I'm thinking about a career change to the culinary arts, but I am vegan and my research has led me to conclude that there isn't much in the way of good vegan schools in the U.S. I'm in Los Angeles and I was surprised not to find anything like this here.

Does the CIA have any kind of program addressing vegetarian cooking? I couldn't handle using meat, and even dairy would be a hard sell for me. I know the Natural Gourmet school in NYC uses poultry and seafood in their so-called vegetarian program.

thanks for any information/input you can provide,
-Brett

I am a semi vegetarian and am at the Cordon Bleu culinary school.
I had to try beef last week and almost died.
They allow you to spit it out, but I still have a problem with it.
I just cannot wait to start my butcherie class.
Good luck in your searches.
Danielle

[Dlee]

iron_brett,

The thing about the culinary field, is, you are going to come across many things that you are not going to like or even try or hate. The thing is, in the long run it is not what you like/want it is what your GUEST / CONSUMER, wants or what they are willing to pay for.

Danielle,

There is a lot more things you are not going to like.


BUT as you know by the threads on this site, There are a lot of questions about food. The answers usually answered by someone who has actually tried the product. In your life as a "chef", one of the questions you will be most asked is ...." ...So what does it taste like...?"

As I can attest, there are many things that I have tried that I do not like, but you know what, at least I did it once. The first time I came across Truffles (a vegan product ) I HATED IT. Today, I would like a plate of truffles with a side of truffles to go please.......

Try everything once......

D.Lee

D. Lee I must be the most openminded person about food.
I teach myself to eat stuff that people would not dare put in their mouths.
The problem I have i with the fact that I adore cows.
I may like the flavor, just can't stand the thought of those sweet eyeballs looking at me while I do so.
Thanks for the info.
And yes I will try everything at least once.
Danielle

[chefal]

The Institute for Culinary Awakening teaches custom programs in vegan culinary arts.
chefal@chefal.org

[Dion R]

I believe the School of Natural Cookery in Boulder does vegan courses without including meat & fish like NG.

If you are willing to travel overseas to study there's Cordon Vert in Manchester England which does comprehensive courses.

I don't know of any others except NG and ICA. Hope it helped?

http://www.naturalcookery.com/
http://www.vegsoc.org/cordonvert/