Career and School Info for Restaurant Cooks in California

Schools Concentrating On Restaurant Cooks

• Focus: For schools with a focus on this career area, look at Pasadena City College, Riverside Community College, Laney, and College of the Canyons.

Fastest Response From Schools

• Request Info: For the fastest information for prospective students, look at the Spotlight schools on this page.

Student Body

• Female: For schools particularly welcoming to female students, consider University of Antelope Valley.
• Diverse: For a diverse student body, consider University of Antelope Valley and Institute of Technology.
• Adult Learners: For lots of adult learners, consider Lake Tahoe Community College, Santa Ana College, Cabrillo College, and Columbia College.

School Setting

• Out of State: For geographic diversity, take note of Laney, Santa Barbara City College, Grossmont, and Diablo Valley College.
• Dorms: For a residential campus environment, take note of Shasta College.

Excellence

• Class Size: For small class sizes, look at City College.

Working as a Restaurant Cook in California

Restaurant cooks are responsible for creating menus, preparing a variety of dishes, and presenting food in an aesthetically pleasing manner. They are required to be knowledgeable about ingredients, cooking techniques, and in the use of special kitchen equipment. Restaurant cooks may also be responsible for overseeing the work of other kitchen staff and for planning serving portions and presentations. Read a detailed Cooks, Restaurant job description and schools overview.

In California, restaurant cooks can join The American Culinary Federation Chefs de Cusine of California, Los Angeles Chapter or The American Personal & Private Chef Association.

State Requirements for Cooks, Restaurant in California

There are no specific state requirements for restaurant cooks in California. Most cooks attend formal training programs from institutes accredited by the American Culinary Federation. Certification for personal chefs, pastry professionals, and culinary educators can be obtained from the same organization.