L. A. area cooking schools

Hello, I am in the process of researching schools in L. A. I am a college grad and working full time in the publishing business. I am ready to follow my bliss, get some culinary training, and become a chef. I discovered my love of cooking by working my way up the line in a Northern Italian restaurant during college.

Does any one have any advice, experience or feedback regarding schools in Los Angeles? I have contacted the California School of Culinary Arts (Cordon Bleu and very expensive), the Art Institute L. A., and one that hasn't even opened yet called the New School of Cooking. I am waiting for info packets from these schools, and continuing to do research. I am willing to take out a loan, and I will have to find part-time work while in school, but of course the ideal would be a more affordable, but very solid program. Anyone?

Thank you for reading!

[theloggg]

check www.shawguides.com

I know there is a culinary school in Encino but I am not familiar with the name. Just remember me when you become a big time chef. I am a bread vendor and deal with alot of chefs trying to solicite my companies sliced breads and other products. Look at my post under bakery and pastries.

I'm starting the California School of Culinary Arts in January. I'll be trying to send in pre-payments while I'm still at my current job; after that it wil be all about loans and scraping by on a cook's scrawny part-time wage. I'm thrilled; wish me luck!