FAQ

Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom General FAQs

Q:  How do I sign up for Chef Eric’s Newsletter to be informed of classes, seasonal events and recipes, and more at Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom?

A:  Look to the right sidebar here to enter your name and email and we’ll start sending you our colorful, information-filled newsletter right away with a discount on your first class. In our newsletter you will receive Seasonal Recipes, Cooking Tips, a Letter from Chef Eric, current Class Listings and more!

Q:  Is Chef Eric available for media interviews?

A:  Of course! Chef Eric is available for Televised Cooking Demonstrations, Radio Interviews, TV Interviews, Publication Interviews and more. For background information, you can see Chef Eric’s full bio and access our media kit on the Press Page here.  To contact us directly about scheduling Chef Eric for an appearance or interview, please email a brief description of your project to cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com. We would love to have your visit our kitchen, however, Chef Eric is also available via phone, Skype or Google Hangout, so let us know what works best for you.

Q: Can we find more information and recipe ideas from Chef Eric in social media?

A:  Yes, we love social media! Chef Eric is active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and is a prolific blogger. He also has numerous instructional videos on YouTube. We invite you to join us, become a part of the community and take part in the conversation via any of these social media platforms to help us continue to serve you best! If you have any questions or comments, we try to answer as many as we can there.

Q.  Does Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom donate cooking classes to charity?

A.  Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom works with CoachArt, an organization that provides Lessons to children with life-threatening or chronic illnesses. Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom also donates scholarships to high school students through A Career through the Culinary Arts program.

General Class Information

Q:  How do I register for a class?

A:  First, choose the class you would like to attend on our Classroom Description pages. Click on the “Register Now” link and it will take you directly to a page that allows you to select how many people will be attending the class and the choose your method payment. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to call 310-470-2640 or email us at cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com.  100% of the Registration Fee must be paid at the time of registration. If you pay by cash or check, you must contact us directly and provide a credit card to confirm your space. Your credit card will automatically be charged if you do not attend the confirmed class or do not give us 48 Hours Notice by telephone

Q:  How do I order a Gift Certificate?

A:  Gift certificates from Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom give the gift of an exceptional culinary experience perfect for everyone from those who rarely step into the kitchen to passionate foodies. Gift Certificates can be used for classes or products such as cookbooks, chef jackets and aprons, kitchen tools and culinary gift baskets. To order a gift certificate, simply click HERE to go to our Gift Certificates page where you can easily place your order online and have it emailed to you ASAP.  We can add chef knives, cookbooks, chef jackets and aprons, kitchen tools and create a culinary gift basket for you, OR we can give your gifts to the Certificate recipient AT CLASS!

Q:  Are Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom cooking classes full participation?

A:  All classes are hands-on, participation. Each class begins with a lecture, then moves on to the magic of the kitchen. At the end of the class we are able to enjoy the meal and all dishes made during the class.

Q:  What is appropriate attire when I attend a class?

A:  Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom simulates a professional kitchen. We ask that you dress comfortably and wear closed-toe shoes. An apron is provided free of charge for everyone in the class.

Q:  Are you able to offer Kosher options for your classes?

A:  I have had a lot of people who keep Kosher who take my classes. Some of them eat what they can, don’t mix dairy and meat, don’t eat shellfish, etc. You may bring your own Kosher meats – just contact me ahead of time so I can advise you on what to bring. We try to be as accommodating as possible while working in a non-Kosher kitchen. Please feel free to call or email us with further questions.

Q:  Are you able to offer options for your classes for those with dietary restrictions?

A:  I have had a lot of people with dietary restrictions and food allergies take my classes. We try to be as accommodating as possible. Please feel free to call or email us with further questions.

Q:  Will I be allowed to take home any food we prepare during class?

A:  No food is allowed to leave Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom at the end of class.

Q:  What is your refund policy?

A:  Refunds will only be given if a class is canceled by Chef Eric. If you are unable to attend a class that you have already registered and paid for:

  • We will give you a credit toward another class of your choice if you notify us by telephone at least 48 hours prior to class time. This credit will be valid for one year.
  • Or, you have the option of letting a friend attend class in your place – just send us the name by phone or email at least 24 hours in advance.

NOTE: There are NO Makeup Classes available for: Culinary Basics Series or Children’s Academies (offered June-August every year).

Classes start on time; please have courtesy for your fellow students and be prompt to classes. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. All recipes are subject to change due to seasonal availability of items, quality of items and the desire of the Chef.

MASTER CHEF PROGRAM QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

Q:  Is it possible to Audit a Program Class before signing up to see what the Master Chef Program is like?

A:  You are welcome to Audit Chef Eric’s Master Chef Program Class for free. During an Audit, you are able to attend the lecture and observe the students in action. You need to make an appointment to Audit. Contact us at cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com or 310-470-2640 to schedule your Audit. (This applies to the Master Baking Program as well).

Q:  Are there Vegetarian Options available in your Master Chef Program Classes? 

A:  Since we have many Vegetarians take the Master Chef Program, every session has vegetarian options. For example, during Class #2 we work on a Vegetable Stock, which is actually very involved and requires the most skill out of all of the stocks today.  Class #13 has a very flavorful Roasted Vegetable Torta, which is included in the Garde Manger Class because it is often made ahead and served room temperature, as many Garde Manger items are. These options, and many others, accommodate Vegetarian students and spark their creativity.

