These celebrity chefs, where they went for culinary school?

Culinary studies covered many aspects related to food. Photo: Cordonblue

Do top celebrity chef has culinary study background? These are some of top chef celebrities that most of us known very well for their shows or books. Even though culinary studies are important, same as any other fields, but to become celebrity it takes different actions that separate them from others.

Rachael Ray. Photo: rachaelray.com

1- Rachael Ray - Food Network star, she herself never calls her chef for the reason never go to CIA [Culinary Institute of America]. Despite of her big name under culinary world, she was one of known television personality, businesswoman, celebrity and author. There are few foods related programs with her such as 30 Minutes Meals,  Rachael Ray's Tasty Travels, $40 a Day, Rachael vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off, and Rachael Ray's Kids Cook-Off. While there are numbers of books by her from 1999 to 2019 (28 books).

Ree Drummond. Photo: today.com

 

2- Ree Drummond - studied gerontology, Drummond's Pioneer Woman website didn't start out as a food blog, but the success of her first recipe post about how to cook a steak transformed her into a fan favourite. Then became Food Network host, author, and lifestyle brand. The transformation has not only turned her from regular blogger to a book writer, but also turned her into a TV celebrity with her own television program such as The Pioneer Woman, on The Food Network Channel.

Ina Garten. Photo: architecturaldigest.com

 

3- Ina Garten - things changed when buying a Specialty food store in Westhampton Beach, New York, called The Barefoot Contessa. Barefoot Contesa is Specialty food store that by time keep on expanding together with Ina Garten's career in culinary. She was mentored by Eli Zabar (owner of Eli's Manhattan and Eli's Breads) and also Martha Stewart. From there she begins to  write cookbooks, magazine columns, self-branded convenience products, and a television show.

Guy Fieri. Photo: cnbc.com

 

4- Guy Fieri - studied hospitality management at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Gained culinary experience when studying abroad in France and working at the Italian chain Louise's Trattoria before opening his own restaurant Johnny Garlic's. He also became a host of "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" on Food Network. He became one the most popular face of the Food Network channel. In fact, his shows also attract more male viewers than any others on the network.

Tom Colicchio. Photo: lasvegasweekly.com

 

5- Tom Colicchio - despite become judge for Bravo's "Top Chef", he never has a formal culinary training. His experience came from the kitchens of acclaimed New York City restaurants such as The Quilted Giraffe, Gotham Bar & Grill, and Mondrian. Partnered for restaurant Gramercy Tavern in a neighbourhood of Manhattan and was voted Most Popular Restaurant in New York City by Zagat Survey in 2003 and 2005. He has also written a few cookbooks, and documentary films.  

Tiffani Thiessen. Photo: Youtube

6- Tiffani Thiessen - previously known for her roles in "Saved by the Bell" and "Beverly Hills 90210," turned into a cooking show host and cookbook author. Shows such as "Dinner at Tiffani's" on the Cooking Channel, where she prepared meals for celebrity friends. Compared to any other cooking celebrity Tiffany Thiessen was totally an actress.

Martha Stewart. Photo: pbs.org  

7- Martha Stewart - Originally studied history and worked as a stockbroker before launching a catering company, and her first book, "Entertaining".  Martha has multiple business that also includes merchandising, publishing, broadcasting and e-commerce. Her appearance as a culinary celebrity might be just a small part of her real business empire, and she has lots of fans under this category.

Gordon Ramsay. Photo: chicago.suntimes.com 

8- Gordon Ramsay - Earned his degree in hotel management from North Oxon Technical College, then learned on the job in the kitchens at Harvey's and La Gavroche in London. His most popular shows such as "Hell's Kitchen" and "Kitchen Nightmares." Gordon Ramsey also a well known restaurateur, writer, and television personality. There're also some American Version on his shows such as Hell's Kitchen, Kitchen Nightmares, MasterChef, MasterChef Junior, as well as Hotel Hell and 24 Hours to Hell and Back.

Despite of their success,  what is the culinary studies and why it is important for the food industry. Even though in general culinary simply means "related to cooking", that includes, cuisine arts of food preparation, cooking process, and presentation of food, the culinary study will cover food science, ethnic and international cuisine, food purchasing and restaurant operation.

There are many educational institutions that offer culinary programs with different stages, and these three are among the best;

* Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY

* Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA

*American River College in Sacramento, CA

While having the knowledge is the best way to start, but for the long success, keep on going in culinary industry will be the main drive to achieve the success. As the world is changing very fast, same as the way how we live today. There are many online courses available even if you are from the other side of the world. Just find your passion and let it drive you to your success.