At Laney College, the Culinary Arts program isn’t just about learning how to cook—it’s about building a career, refining a craft, and stepping into a fast-moving industry with confidence.
Led by Department Chair and Executive Chef Chantal Martin, the program blends real-world experience, global perspective, and hands-on training to prepare students for success in kitchens, restaurants, and beyond.
Born into the restaurant world as a fourth-generation chef, Martin’s journey spans continents and kitchens. She trained in England and Paris, worked in hotels and restaurants across Europe and the United States, and eventually became Chef-Owner of La Brasserie and Trio Bistro in Oakland. Her career also includes time as a private chef, traveling internationally and preparing meals for high-profile political and entertainment figures.
After years in the industry, she brought that experience to Laney—where she now leads one of the most respected culinary programs in Northern California.
Laney’s Culinary Arts Department offers multiple degrees and certificates in areas such as Baking and Pastry, Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management, and Hospitality Management—designed to prepare students for both immediate employment and long-term career growth.
Students gain hands-on experience in everything from foundational knife skills and baking techniques to advanced international cuisine, food cost management, and restaurant operations. The curriculum blends technical training with creativity, discipline, and leadership—key ingredients for success in the culinary industry.
Career pathways are wide-ranging, including roles such as chefs, bakers, caterers, food entrepreneurs, and hospitality managers, with many students going on to run their own businesses or lead in professional kitchens.
At the center of the program is the Laney Bistro, a student-run restaurant that transforms education into experience.
Serving seasonal, globally inspired dishes, the Bistro operates as a live training ground where students take on real roles in a professional kitchen and dining environment. From preparation to plating to service, every detail matters.
“The restaurant is theater,” Martin explains—a space where timing, teamwork, and execution come together in real time.
Originally housed in the Student Center, the Bistro moved into its current home in the E Building after receiving grant funding for a major facilities investment, shifting from a lunch model to an evening dining experience. Today, it serves dinner on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, welcoming both the campus and broader community.
And it’s not just about the food—it’s about connection.
That connection was on full display during a recent Laney College Dinner Member Meetup, where members of Les Dames d’Escoffier gathered at the Bistro for a three-course prix-fixe meal prepared by students.
The evening included a presentation from Chef Martin on the history of the program, followed by a guided tour—offering guests a behind-the-scenes look at how Laney students train for careers in the culinary world.
Events like these are part of a larger vision.
Martin hopes to expand programming that brings more people into the Bistro—ideas include student competitions, chef-led judging panels, and future cook-offs and bake-offs that highlight student talent while connecting with the local food community.
The Culinary Arts program doesn’t operate in isolation. It works alongside Laney’s broader food ecosystem, including campus food services and catering operations, giving students additional exposure to different sides of the industry.
His experience from San Francisco fine dining to international cruise ships helps shape the next generation of culinary professionals with both technical skill and passion.
Chef Martin’s impact extends beyond the kitchen. She is also featured on platforms like The As Told By Podcast and Kay in the Bay, where storyteller Kahja Elliott highlights the people and perspectives behind the food industry—digging deeper into identity, culture, and community.
It’s a natural extension of what’s already happening at Laney.
Because here, food isn’t just something you make—it’s something you understand, share, and build a future around.
Whether students are just starting out or leveling up their skills, Laney’s Culinary Arts program offers a clear pathway forward—grounded in hands-on learning, industry experience, and a strong sense of community.