Q:  Are you able to offer Kosher options for your Master Chef Program Classes?

A:  I have had a lot of people who keep Kosher who take my Master Chef Program. Some of them eat what they can, don’t mix dairy and meat, don’t eat shellfish, etc. You may bring your own Kosher meats – just contact me ahead of time so I can advise you on what to bring. We try to be as accommodating as possible while working in a non-Kosher kitchen. Please feel free to call or email us with further questions.

Q:  Are you able to offer options for your classes for those with dietary restrictions?

A:  I have had a lot of people with dietary restrictions take my classes. We try to be as accommodating as possible. Please feel free to call or email us with further questions.

Q: Are there payment plans available for the Master Chef Program?

A:  Yes, we are happy to offer payment plans for the Master Chef Program. You may pay in full by going to the shopping cart ONLY HERE. Option #1, we require a deposit of $1,250 followed by one additional automatic credit card payment 30 days later – this includes the additional $100 fee for a total of $2,500. Option #2 has four payments. We require a deposit of $650 followed by three additional automatic credit card payments – each 30 days later. This includes the additional $200 fee with this payment option for a total of $2,600. To take advantage of the Payment Plan Options, you MUST register here: http://culinaryclassroom.com/professional-programs/

Q:  If I miss any of the Master Chef Program classes, can I make them up?

A:  You may miss one class in the Master Chef Program to achieve a Certificate. You may make up one class free of charge – After that, you must pay $100 for the class in order to attend. It is your responsibility to schedule make up classes with the office via email at cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com.  If you schedule a makeup class and you do not show up, or need to change your makeup date, you are considered a no show and you must pay an additional $50 to reschedule that make up class.

MASTER BAKING PROGRAM QUESTIONS/ANSWERS

Q:  Is it possible to Audit a Program Class before signing up to see what the Master Baking Program is like?

A:  You are welcome to Audit Chef Eric’s Master Baking Program Class for free. During an Audit, you are able to attend the lecture and observe the students in action.  You do need to make an appointment to Audit.  Contact us at cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com or 310-470-2640 to schedule your Audit.

Q:  Are you able to offer options for your classes for those with dietary restrictions?

A:  I have had a lot of people with dietary restrictions take my classes. We try to be as accommodating as possible. We offer Gluten-Free Options wherever possible. Please feel free to call or email us with further questions.

Q:  Are there payment plans available for the Master Baking Program Classes?

A:  Yes, we are happy to offer payment plan for the Master Baking Program. You may pay in full by going to the shopping cart ONLY HERE. Option #1, we require a $800 deposit followed by one additional automatic credit card payment 30 days later – this includes the additional $100 for a total of $1,600. Option #2 has three payments. We require a $550 deposit followed by two additional automatic credit card payments – each 30 days later. This includes the additional $150 fee with this payment option for a total of $1,650. To take advantage of the Payment Plan Options, you MUST register here: http://culinaryclassroom.com/professional-programs/

Q:  If I miss any of the Master Baking Program classes, can I make them up?

A:  You may miss one class in the Master Baking Program to achieve a Certificate. After that, you must pay $100 for the class in order to attend. It is your responsibility to schedule make up classes with the office via email at cheferic@culinaryclassroom.com. If you schedule a makeup class and you do not show up, or need to change your makeup date, you are considered a no show and you must pay an additional $50 to reschedule that make up class.

Miscellaneous Program Information

Q:  MAy I take the Master Chef and Master Baking Programs at the same time?

A:  Yes!  I have many students take both Master Programs simultaneously, especially if they are in a time crunch and they want to get their careers and businesses started right away. We have many students from other countries take both Programs at one time and return to their country to start their own businesses, cafes, restaurants, cupcake shops, etc.

Q:  What is the Certificate?  What can I do with it?

The Certificate is verification that you have been taught all of the techniques that Chef Eric was taught at the Culinary Institute of America, in a condensed manner. Restaurants and Chefs recognize students that graduate from Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom are qualified to begin their work in the Culinary Industry.

Many of Chef Eric’s students have used their Certificate to start their careers and many others are succeeding in the Restaurant Industry. Feel free to call or email Chef Eric and he will fill you in on the most recent crop of happy and successful students!

A Certificate from Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom is not the same as a Certificate that you would obtain by going to a full-time school, such as Le Cordon Bleu. At Chef Eric’s Culinary Classroom, you are encouraged to practice in between classes and to complete your homework and reading. The more you practice, the more you will learn.  The main difference is cost AND schedule. With both types of schooling, “you get out of your education what you put into your education.”

Chef Eric also discusses career aspirations with students and gives them a plan of action to achieve their personal Culinary goals. We have a very active JOB BOARD of companies looking to hire Chef’s and Bakers.

INTERNSHIPS are available in the Culinary Classroom Kitchen.

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Testimonials

I have really enjoyed the Basic Skills Class. It was very instructive, fun and a great way to ‘cook with new friends.’ I have learned how to properly chop, use knives and many other skills we take for granted. I can’t wait for my next class.
Sharyn Powell, Culinary Basics Series Graduate