Who We Are

Tradition

The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale culinary arts program was established in 1992 training and educating students to grow and flourish in today’s food service industry. They are surrounded by established culinary chefs in a setting of modern kitchens and classrooms that encourages and supports professional creative endeavors while gaining practical, hands-on experience.

Few professions offer the creativity, excitement, and opportunities found in the culinary arts.  And, America’s interest in culinary arts is growing and prospering. Restaurants, hotels, clubs, resorts, convention centers, lifestyle communities, hospitals and entertainment facilities all offer growing career opportunities for the culinary profession.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor 2006-2007 Occupational Outlook Handbook (http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos161.htm), opportunities for chefs, cooks and other kitchen professionals are expected to be plentiful through 2014 and grow as fast as the average of all occupations for the 2004-2014 period.


Areas of Study


Curriculum

The curriculum for The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale is based on classical Escoffier, Asian and Latin culinary techniques, emphasizing progressive trends and practices and introduces a variety of international cuisines.

Our curriculum is designed for the student to:

  • develop and sharpen fundamental cooking techniques and professional skills
  • work as part of a team

Once the basics are mastered, then it’s on to explore a world of cuisines—from the classics to those emerging in popularity.

Awards

  • The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale  “2004 College of the Year” by the Florida Association of Post Secondary Schools & Colleges
  • Chef's Palette - 2005 American Culinary Federation's Achievement of Excellence Award

Over the years, the student culinary competition teams have won numerous titles and awards and proudly displays the trophies in the Chef’s Palette restaurant:

  • 10 Florida State Championships
  • 3 Southeast Regional Championships
  • 2 Silver Medals in the National Championships
  • 2007 - Culinary Arts Competition Team won first place in the Florida Championship for the ACF (American Culinary Federation) Junior Competition in Orlando, FL. This is the 10th time that the college’s student culinary team has won the competition.

Career Services

The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale has dedicated Career Services advisors that work to bring potential employers together with graduates who have the skills employers seek.

During upper quarters emphasis is placed on assisting students in gaining field-related part-time jobs, internships, and freelance work. Extensive support is offered to all students during the final quarters in resume preparation and development of interview skills.


Local Employers

  • Johnny V's
  • Mark's Las Olas
  • 15th Street Fisheries
  • Fish A Restaurant
  • Capital Grille
  • Seasons 52
  • Pf Changs
  • China Grill
  • Grand Lux
  • Benihana
  • Cafe Vico Sublime
  • Cafe Maxx
  • Silver Lining In-Flight Catering
  • Hugh's Catering
  • Riverside Hotel
  • Marriott Harbor Beach
  • 3030 @ Marriott
  • Luxury Resorts Hyatt Regency Pier 66
  • Westin Diplomat

After Graduation

As a member of an alumni base of over 15,000 Art Institutes culinary graduates across North America, you’ll join a broad network of professionals who have discovered the world of possibilities of an Art Institutes culinary education.

Community Involvement

Our culinary students participate in many worthwhile projects and events:

  • Annual gingerbread house decorating party for children in the oncology outpatient center at Broward General Hospital
  • Annual Festival of the Trees gingerbread houses for auction to benefit the Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art
  • Catering the historic Fort Lauderdale Bonnet House’s young Artist Music Series
  • Taste of the NFL Super Bowl food and wine extravaganza to raise dollars and awareness for hunger relief
  • Las Olas Food & Wine Festival to benefit the American Lung Association