If you’re tired of eating the same bland meals or you’re chowing down too many pre-packaged foods, it may be time to step up your cooking skills. Luckily, you don’t need to be Chef Ramsay to put together a delicious meal. The experienced chefs from the Culinary Academy at the Leonardo Da Vinci Centre can teach you some tricks of the trade.

The school offers cooking classes in a wide array of different cuisines from all over the world. There’s an impressive roster of chefs, both renowned and local, who are ready to impart their culinary wisdom. “Our classes are unique because people learn from chefs who are experts in their fields,” says Cristina Mucciardi, Director of culinary activities at the LDV Centre. “For example, we have chefs who specialize in seafood or Indian cuisines, who have spent years exploring the best techniques.”

A Family Experience

Culinary Academy is family-oriented and offers classes tailored for children, teens and adults. It’s never too early to start learning the basics of cooking, and parents may be surprised at what their offspring are able to whip up in the kitchen.

But it’s not just about learning how to cook, it’s also about bringing people together. Friends and families have a unique opportunity to spend time together as they create a meal they can later enjoy.

The Benefits of Cooking

Cooking with whole foods has a slew of health benefits. “People are more health conscious today,” says Mucciardi. “They want to know what’s in the food they’re eating and they want to steer clear of foods rich in preservatives or other unhealthy ingredients.”

It’s also a money saver. When you buy fresh ingredients, you get more value for your buck. Cooking your own meals is a cheaper option than dining out or consuming ready-made meals.

Many also believe that cooking helps relieve stress. When you’re cooking, you’re in the moment and not worrying about your bills. Cooking can be seen as an art form rather than a chore.

What’s Trending and What’s Next

Mucciardi says that people are drawn to healthy cooking these days, anything from vegan to BBQ seafood. Other popular classes involve creating fresh pasta, holiday treats and some quick, healthy meal ideas to save on time.

Culinary Academy is always innovating and keeping things fresh, literally and figuratively. They are creating an exciting contest that will offer classes led by different chefs. At the end, participating adults, teens and children can win an all-expense paid trip to Italy to attend a week of culinary school. The contest will be launched in 2018 and is sure to get the creative juices flowing.