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    Building & Skilled Trades

    Building & Skilled Trades

    Culinary Arts

    Culinary Arts Cooking

    Master culinary fundamentals, learn a diversity of techniques, and explore the cuisines of the world. Learn from acclaimed chefs and faculty at one of the most esteemed yet affordable culinary schools in Northern California.

    Link To Courses

    Department Overview

    Our unique Culinary Arts program provides a comprehensive, hands-on curriculum that develops each person’s creativity and personal growth. Master the foundations of essential cooking and baking techniques, food science and nutrition, restaurant management, and more. Explore the Bay’s vibrant culinary scene and work closely with distinguished chefs in a range of culinary fields!

    Career Opportunities

    A degree in culinary arts opens up a wide range of career opportunities, including but not limited to:

    1. Chef or Head Cook: Leading kitchens in restaurants, hotels, and other establishments.
    2. Pastry Chef: Specializing in desserts, pastries, and baked goods.
    3. Sous Chef: Assisting the head chef in managing kitchen operations.
    4. Restaurant Manager: Overseeing the daily operations of a restaurant.
    5. Catering Manager: Planning and executing catering events for various occasions.
    6. Food Stylist: Preparing and arranging food for photography, advertisements, and media.
    7. Personal Chef: Providing customized meal preparation services for private clients.
    8. Food and Beverage Manager: Managing food and beverage operations in hotels, resorts, and cruise ships.
    9. Culinary Instructor: Teaching culinary techniques and principles in schools or colleges.
    10. Research Chef: Developing new recipes and food products for food companies.
    11. Food Writer/Critic: Writing reviews, articles, and books about food and dining experiences.
    12. Nutritionist: Focusing on diet planning and healthy eating, often within hospitality settings.
    13. Food Entrepreneur: Starting and managing a food-related business, such as a restaurant, food truck, or specialty food product line.

    These roles leverage the skills and knowledge acquired in a culinary arts program, providing diverse pathways in the culinary and hospitality industries.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Can I take individual classes without enrolling in the full program? 

    Yes. You don’t have to commit to a full program to enroll in a class at Laney Culinary. We encourage anyone who is interested to try our classes and become a part of our community. Beginners should start by taking lower division classes in any of our programs. For more experienced cooks looking to acquire new skills, our upper division courses are open for enrollment (prerequisite coursework is recommended. If you feel you have the experience to enroll directly please contact the Department Chair for further details).

    Why should I attend Laney Culinary School instead of going straight into the culinary industry? 

    Laney Culinary will prepare you for a successful and long-lasting culinary career. Employment in the culinary industry will provide training and experience, but at Laney Culinary you’ll learn a wider variety of skills and knowledge in a supportive and creative environment. We also connect students to career opportunities in the local culinary scene, including iconic restaurants like Chez Panisse where several of our students have interned. Master the fundamentals, learn a diversity of techniques and cuisines, and develop a network of dedicated professors and mentors who are here just for you.

    Is your cooking school open to the public?

    Yes, Laney Culinary School is open to everyone. Whether you are a first time apprentice or an experienced cook, our classes and programs are made for you. For instructions on how to apply and enroll visit our Enroll page.

    What are your COVID Safety protocols?

    Currently Laney College has a mask mandate. Proof of full vaccination or exemption are required and must be provided at least five days before the beginning of classes via Campus Solutions at https://sa.peralta.edu. Students should use the Campus Shield app to answer screening questions for campus access. Weekly Covid tests are provided at no cost.

    How long does it take to complete the Laney Culinary Arts program?

    Our Culinary Arts & Restaurant Management Degree and our Baking and Pastry Degree both take two years (four semesters) to complete, while our Culinary Foundations Certificate takes only one year (two semesters).

    What does it cost to attend the Laney College Culinary Arts program?

    At only $46 per unit, Laney College has one of the most affordable culinary arts programs in the Bay Area. We also have many grants and financial aid opportunities to low-income students. Many students attend Laney Culinary at no cost.

    Who can I talk to for more information about the program?

    For more information about our cooking courses or Laney Bistro, contact Laney Culinary Department Chair, Chantal Martin at cmartin@peralta.edu.

