San Diego's Culinary Bonanza
by Gabby Hyman
CulinaryEd Columnist

October 23, 2006

Saying that San Diego has a vibrant restaurant scene is akin to reporting that fish come from the sea. For the seventh largest city in the nation, San Diego is still considered as a small town by many who overlook that 2.5 million people reside in its beach communities and inland valleys.

Because of the city's booming restaurant trade, San Diego culinary programs are uniquely situated amidst more than 50 distinct varieties of cuisine. That means culinary students take immediate advantage of internships in thriving eateries and, when they're not studying, enjoy a recreational wonderland at their doorsteps.

Idyllic Weather and Non-stop Culinary Flair

San Diego temperatures hold steady in the mid 70s almost year-round. Between your culinary school sessions, you'll never need to check the weather before planning a day for San Diego's renowned Zoo, professional sporting events, or surfing, sailing, biking, hang gliding, sea kayaking, and touring San Diego’s North County varietal grape vineyards.San Diego is home to the first American-made Caesar Salad (which originated just south of town in Tijuana, Mexico) and you won't find a shortage of culinary delicacies when you dine in town or at the renowned Gaslight District.

San Diego Culinary Schools Draw on Rich Cultural Legacies

Looking for culinary diversity? In San Diego you can dine out -- or work at -- Afghan, Argentinean, Austrian, Asian, Barbecue, Belgian, Brazilian, Californian, Caribbean, Cajun, Chilean, Chinese, Cuban, Deli, Ethiopian, Filipino, French, Fusion, German, Greek, Hawaiian, Indian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Jamaican, Korean, Kosher, Malaysian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Moroccan, Nuevo Latino, Oyster Bar, Pacific Rim, Persian, Peruvian, Polynesian, Russian, Seafood, Singaporean, Steakhouse, Soul, Spanish, Sushi, Tapas, Tex-Mex, Thai, Vegetarian, and Vietnamese restaurants.

That's "yum" in any language.

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.