I can't speak to Ft. Lauderdale as I haven't heard much about it. Johnson & Wales and Le Cordon Bleu both have excellent reputations. As a school, Le Cordon Bleu is much older than J&W, and because of that its name does carry some weight. They teach (if not embody) French cuisine, and you might want to consider whether that is for you. Hope this helps, and good luck!

I don't know about any of the schools you mentioned. I went to the Culinary Institute of America, New Haven, CT campus. The school re-located to Hyde Park, NY. I THINK they have campuses in Chicago, IL and in Sonoma Valley, CA. However, I only receive literature from the Hyde Park campus. As far as practical, hands-on education, it was THE BEST experience I had. At times, my day started as early as 4 AM to prepare for breakfast. At other times, it ended after 4 PM to finish clean-up for dinner. It's my understanding the school is open 24/7/365. 24 hours per day, 7 days each week, 365 days each year. The instructors and chef-instructors were second to none - THE BEST! I met some wonderful folks. I met some not-so-wonderful folks. It was as close to being "in-the-field" as I could possibly get. When I graduated, I had ALL kinds of doors and opportunities opened to me! http://www.ciachef.edu Thanks for asking your Q! I enjoyed answering it! VTY, Ron Berue Yes, that is my real last name! Sources: My wonderful family! Was in the Food and Beverage business over 26 years. "THE University of Hard Knocks" also known as ("a/k/a") "life's valuable lessons"

These are the top ten, voted by chefs. I would suggest, Johnson & Wales University-North Miami, FL, because, there are a lot of traveling choices, in Florida, air sea and land. The Culinary Institute of America Texas Culinary Academy Institute of Culinary Education DCT - Swiss-European Culinary & Pastry Chocolate Art Center Johnson & Wales University-Charleston, SC Scottsdale Culinary Institute in Arizona Johnson & Wales University-North Miami, FL International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management Liaison College The Art Institute of Houston

I don't know which school you decide to go with, but good luck and it sure beats being a "Hashslinger" or maybe one of those drones in mickeyD's. Best of luck to you!