    Contact Us

    Department Chair
    Chef Chantal Martin
    Email: cmartin@peralta.edu
    Phone: (510) 464-3449

    Dean
    Alejandria Tomas
    Email: atomas@peralta.edu

    View All Faculty --->>>

    Learning & Career Pathway
    Building & Skilled Trades

    Division
    Career & Technical Education

    Location
    Building E – Lower Level near the estuary shoreline.

    Cooking Classes: E-100
    Baking Classes:  E-110
    Laney Bistro: E-116

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    Campus Map

    Degrees & Certificates

    Picture for Culinary Foundations (1)
    Culinary Foundations - Certificate of Achievement

    This Certificate is composed of courses designed for the individual seeking to acquire culinary skills for employment within the exciting and fast-growing food service industry. 

    More Info
    Picture for Culinary Arts C.A
    Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management - Certificate of Achievement

    This Certificate offers technical trade theory and practical laboratory experiences in restaurant management and cooking procedures that prepare students for entry into the numerous and diverse job classifications of this exciting and growing industry.

    More Info
    Picture for Culinary Arts A.S. degree
    Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management - A.S. Degree

    This Degree offers technical trade theory and practical laboratory experiences in restaurant management and cooking procedures that prepare students for entry into the numerous and diverse job classifications of this exciting and growing industry.

    More Info
    Culinary Arts class
    Advanced Culinary Techniques - Certificate of Achievement

    This Certificate is designed specifically for culinary industry workers. It is a program of Applied Professional Training meant for hospitality employees, seeking to advance their careers into upper management and/or ownership. 

     

    More Info
    Culinary Arts class
    Baking And Pastry - Certificate of Achievement

    This Certificate prepares you for an entry level baking employment, baker, pastry chef/owner and food industry trend setter or a stepping stone to a four year college. 

    More Info
    Culinary Arts class
    Baking And Pastry - A.S. Degree

    This Degree prepares you for an entry level baking employment, baker, pastry chef/owner and food industry trend setter or a stepping stone to a four year college. 

    More Info
    Laney Bistro

    Let's Meet At Laney Bistro!

    Celebrate the end of your day with a relaxing and delicious dinner at Laney Bistro! Our International and American Cuisine Classes serve seasonally authentic foods from all parts of the globe prepared with a modern flair.

    Bistro Menu & More Info

    Culinary Arts Program Testimonials

    Laney Culinary Arts
    I wouldn’t see myself running my own business without Laney Culinary. It helped me redefine what I had already learned. I had come from being in restaurants to culinary school. Coming here and getting that foundation played a major role in what I do now. The chefs here at Laney were always great and always willing to answer any questions I had.
    Chef Aaron
    Founder of MexiQ
    They’re 100% committed to seeing you do well. What brought me to Laney College was my desire to start cooking professionally. I didn’t have any experience, so I decided to use Laney to start my culinary career. I believe if you work hard, you’re going to go really far. One of the things that happened to me in the program was I got an opportunity to intern at Chez Panisse.
    Chef Ayesha Abdullah
    Founder of Round Midnight

    Faculty

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    Chef Chantal Martin

    (510) 464-3449

    cmartin@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    Lorriann Raji

    (510) 464-3407

    lraji@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    Cheryl Lew

    (510) 464-3407

    clew@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    Laurence Jackson

    (510) 464-3406

    fjackson@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    David Chavez

    pchavez@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    April Bankhead

    abankhead@peralta.edu

    Instructor, Culinary Arts

    Holly Pugliese

    (510) 464-3407

    hpugliese@peralta.edu

    Laney College Enrollment (3)

    Unlock Financial Aid for College Expenses

    Explore the possibilities and find the financial resources you need to succeed.
    You CAN Afford Laney College
    Transfer To A University

    Laney College's AA-T and AS-T degrees guarantee junior standing admission to the CSU system, with priority for local CSU campuses in similar programs. Consult a counselor or transfer specialist for details.

    Go To Transfer Center
    Meet With A Counselor

    Counselors can help you create a Student Educational Plan (SEP) to outline the courses needed for an Associate’s degree, transfer, or certificate, even if you're unsure of your educational goals.

    Go To Counseling
    Uncertain About Your Career Path?

    We provide support with career exploration, self-assessment as well as the major and career decision making process to help all Laney students achieve career satisfaction and success.

     

    Go To Career Counseling