I am familiar with the visual arts (painting, sculpture, ceramics) and the performing arts (music, dance, drama). But Culinary Arts? What exactly are ‘Culinary Arts’? Cooking? Heck, most of us can cook. Well, at least a little bit. (Popping popcorn or heating a Healthy Choice meal in the microwave do not count).

According to the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts (CO, TX), Culinary Arts are both part art and part science. Understanding what is happening on a cellular or even chemical level when cooking can give chefs more freedom to experiment and come up with unique recipes, pairings and platings.

“Plating” is the art of arranging and decorating food on a plate to enhance its presentation. The goal of plating is to please the eye and palate of the diner. The flavors, textures and portion sizes of the elements on the plate must be balanced to make sure the main ingredient stands out. Sauces are often used to create curves that soften the plate's lines.

“Pairing” food is a method that uses surprising flavor combinations based on the idea that ingredients go together well if they share similar or complimentary texture, aromas and colors.

All of this includes many facets: Food science and nutrition, the quality of the ingredients, seasonality, flavors and textures (how the food feels in your mouth), styling and color on the plate and more. Chefs may also know about product development, food technology, food regulations and food processing.

Under this vast umbrella, there are many specialties, niches and job titles. Culinary arts can lead to a variety of careers, including: Chef, executive chefs, line cook, sous chef, pastry chef, prep cook, food and beverage manager, restaurant manager, catering manager, product development manager, culinary consultant, food stylist and more. All work together in the kitchen to fulfill orders and keep people fed. They may work in a restaurant, ghost kitchen (community kitchens), food truck, hotel, resort, cruise line, hospital, school, cafe… the options are endless.

Culinarians are experts in the art and science of cooking. They are disciplined creative people who combine science and art to make something distinctive. While the taste of the food is obviously important, the Culinary Arts encompass all our senses to create a rich and multifaceted experience.

Why the sudden interest in Culinary Arts? Because I recently learned that our own Union County High School offers a Culinary Arts course! This is the second year of its existence, so this year they offered Culinary Arts 1 and Culinary Arts 2. Next year they will add Culinary Arts 3. It is a dynamic course in a commercial kitchen that is still acquiring equipment, but what these students can do is amazing. More about them and their instructor, Chef Zach, in Part 2 of Culinary Arts.