ACE: Academy of Culinary Education

Professional Cooking

Start date: TBA

Morning Section – 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

EVENING SECTION – 6:00 pm to 11:00 pm

 

 

 

Professional Baking

Start Date: TBA

Morning Section Hours:  9:00 am-2:00 pm

EVENING SECTION HOURS:   6:00 pm – 11:00 pm

 

 

Pre-Teen/Teen Cooking Program

TEEN BASICS CLASSES 

Start Date: TBA

 

TEEN INTERMEDIATE CLASSES 

Start Date: TBA

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to apply to be accepted to ACE?

No. ACE seeks to educate all those interested in cooking and baking.

I love food and cooking but don’t have a lot of experience. I’m not sure what I want to do in the food industry after completion of the program. Is ACE right for me?

Absolutely. If a student has a passion for food, that’s enough. ACE will help you find what interests you and open doors for you once you have become competent.

May I observe a class before signing up?

Of course, call ACE to set up ahead of time. (818) 887-CHEF. Also, be sure to come to orientation.

If I cannot commit to every class, can I make up classes?

Absolutely. ACE is very accommodating. Anytime you miss a class, you can schedule a makeup class in advance.

If I am a mother and need to pick up my kids in the afternoon, will I be able to leave a few minutes early and catch up on what I missed?

Of course, ACE is very accommodating. In fact, many of ACE’s students are mothers who drive carpool and leave, when necessary. If you need to make up or wish to follow up with your instructor, ACE instructors welcome questions.

I work full-time and love to cook. How hard is it for working professionals to take the night classes and complete the program?

Anyone who has taken a night class will tell you that working professionals love the night classes so much that they often stay after class to relax as the evening flies by. More flexibility is given on assignments.

If I wish to repeat a class, may I do so?

Because each five hour class is filled with a lot of information and techniques, students are encouraged to sit through the next series of classes. If students repeat the class and wish to cook, they are responsible for paying for food costs for the class. Lecture is free and encouraged.

How many students are in a class?

ACE wishes to keep classes small. There is one instructor, one to two teaching assistants and up to 10 students in a class.

How much time is spent cooking and baking?

Over 80% of the class session is spent hands on cooking. ACE hires a dishwasher for each class to maximize the prep time. The other 20% of the time is spent learning via lecture, demonstrations and visiting chefs.

Are the trips to produce markets, kitchens, farmers’ markets etc. cost extra and when are they scheduled?

All excursions are part of the program and do not cost extra. Scheduling is done in class and if a student can’t make it, they can make it up during the next session. ACE is very accommodating to its students’ schedules.

Can I take Professional Baking at the same time?

Absolutely and it is encouraged. The more time spent in the kitchen, the quicker the learning process. Also, ACE offers a discount if you take the classes concurrently or consecutively.

What do I need to bring to classes?

In the professional series, ACE provides chef pants, embroidered chef coats, aprons, hats, recipes and notepads. All students must wear their hair up, not use perfume, and wear closed toe non-skid shoes. For professional cooking, students need their own set of knives which can be purchased through the school.

What are ACE’s expectations for its students?

ACE maintains a reputation in the industry of producing well-trained, respectful chefs who will give 100% all the time. ACE expects students to come to class ready to learn, work and ask questions. To become fully competent, students should devote several hours a week practicing the techniques learned in class. Lastly, ACE offers opportunities to get experience and encourages all students to participate.

Is there homework required?

In both professional cooking and baking series, students are required to complete a homework to ensure that they fully understand the concepts. Advance notice is given and if there is a conflict, instructors are flexible in scheduling the completion of the assignments.

Is it possible to work for a Wolfgang Puck restaurant or catering company after completion of one of your programs?

Yes, and most if not all students have volunteered at Wolfgang Puck events during the programs. So many students have and continue to work at Wolfgang Puck’s and they continue to be thrilled with ACE’s students and graduates.

What is involved for graduation from professional cooking?

Students start preparing for graduation several months before. They choose the place, elect positions, test recipes, prepare invitations, programs, promote the event and learn all the ins and outs of planning, executing and cooking for an event for over 100 people with anywhere from 5-10 courses all paired with wine. Preparing for graduation is an invaluable process that teaches students how to plan a menu, cost out, plate dishes, shop, prepare and serve. Students devote many hours to the process and all have reported what an invaluable experience it was for them, regardless of what they wish to do after graduation.

What is involved for graduation from professional baking?

Pro baking students learn so many techniques that the final demonstration requires them to prepare a showpiece incorporating these techniques. The final projects are judged by several well-respected pastry chefs in the community. The final project is just like a food network show!

May I pay for classes in installments?

Yes, you may. Please see last paragraph on the Pro Cooking or Pro Baking page.

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