Canada Culinary Schools

Canada is one of the largest countries in the world, one comprised of different ethnicities, cultures and geographies. From the maritime provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to the urban centers of Toronto and Quebec, Canada's sheer diversity has left its mark on the evolution of the culinary industry in the country. Because of those differences, the culinary culture is a wonderful fusion of styles, flavors, tastes and preferences.

Aspiring chefs who attend culinary schools in Canada can look forward to some of the unique culinary options, including the following:

• Poutine - French fries covered in cheese curds and gravy, a dish that originated in Quebec in the 1950s.
• Maple syrup- Quebec is the world's largest producer of maple syrup.
• BeaverTail- Called Queues de Castor in French, these treats are fried dough covered in a variety of toppings.
• Tourtiere- This savory meat pie is made with ground beef and a host of spices.

Indeed, Canada is a great destination for culinary students precisely because of the country's diverse population and geographic regions. Each region has a distinct culinary appeal; Toronto is unlike Quebec, which is unlike British Columbia. And each area has its own local food culture, down to the individual fresh markets, such as Atwater Market in Montréal and the St. Lawrence Market in Toronto, or Tea Leaves (a tea tasting bar in Ontario), or the Tangled Garden (Grand Pre) in Halifax.

Famous Canadian restaurants and chefs

Provinces across Canada continue to attract new culinary talents and investments, adding to their already diverse and award winning lineup of restaurants, executive chefs and restaurateurs. Publications such as Zagat and Forbes Travel Guide regular recognize the best restaurants and chefs in the country. For example, in 2014, Forbes Travel Guide gave its Four-Star rating to 15 restaurants in Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick, British Columbia and Alberta.

• The Banffshire Club (Alberta)
• Bishop's (British Columbia)
• Hawksworth Restaurant (British Columbia)
• West (British Columbia)
• Yew Seafood and Bar (British Columbia)
• Café Boulud Toronto (Ontario)
• Canoe (Ontario)
• One Restaurant (Ontario)
• Scaramouche (Ontario)
• Spendido (Ontario)
• The Dining Room at Langdon Hall (Ontario)
• TOCA (Ontario)
• Panache (Quebec)
• Restaurant Initiale (Quebec)
• Toque! (Quebec)

Zagat also routinely reviews and rates the restaurant scene in Canada, including Toronto. In 2014, the publication called out the hottest restaurants to open in Toronto recently, a list that is as diverse and eclectic as the city itself. Some of those establishments include the following:

• Branca (Brockton Village)
• Colette Grand Café (King West)
• DaiLo (Little Italy)
• Portland Variety (King West)
• NAO Steakhouse (Yorkville)

In the kitchen, chefs throughout Canada are leaving their mark in the culinary scene. Canadian chef Martin Picard is widely recognized as one of the best chefs in North America. His restaurant, Au Pied de Cochon in Montréal, has a menu rich in foie grais, poultry, pig and beef. It also launched the career of Chef Hugue Dufour, who's New York restaurant -- M. Wells Steakhouse -- received a one-star rating from Michelin.

The list of influential chefs in Canada is expansive. Other top chefs in the country include Norman Laprise (Toqué, Montreal), Jamie Kennedy (Gilead, Toronto), Susur Lee (Susur, Toronto), David McMillan (Joe Beef, Liverpool House, Montréal), and Lynn Crawford (Ruby Watchoo, Ruby Eats, Toronto).

Culinary schools & career outlook in Canada

For prospective students who are seeking a place to pursue professional chef training that combines European influences with a North American sensibility, Canadian culinary schools offer the best of both worlds. In Canada, prospective students have an array of educational and -- subsequent -- employment opportunities to pursue. The culinary industry is a major contributor to Canada's economy. Data from Euromonitor International projects sales at full-service restaurants in the country could reach C$23.5 billion by 2018.

Culinary education is traditionally divided into four major specializations: Baking & Pastry Arts, Hospitality Management, Culinary Management and Culinary Arts. Whether the goal is to become a chef, restaurant manager, pastry chef, sous chef, chef de cuisine or even a restaurateur, culinary schools in Canada have a training and degree program to meet that goal.

At the individual career level, opportunities for culinary-related careers appear to be solid, according to data from the Employment and Social Development Canada. Below is a table of employment projections in the country between 2012 and 2022 for chefs and cooks, butchers and bakers, and food service managers:

With multiple burgeoning culinary scenes in Canada, stretching from Vancouver to Alberta, Ontario to Prince Edward Island, prospective students in both the US and Canada have wide ranging opportunities to begin a culinary career.

Canada takes great pride in its cultural diversity, so students who take cooking classes in Canada will be sure to benefit from learning about the most famous dishes in Canada and the cultural traditions from whence they came. Take advantage of the country's unique cultural tapestry and explore your passion for international food by signing up for cooking classes in Canada today.

Sources:

• Zagat, 25 Hottest New Restaurants in Toronto, https://www.zagat.com/b/toronto/25-new-restaurants-to-try-in-toronto#6
• Forbes, Travel Guide Award Winners, http://blog.forbestravelguide.com/the-2014-forbes-travel-guide-star-award-winners
• Globe and Mail, Michelin stars shine on two Canadian chefs in New York, http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/food-and-wine/food-trends/michelin-stars-shine-on-two-canadian-chefs-in-new-york/article20874801/
• EuroMonitor, Restaurants in Canada, http://www.euromonitor.com/full-service-restaurants-in-canada/report
• Employment and Social Development Canada, Canadian Occupational Projection System, http://www23.hrsdc.gc.ca