[E]arlier this year, I wrote about when dreams become reality, and how I've suddenly found myself without a new one to pursue.
Since then, I've been giving it a lot of thought, and realized that after successfully reaching my travel goals, maybe it's time to set my sights on a different hobby -- cooking.
The truth is I don't cook much now that I'm always traveling, but I use to love it when I was back in the United States.
I could easily spend a whole day shopping, preparing, and then cooking a complicated recipe from the pages of Gourmet magazine.
Sometimes a photo alone would be all the inspiration I needed. Or an episode of No Reservations.
So with these thoughts in mind, I'm applying for admission to Le Cordon Bleu at their Lima, Peru campus. Located in Miraflores, it's a short walk from the apartment I was renting, as well as the beach.
Le Cordon Bleu is a well-regarded culinary school, with a long history of teaching young cooks. Famous alumni chefs include Julia Child, Giada De Laurentiis, and Peru's own Gaston Acurio.
It's not a decision I'm taking lightly. I'll have to pay my way through 3 years of courses to earn my diploma in Gastronomy & the Culinary Arts, but I'm up for the challenge.
Aside from the obvious benefit of developing a skill I can continue to use the rest of my life, it also opens up the opportunity for me to find work as a cook during my travels.
And who knows where that road could lead.
Talon says
That is SO cool! I didn't even realize they had a school in Lima. Good on you for pursuing the next phase of your dreams.
Steph says
Dave! I had no idea you loved to cook! You've been holding out on us, you'll have to come over and cook us a nice dinner before you leave :)
Dave says
I do. My cooking things are some of the few possessions I've still got in storage. Nice try, but I'll leave the steaks to you guys :)
Leora says
I offer my services as official taste tester.. damn, now I just have to get back to PERU!!
Dave says
I'm missing Peruvian food to almost the same degree I miss Thai food.
Ian [EagerExistence] says
Wow Dave, when you set your mind to something, you really set those goals high! I'm happy just getting the occassional cooking lesson from a local (I also love and enjoy cooking)... but Le Cordon Bleu!
Ian [EagerExistence] says
Was this another April Fools Day Prank?
Dave says
Indeed it was Ian. Last year I announced I was going to Chiang Mai, but those who knew me knew I wouldn't leave Colombia. This year, I think those who know me well enough know I wouldn't sign up for 3 more years of school :)
Prime says
Yup i read about Gaston Acurio (he was featured in Time mag and offers scholarships to poor but deserving Peruvian culinary students).
So yeah, Le Cordon bleu, why not? I always believe in AIMING high. On a more pragmatic note, I think it also makes sense that since you love (live?) to travel, having a culinary degree is just perfect - a lot of students in the Philippines are doing just that because they said it's the fastest way to secure jobs abroad (or in a cruise ship...)
Ryan says
In other news, Dave has also decided to sell Medellin Living to me, and start up a new website called Lima Cooking...
I wasn't sure about this until I read that you are aiming for '3 years' of classes and a diploma... I call April fools! :)
Will - Gap Daemon says
Good on you mate. You've actually made me think a little bit more about what else is out there and cooking (especially vegetarian and vegan-style) is something I need to get to grips with more.
Take it the classes will be in Spanish right? Impressive stuff!
Dave says
Hey Will, thanks for falling for my April Fool's joke :)
Christine says
This is incredible! I've always kept culinary school as a "back-up"--I might follow you down this same path at some point. Best of luck!
Ayngelina says
I walked by that place and it crossed my mind too, albeit briefly. Good luck!
Jasmine says
Three years in one spot? Wow big move Dave!
Dave says
Nah Jasmine, just playing an April Fool's joke on you guys. Thanks for making me smile :)
Kevin Post says
Dave is a rock star who doesn't have time to cook. He's rocking so hard all the time that he has to eat at delicious restaurants just to make up for the loss of calories each day from rocking out.
Philip says
Dave--
Knowing your love of fine dining, you had me going. I was going to tell you how much you will learn there starting with the proper way to cut vegetables, blah blah blah. Good one buddy! btw, LCB traces its origins back 400 years. It was started and is still run by the Contreau (as in the liquor) family, now with campuses worldwide.
Dave says
I think Anthony Bourdain's "Kitchen Confidential" at once excited me about working as a cook, and scared me away from the idea of putting in the long, late hours required to work restaurants.
jan says
You had me till the very last sentence. I did think it was a bit out there though!