The Culinary Adventure Begins

A Milestone Year: From Home Cook to Culinary Student

August holds a special place in my heart this year. It marks the anniversary of my journey into the world of professional culinary arts. Exactly a year ago, I began searching online for cooking classes to improve my skills. My goal was to enhance my abilities beyond following recipes and delve into the fundamentals of soups, sauces, and more.

Discovering Local Cooking Classes

During my search, I found a variety of exciting options. From community college programs and high-end grocery store classes to culinary institutes and boutique cooking schools in the Bay Area, there was no shortage of opportunities. One particularly memorable experience was a date night cooking class at Draeger’s Cooking School in San Mateo with my husband, Eric.

Memorable Classes and Inspiring Instructors

Draeger’s Cooking School has always impressed me with its wine and cheese offerings and fantastic instructors. Some of my favorite classes included:

• French Macaron Workshop with Lindsay Kinder: Great energy and inspiration.
• Croissant Workshop with Michael Kalanty: Hysterically funny and informative.
• End-of-Summer Harvest Celebration and Summertime Surf & Turf with Linda Carucci: Kind, professional, and influential.

It was this last class that ignited a significant change in my life.

The Impact of Mentorship

Linda Carucci, an award-winning chef and author of Cooking School Secrets for Real World Chefs, was the instructor for our class. Her guidance and mentorship have been invaluable. Not only did I gain practical kitchen tips, like removing hummus or homemade mayo from a Cuisinart blade, but I also found a mentor and new friend. Her support has been crucial as I navigate this new culinary journey. Check out her local cooking class offerings here.

Embarking on Culinary School

At the end of this month, I will start my adventure at the San Francisco Cooking School. This full-time, hands-on program is entirely kitchen-based, with no classroom lectures. For the next 3.5 months, I’ll be immersed in culinary education, followed by a winter break and a 2-month internship. Upon completion, I will earn a Professional Culinary Certificate and officially become a professionally trained cook.

What’s Next and How to Stay Connected

I’m excited (and a bit nervous) about what lies ahead. I plan to share my culinary school experiences, recipes, and tips over the coming months. Follow my public Instagram account @foodfamilyfriends for updates and delicious content!

Cheers,

Christina