Steeped in history with a rich heritage spanning 125 years, Le Cordon Bleu has evolved from a small Parisian cookery school to an ever-expanding international network - one of the foremost training institutions in the world for culinary, hospitality and management courses.
Have a read through our story...
In 1578, King Henry III of France established the Order of the Holy Spirit. The knights of this order were identified by a cross pendant hanging from a blue ribbon. The Order of the Holy Spirit, which existed for more than two centuries, was the most prestigious French Royal order, and its knights were often referred to as “Cordons Bleus”. Their sumptuous meals set a high standard for fine dining.
As a result, the expression “cordon bleu” did not take long to become, by association, synonymous with culinary excellence.
Le Cordon Bleu journey started in France in 1895 with the launch of a weekly publication called La Cuisinière Cordon Bleu. Shortly after, the school in Paris welcomed its first students in what would become one of the famous cooking schools in the world.
In October, subscribers are invited to the first Le Cordon Bleu cooking class.
Julia Child enrols at Le Cordon Bleu Paris.
Le Cordon Bleu London creates the Coronation Chicken dish, served to the foreign dignitaries at the coronation lunch of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
The success of the Hollywood movie "Sabrina" directed by Billy Wilder and starring Audrey Hepburn, contributes to the growing fame of Le Cordon Bleu.
Eleanor Orser, Ottawa native and the first ever Canadian to graduate from Le Cordon Bleu, earned her Grand Diplôme® from Le Cordon Bleu Paris in 1979 studying under Madame Brassart.
Upon returning home to Ottawa, the women at Eleanor's husband’s accounting firm were looking to learn the techniques and skills she was taught at the world-renowned Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. In the 70s, Le Cordon Bleu graduates were very rare in Canada let alone Ottawa. Eleanor began teaching four women at her home by performing demonstrations as they took notes. Through word of mouth, the classes grew and she opened Eleanor’s Cuisine Française.
Those century-old techniques are responsible for producing the most elegant, refined and varied cuisine in the world. Once you learn to cook the French way, you will never sit down to a mediocre meal again.
- Eleanor Orser
The Cointreau family, descendants of the founding families of Rémy Martin and Cointreau liqueur, takes over the presidency of Le Cordon Bleu Paris, following Mrs. Elisabeth Brassart, Director of the school since 1945.
Eleanor's Cuisine Française was sold to M. André Cointreau in 1988 after being in business for 8.5 years.
The Ottawa campus was the first Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Arts Institute outside of Europe which began Mr. Cointreau’s international expansion. Ottawa’s rich history in gastronomy and flair for French architecture made it the perfect venue.
Having outgrown its location, Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa relocated to the Munross Mansion built in 1874 by Scottish lumberman James Mather, one of the first members of the Canadian National Railway Board of Directors.
The building has been carefully restored to its original grandeur and is home to two organizations, Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute and Le Cordon Bleu Signatures Restaurant. It has been renovated to include an addition at the rear of the building to accommodate the school’s teaching kitchens. Our kitchen classrooms feature closed-circuit cameras, mirrors and audio systems for demonstration classes. Moreover, three commercial-grade kitchens are constantly bustling with hands-on training activity in practical class sessions.
The first Boulangerie de Base class was held at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa in September 2013. Created by the Ottawa campus, this specialised course is designed specifically for those wishing to pursue excellence in the craft of Boulangerie.
Le Cordon Bleu's 125th Anniversary is celebrated around the world.
Le Cordon Bleu has a presence in 20 countries with 35 international schools, training over 20,000 students of more than 100 different nationalities every year. Students are taught by our Le Cordon Bleu Master Chefs, of which the majority come from Michelin-starred restaurants or are winners of prestigious competitions and titles such as Meilleur Ouvrier de France. They pass on their knowledge of classic French cuisine and modern international culinary techniques to our students.
First Cohort of Diploma in Culinary Management Program
The first Diploma in Culinary Management class was held at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa in January 2022. The focus of the Diploma in Culinary Management is on providing practical and technical advanced culinary skills, in conjunction with gastronomy and supervisory management studies. With an emphasis on creativity and innovation, this highly interactive programme is uniquely designed to give students the specialised skill set required to achieve exceptional proficiency in their chosen culinary arts career.
Winner North America’s Best Culinary Training Institution
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa Culinary Arts Institute was voted as North America’s Best Culinary Training Institution at the 3rd Annual World Culinary Awards Ceremony held in Dubai on December 13th 2022.
First Cohort of Diploma in Plant-Based Culinary Arts
The first Diploma in Culinary Management class was held at Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa in October 2023. This Diploma focuses on crafting dishes solely from plants, providing a creative repertoire of product knowledge, skills, and recipes. The programme has been designed to provide specialised culinary education for the growing demand for vegan, vegetarian and plant-based restaurants and products.
Winner North America’s Best Culinary Training Institution
Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa celebrated its proud win as North America’s Best Culinary Training Institution at the 4th World Culinary Awards held on October 16, 2023 at Atlantis The Royal, Dubai, UAE. This consecutive honor, following last year's victory, reaffirms Le Cordon Bleu Ottawa’s position at the forefront of culinary education in North America.
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