Embarking on a Culinary Journey: My Culinary School FAQ and What’s Next!

Happy holidays, everyone! It feels like just yesterday we were celebrating, and now the new year is in full swing, bringing with it a whirlwind of activity and exciting changes. Between a significant personal move, intense preparations for culinary school, and the cherished time spent with my wonderful family and friends over the Christmas period, getting this update out to you has taken considerably longer than I initially anticipated. The festive season was truly special this year, with both of my parents returning from the U.K. to join us, and my sisters making the journey down from San Francisco and New York City. It has genuinely been a while since our house was filled with all five of us, and those moments of laughter, shared meals, and creating new memories were absolutely priceless. It’s moments like these that truly anchor me before diving into such a big life change.

Following my big announcement post, where I hinted at this exciting new chapter, I didn’t get a chance to share many of the specific details regarding my culinary school program. The biggest reveal then was simply my start date: January 3rd. Yes, that’s right – next week! The reality of it is still sinking in, and I find myself oscillating between overwhelming excitement and a healthy dose of nerves. It’s a significant leap, a passion project turning into a full-time commitment, and I’m eager to share every step of this journey with you.

In an effort to keep you fully informed about what I’ll be immersing myself in over the course of the next year, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions. These FAQs will shed light on all the fun and intricate details of my upcoming culinary education. I’m already planning to write an updated FAQ post once the program officially begins, as I’m sure new insights and experiences will emerge. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the specifics:

Culinary School FAQ: All You Need to Know

Where am I attending culinary school?

I am absolutely thrilled to be attending the professional culinary arts program at L’Academie de Cuisine. This esteemed institution is conveniently located just outside of Washington, D.C., in Gaithersburg, Maryland. For me, it’s about a 30-minute drive from my current apartment in Arlington, Virginia, making the commute manageable for the demanding schedule ahead. L’Academie de Cuisine holds a strong reputation within the culinary world, consistently being recognized as one of the top ten culinary schools in the entire country. Its commitment to classical French techniques fused with modern global influences was a major factor in my decision, promising a rigorous yet incredibly rewarding educational experience. I believe this environment will provide the perfect foundation for my culinary aspirations.

When do classes officially begin?

My culinary journey officially kicks off next Tuesday, January 3rd. As the day steadily approaches, my excitement builds, accompanied by a natural flutter of nervousness. The first day is scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM and will primarily consist of an orientation session. This vital introduction will involve meeting our instructors, getting acquainted with fellow students who will be sharing this intense experience, and perhaps most excitingly, picking up our essential supplies and crisp new uniform. It’s the moment where it all becomes very real! The following day, we waste no time and head straight into the professional kitchens to begin our hands-on cooking training. I can already taste the adventure.

Am I pursuing a culinary or a baking/pastry program? What is the duration and curriculum?

After approximately eight months of careful deliberation and extensive research into various programs, I ultimately decided to pursue culinary arts. While my love for sweets and the intricate world of baking and pastry is undeniable, I concluded that a comprehensive culinary education was what I truly desired. I wanted a well-rounded foundation that would equip me with a vast array of skills, rather than specializing too early. My goal is to explore all facets of cooking, from savory to sweet, and develop a versatile skill set that will open up diverse opportunities in the future.

The intensive culinary arts program I’m enrolled in is structured into three distinct phases, designed to progressively build expertise. The initial two phases, spanning a total of six months, will be spent primarily in the classroom and, more importantly, in the professional teaching kitchens. During this foundational period, I will be immersed in learning all the fundamental techniques, classic French methods, and modern twists from cuisines across the globe. This encompasses everything from mastering knife skills and various cooking methods (sautéing, braising, roasting) to creating complex sauces, understanding flavor profiles, and developing precise plating techniques. The curriculum is meticulously designed to prepare students for the fast-paced and demanding environment of the professional culinary industry.

The final phase of the program is a mandatory six-month (paid) externship. This invaluable practical experience will be undertaken at a fine dining restaurant within the vibrant Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This externship is where all the theoretical knowledge and practical skills learned in school will be put to the test in a real-world setting. It offers an unparalleled opportunity to work alongside seasoned professionals, learn the rhythm of a professional kitchen, and truly understand the operations of a high-end establishment. I am incredibly excited about this phase and will undoubtedly be sharing many more details about it as I get closer to securing and starting my externship!

What does my school schedule look like?

Every culinary school has its unique structure, but my program at L’Academie de Cuisine is quite rigorous. I will be attending classes four days a week, from Monday through Thursday. For the first three months of the program, our days will run from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. For the subsequent three months spent on campus, the schedule shifts slightly to 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. This intense schedule ensures we maximize our hands-on kitchen time and theoretical learning.

The importance of discipline and professionalism is evident from the uniform requirements. My daily attire will consist of checkered pants, a crisp chef’s jacket, an apron, a neckerchief, a chef’s hat, and sturdy, non-slip kitchen shoes or clogs. We are required to change into our full uniform at the school before the start of each day, emphasizing hygiene and readiness. Furthermore, strict professional standards mean that no make-up or nail polish is allowed in the kitchen, reinforcing the focus on food safety and a serious learning environment.

Given the demanding nature of the program, I will not be working a separate job during these months. My designated day off, typically Friday through Sunday, will be far from actual days off. They will most likely be dedicated to working on culinary projects, completing homework assignments, studying, practicing techniques, and eventually, beginning the crucial process of securing the best possible externship placement. It’s a full-time commitment, and I’m prepared for the challenge!

Will I continue blogging during culinary school? What will be my posting schedule?

ABSOLUTELY! This is a question I’ve been asked frequently, and the answer is a resounding yes. I am incredibly excited and committed to sharing my entire culinary school experience with each and every one of you, my wonderful readers. When I was going through my own decision-making process about attending culinary school, I found myself searching for insider perspectives, real-life accounts, and practical advice. There was a significant gap in accessible information.

Because of this, I want to be able to provide that invaluable insider’s perspective – the good, the challenging, the surprising, and everything in between. I plan on sharing all the ups and downs, the triumphs, the inevitable mistakes, and the continuous learning along the way. My hope is that this blog will serve as a transparent and authentic resource for anyone considering a similar path, or simply for those who are curious about the world of professional culinary training.

In fact, I actually plan on increasing my posting schedule once school officially starts. With only occasional exceptions, I fully intend to post at least something every day. This ambitious schedule serves a dual purpose: not only do I want to keep you all informed about my daily progress and experiences (as I expect each day to bring new lessons and challenges!), but I also want to create a detailed chronicle for myself. I envision looking back on these posts in the future and vividly remembering all the little details, the struggles, and the victories that shaped my culinary education. Small point-and-shoot cameras are allowed in school, so I will do my absolute best to capture and share photos of my work, the kitchens, and the creations we make. I truly believe that visual storytelling will enhance the experience for all of us.

Of course, this journey is also about engaging with you. If there is anything specific you would like to see on the blog – perhaps more detailed accounts of certain techniques, insights into specific classes, or even questions you have about culinary school life – please do not hesitate to contact me. Your feedback and questions are invaluable, and I will try my very best to address them and tailor content to what you’re most interested in. Thank you for joining me on this incredible new adventure!