steaks and barbecue in Kansas City, then make a trip to one of these excellent eateries in the city.

FÜD

Despite the unusual name, this great restaurant serves up a variety of dishes that cater to vegetarians, vegans and those with food allergies. The head chef, Heidi VanPelt-Belle, works with diners to create meals that will fit perfectly into their diet and meal plans. Even if you’re not a vegetarian, you will love the incredible selection of food on offer. Some of the specialty items include vegan quesadillas, fried tofu nugget appetizers and hearty stuffed. FÜD makes every effort possible to use organic ingredients, and many of the items used in recipes are also locally grown or sourced.

Blue Bird Bistro

Although most cities have their fair share of vegetarian items, they are all too often basic meals that are an afterthought to the chef. At the Blue Bird Bistro, the kitchen staff work hard to create gourmet dishes that would be well-received by vegetarians and omnivores alike. Their incredible green curry is made with potatoes, traditional Thai spices, herbs, coconut milk and mushrooms, and the intensity and depth of the flavor is amazing. Their black bean burger, which can be topped with caramelized onions, sauteed mushrooms and soy cheese, is a wonderful vegetarian dish that perfectly replaces the more common beef burgers found throughout Kansas City.

Succotash

For vegetarians, breakfast is usually not a difficult meal to enjoy in a restaurant. For vegans, however, it can be a serious challenge. Most baked good contain some form of dairy, and eggs and meats also need to be avoided. At Succotash, diners will have plenty of options that can fit into their culinary restrictions. They serve fresh fruit and vegetable juices, with much of the produce coming directly from local farms. In place of their famous pancakes or waffles, the chefs on duty will glad whip up vegan pancakes using soy or almond milk and flax seeds instead of milk and eggs. The whimsical environment and friendly staff make Succotash a top brunch and breakfast destination for vegans in Kansas City.

El Porton Cafe

Although many vegetarian restaurants are more traditional with cuisine, places like El Porton Cafe still pay attention to regional food trends when creating their menu. On almost all of their tacos, burritos and arepas, diners can choose to substitute the meat for alternative protein sources like tofu or black beans. The bold flavors and fresh ingredients stay the same, however, so vegetarians and omnivores can dine together at El Porton Cafe.

If you are planning a trip to Kansas City, be sure to add one of the great vegetarian-friendly eateries to your culinary itinerary. If you’re thinking of starting a culinary career of your own, visit Cooking Culinary Arts Schools to explore your opportunities to enroll in the right program that will help you reach your goals.