Introduction
After over 17 years of operation, Classic Cooking Academy has become one of the most popular cooking schools in metropolitan Arizona. If you’re interested in checking what we offer, this page will serve as a general overview to tell you what we’re all about.
Are you a knife-shy beginner cook? Would you like to expand your home-cooking skills? Do you want to take your culinary arts dreams to the next level? You have found the right culinary school! Our professionally trained instructors will guide you through your experience and there are multiple options to choose from. Our Practical or Pastry Series is for the serious in mind or attend one of our single cooking classes that were designed to balance hands-on learning and fun. Private and professional groups may also reserve their own cooking classes. Come learn techniques rather than just reading a recipe. At Classic Cooking Academy we are passionate about the art of cooking. Become the master of your kitchen!
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Classic Cooking Welcomes Everyone!
Our Motto: Educate Your Appetite
In 1826, French gastronome Anthelme Brillat-Savarin wrote, “Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are”.
Classic Cooking Academy wants everyone to gain the knowledge of proper food preparation with health and nutrition in mind. While most people attend our classes and events for the items on our menus, half of our value lies within the education our instructors and staff impart. If you expand your culinary knowledge, we guarantee that it will improve your day-to-day lifestyle.
Vision and Mission
Classic Cooking Academy’s vision is to become a stalwart institution committed to essential culinary education. With this in mind, Classic Cooking Academy’s mission is split into the following components:
- To provide affordable and quality education, developing well-rounded culinary enthusiasts in both theory and technique of cuisine.
- To offer specialized training based on modern technology and methods, which include health, nutrition, sustainability, food science, and current trends.
- To teach traditional and contemporary concepts of product usage, dietary foundations, and skills on culinary topics.
History
Founders Pascal and Donna Dionot opened Classic Cooking Academy in 2007 with the dedication to offer the best culinary education in the Valley of the Sun. Over the years, the school has become a go-to spot for cooking classes, weekly programs, team building events, private parties, business meetings, health & wellness seminars, wine education, and more.
Classic Cooking has slowly accumulated a bounty of recognition from customers and students. The school has become a favorite getaway destination for companies (such as Honeywell, Intel, GoDaddy) looking for a break outside the office. Graduates of Classic Cooking’s weekly programs have found their own success with their new skill-sets. The school’s success has garnered numerous accolades, including a Finalist Spot for the Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce’s Sterling Awards.
As of 2024, Pascal and Donna Dionot’s son Jeff has taken over ownership of Classic Cooking. Having been present from the beginning of its creation, Jeff hopes to continue the current business model of the school. He currently works alongside the indispensable Executive Chef Andrew Schmidt to create, host, and publicize all current and upcoming offers.
Testimonials
If you don’t want to take our word, take a look at what our guests and students had to say about their time at Classic Cooking:
