"My daughter had a great time at cooking camp! She made us perfectly made crepes for breakfast this morning and they were delicious! It's great to see kids become proficient and confident in their cooking! Thanks so much and we'll be back again for next summer!"
Janice Shue
Past Summer's
Future Chefs
in the Kitchen! 
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Our instructors are talented chefs who love working with kids and young teens. Most are graduates of the prestigious, Le Cordon Bleu culinary program in Pasadena. They all carry out our mission to provide a unique learning experience that gives our campers the opportunity to develop a life-long love for the culinary arts.
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Imagine having a culinary arts expert sharing their passion and depth of experience with your child! Our Cooking Camp chefs not only teach general cooking techniques but sprinkle lots of lessons into the mix, discussing culinary terms, nutritional values, kitchen safety and food science.
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Successful cooking begins in a kid-friendly environment and our staff has designed a series of summer sessions where children can succeed in learning skills safely and enjoyably. | | | | | CHRIS ALLEN
Executive Chef
Graduating with high honors from the Le Cordon Bleu program, Chef Chris began his work with the Summer Art Academy in 2002 acting as the Executive Chef for the culinary portion of the summertime camp. Currently, Chris is a full time faculty member at the Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. He has traveled the world sampling the foods from many countries and looks forward to teaching all his international culinary secrets to the kids. Additionally, he has owned a catering company and has been a special demonstration Chef for the Friends of Robinsons Garden as well as a personal Chef.
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THERESA PARRA KAY
Lead Chef
Duarte
Theresa is a well-seasoned chef, who began her culinary career in the early 90’s at Bristol Farms, where she served as both Catering Manager and Cooking School Director. During that time, she appeared and guest starred on several TV cooking/home entertainment shows, including two seasons with Tommy Tang on his PBS series Modern Thai Cuisine, Yvonne’s Cookbook (TLC), Party At Home (H&G), and Buying Time (F/X Pilot). The summer cooking camp in Duarte will be lead by this dynamic, enthusiastic, and passionate culinary educator. This will be Theresa's fourth year with the Cooking Camp!
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SELENE LOPEZ
Lead Chef
Pasadena
Chef Selene has recently graduated from Le Cordon Bleu program with high honors, and is thrilled to be a part of the Summer Cooking Camp for her second year. Chef Selene has a passion for culinary arts and is committed to sharing her knowledge with others. With a background in child development and teaching, she is fully prepared to give our campers a valuable learning experience that will enhance their lives forever!
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IRIS DeBRUNO
Lead Chef
Woodland Hills - Mornings
Chef Iris gradutaed from Le Cordon Bleu in 2008, she began working with the Summer Cooking Academy during school as her internship and has been with them the past two years. This will be her third year running and she will be returning as a lead instructor. She currently works at BLT Steak in Hollywood, a high end French inspired American bistro, so she will be prepared to share all sorts of fun and useful restaurant style tips and tricks for the kids to learn this year!
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LOUIS EGUARAS
Lead Chef
Woodland Hills - Afternoons
Chef Louis started cooking at the age of thirteen when his mother showed him how to cook spaghetti with meatballs. Since then he has been hooked on cooking. He attended the US Navy's intensive Culinary Arts Academy and graduated in 1992. From there he was stationed at the Camp David Presidential Retreat and worked under the White House Military Office where he personally served and cooked for President George Bush, Sr.and many of the President's guests including Prime Minister John Majors of Great Britain, Prime Minister Mulroney of Canada and celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bruce Willis, Amy Grant and many more. Chef Louis then became a memeber of the White House Staff Mess, a fine dining restaurant in the West Wing and also a member of the Presidential Advance Travel Team making sure that the meals prepared for the President were properly secured. When not in the kitchen or teaching Culinary Arts, you can find Chef Louis traveling the world and checking out different recipes from all over the globe. Chef Louis feels that he has much to share with our Cooking Camp kids! Please visit Chef Louis’ website at http://www.presidentialchef.com
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