Travelers in search of gourmet food at bargain prices can find their opportunity by seeking out culinary schools which are operated in most of the popular tourist destinations as a resource for training and supplying new chefs to area hotels and restaurants. Most schools operate their own student-run restaurants where chefs in training learn all aspects of restaurant operations from hosting to waiting tables and, of course, preparing the meals in the kitchen.

Le Cordon Bleu, the world-famous cooking school in Paris, where it began in 1895, now operates 17 culinary school locations across the U.S., 14 of which operate restaurants under the name Technique. Technique restaurants are a true bargain, with three-course lunches available at $10 per person, while three-course dinners are $10 and five-course dinners are available at $15. Sample selections posted on an online menu include onion soup gratinee, lobster or shrimp salads, miso salmon with Asian vegetables, filet mignon, roasted chicken over romaine and avocado, and poached pear, pumpkin crème brulee or chocolate profiteroles for desserts.

Travelers who check the Cordon Bleu listings online frequently can learn about periodic Open House events, designed to interest potential students, in which a class is offered for free. One is coming up at Le Cordon Bleu's schools on Saturday, June 11, 2011, when a summer barbequing class will begin at 10:30 a.m. local time at each location. Other classes are offered on a single-session basis for less than $100 per class. Schools with Technique restaurants are found in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Scottsdale, Austin, Chicago, Las Vegas, Miami, Orlando, Portland, OR and Pittsburgh. More information is located here and advance reservations are requested and can be made online.