Arizona's Hot Culinary Climate
by Gabby Hyman
CulinaryEd Columnist

October 02, 2006

It's no surprise to the rest of the country that Arizona sizzles in the summer. But what may shock you is that the culinary traditions of the Southwest and the blends of modern fusion cuisine have elevated cooking in the Grand Canyon State to epicurean majesty. From Red Rock Canyon country to the north and the Mexican border to the south, Arizona's unique traditions make attending culinary schools in the state a richly rewarding experience.

Imagine studying at a traditional culinary school that also embraces Native American fried bread as well as the Chipotle and Manzano peppers of Mexico. That's Arizona for you. But the culinary scene also includes the world-renowned West of Western Culinary Festival celebrated in Phoenix each March, where more than 40 chefs known for their inventiveness in Arizona's Southwest cuisine hold court.

Wining and Dining, Arizona Style

Arizona culinary programs will introduce you to the European tradition, while neighborhood restaurants offer treats like gravlax salmon garnished with almonds and served with edamame soup. If you hope to include a culinary school course in wine, Arizona is well-known for its local Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Sangiovese varietals.

Wonder what you'll do when you're not in your culinary program kitchen? Exploring the wonders of the Grand Canyon, the Montezuma Castle and Tuzigoot monuments, and the Arizona Meteor Crater are great diversions. In the spring, the Phoenix Jazz & Blues Festival not only features top-name artists, but is catered by local restaurants offering a taste of their finest cuisine. Professional sporting events, amazing natural history museums, galleries, and desert botanical gardens should whet most every appetite.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.