Student Profiles
James Lehmann
Professional Culinary Arts
"I've been interested in culinary arts since I was a child. I started cooking in restaurants when I was 16 and fell in love with the job. Going to culinary school has always been my goal, and I'm here reaching that goal now. I was drawn to CAA because of their classes and student to teacher ratio. Now that I'm here I absorb a wealth of knowledge from the chef instructors daily. I am confident that after leaving school I will have the necessary skills and attitude to be able to become a chef myself and open my own place in the future."
Adrianne Strohmann
Professional Culinary Arts
“Since my sophomore year in high school I’ve been interested in the Culinary Arts. Its numerous possibilities and beneficial skills encourage many people to build a career around it. The joy of cooking is found in different ways for different people. I have aspired to be a private chef because cooking for families has always given my joy. I decided to educate myself at the Culinary Academy of Austin because its teacher to student ratio is perfect for a better education. The CAA has many ideas and skills to offer along with job placement to help students start their career. CAA has helped me tremendously in becoming skilled at my work. I am very pleased with my choice of education.”
Janet Roberts
Pastry Arts Program
"I started my pastry career two years ago decorating cakes for special occasions such as weddings, birthdays and anniversaries. I fell in love with it, and wanted to expand my career options. I found the Culinary Academy of Austin, and began in April 2007. Since coming here I have had nothing but positive experiences. The excellent staff here have helped my find my job as a personal chef for a great couple here in Austin. I have also gotten to be apart of a Food Network Production, Super Chefs Live, as well as auditioning for Hell’s Kitchen right here at the school! My future plans are to come back to participate in the culinary program, as well as getting a business management degree. I plan on owning my own bakery or restaurant and I feel that by beginning here, I have laid the perfect foundation for my career."
Mahesh Kalambi
Professional Culinary Arts
"My passion for cooking and cooking started at an early age - helping my mother in arranging the dinner table, serving my family, prepping and making masalas and curries. My pursuit for knowledge of food and cooking continued as I grew older and came to the United States for my Master's in Computer Science, cooking for friends and colleagues. At this stage in my life, I would like to see where my passion will take me.
I decided on the Culinary Academy of Austin (CAA) as my culinary school due to the professionalism, friendliness, care and individual attention I received from the staff. The willingness of the chefs to be interviewed and provide anecdotal experiences, the ability to sit on their classes and the small teacher-to-student ratio were just some of the factors in deciding the CAA as my future culinary school. My education at the CAA has increased my confidence in the kitchen and understanding of the Culinary industry.
When I graduate from the CAA, I would like to experience the industry and eventually be a private chef, teach or a restaurateur."
Jeff Workman
Professional Culinary Arts
"A strong desire for a mid-life career change helped me decide to turn my love of cooking into a professional career. Culinary Academy of Austin has helped me focus that passion into skill. I enjoy the small classes and one-on-one time with experienced chefs. With the training at CAA, my confidence level in the kitchen has skyrocketed and I really enjoy learning different and new techniques of cooking. Small classes not only make it easier to interact with the chefs, but allow us to practice team work with my classmates."
Garrett Telle
Professional Culinary Arts
Garrett comes from San Antonio and is a big Spurs fan. He has always known that he enjoyed cooking and has utilized all that he has learned at CAA. After starting the culinary program he began production on a new series. Garrett shared his talents on Hell's Kitchen, in 2006!
Culinary Academy of Austin
Graduates
What brought me to culinary school was the desire to turn a hobby into a profession.
I chose the Culinary Academy of Austin for the small classes that afford a one on one learning experience and the personal attention the instructors give. Culinary Academy of Austin is a great place for any one who is interested in pursuing a career or just looking to learn more about food.
My time in culinary school has taught me alot. Not only about the culinary arts, but also about team work.
Stephen Sicola
Austin, TX
www.sicolas.com
When I retired recently I realized I didn't have the understanding of the craft of gourmet food that I was now able to afford and enjoy. After taking the Introduction to Culinary Arts and the Introduction to Professional Baking I have a much deeper appreciation for the talent and skill it takes to optimize the experience of dining. I recommend this training with CAA to anyone who recognizes the increased satisfaction from a better educated palate.
Paul Silver
Austin, TX
www.219west.com