Culinary Schools in Tennessee

Tennessee is a state rich with culinary arts and a unique culture. With cities such as Nashville, Knoxville and others, this state attracts people from all walks of life to take in the natural beauty of the Smokey Mountains and the country music scene. With the large number of tourists also comes an extra emphasis on cooking and quality food, which has led to some of the top culinary programs making a home in this area.

There are a number of options available for a culinary education in this vibrant state, including community colleges and universities. Specialty schools in the state include the Walters State Community College and the International Culinary Schools at the Art Institute of Nashville. While a chef's salary ranges depending on where in the state he or she is working, the average for an executive chef in Tennessee is $49,000. This is usually higher in metropolitan areas and cities where there are a large number of tourists.

The cuisine of this region matches the culture and consists primarily of foods from the Deep South. Tennessee is famous for crispy and flavorful fried chicken and good barbecue. Jack Daniel's whiskey originates in Tennessee and has made a name for itself in cooking, too. The annual Jack Daniel's World Championship Invitational Barbecue is one of the many barbeque festivals held in this region each year.

As you begin your career in the field of culinary arts, start with an education from one of the many culinary schools in Tennessee.

Tennessee is ranked the 17th populous and the 36th most extensive state in the United States. Situated in the Southeastern US, Tennessee is bordered by Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Mississippi, and Missouri. With a total area of 42,143 square miles, the geographical features of Tennessee include rivers, ridges, valleys, caves, mountains, plains, and swamps.

Colleges

Tennessee is home of to some of the best culinary arts schools like Nashville Culinary Arts and Design School, UT Culinary Institute, The Art Institute of Tennessee, Memphis Culinary School at L’Ecole Culinaire, and Walter State Culinary Arts School.

Climate

In most parts of Tennessee, the climate can be described as humid subtropical but the climate in the Appalachians is known as humid continental or mountain temperate. In a year, Tennessee receives an average of 50 inches of precipitation. Generally, summers are humid and hot, and winters are mild to cold.

Local Culture

Known to be the birthplace of the blues, Tennessee played an important role in the development of early blues music and rock and roll. In Memphis, Sun Records launched the careers of Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley. In the 1930s, Grand Ole Opry helped establish Nashville as the place to be for aspiring country stars.

Population

In 2011, the estimated population of Tennessee was 6.4 million. The major ethnic groups in the state are African Americans, English, Irish, Scottish, and German.

Largest Cities

The largest cities in Tennessee are Chattanooga, Clarksville, Memphis, Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Nashville, and Bristol.

Festivals and Fairs

Annual RC and Moon Pie Festival, Annual Lauderdale County Tomato Festival, Annual Knoxville Brewer’s Jam, Wine on the River World Tour, Crossville Oktoberfest