Chef Jean-Pierre - cooking school

Chef Jean-Pierre's interest in food preparation developed early in life. Born in Aix-en-Provence in the south of France, Jean-Pierre was the youngest of five children and spent a great deal of time in the kitchen with his mother, Yolande, a Cordon Bleu chef.

His first job at the age of twelve was in a local butcher shop where he mastered the art of charcuterie. Determined to become a chef, he began his formal apprenticeship at L'Ousteau de Baumaniere in Provence, one of the world's best restaurants with a 3-star Michelin rating. He continued his apprenticeship on the French Riviera where he worked at famous restaurants, such as L'Oasis at La Napoule, Le Vendome in Aix-en-Provence, and the Carlton in Cannes.

In 1976 he opened The Left Bank Restaurant which has always been selected by "Gourmet Magazine", "Bon Appetit", "Conde Nast" & "Travel & Leisure" as one of the best restaurants in America for 22 years.

In 1991 The Chef hosted his first Television series "Fearless entertaining with Jean-Pierre" the series was distributed on cable in Broward and Dade County.

In 1994 The Chef hosted his first National "PBS" series "Sunshine Cuisine" with 80 shows, distributed on 280 PBS station across the US, Japan, China & Australia. Also in this year he published in first cookbook of the same name with "William Morrow". The "James Beard" foundation nominated "Sunshine Cuisine" "Best Culinary Video".

In 1997 The Chef opened ''Chef Jean-Pierre's cooking school" where he's taught over 7,000 students the fundamentals of cooking.

In 1998 The Chef hosted his second National "PBS" series "Incredible Cuisine" with 26 shows distributed on 250 PBS stations across the USA. Also in this year he published his second cookbook of the same name with "Time Life". The book was the best selling cookbook for "Time Life" the first two years.

The Chef can also be seen frequently as guest Chef on the "TODAY SHOW" where he has appeared 22 times in the past three years. Chef Jean-Pierre has also appeared on Larry King Live, the Lifetime Channel's, and "CROOK & CHASE".

Chef Jean-Pierre's mailing list has grown from an initial 300 to over 42,000 members.

Chef Rob

Chef Rob began his baking career at the age of ten at Piazza Bakery in Staten Island, N.Y., which was owned by his grandparents. While growing up he received intensive training by his father and grandfather, and upon graduating High School he assumed the position of full time decorator. In 1978 Chef Rob moved to Florida and a year later he and his father purchased Melody Diane Bakery in Sunrise and remained there as an owner-operator for ten years.

Chef Rob began teaching for The Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1993 and has also taught at Johnson and Wales in Miami, Florida Culinary in Palm Beach, and The French Culinary Institute in Manhattan. He is a Certified Executive Pastry Chef, and a Certified Hospitality Educator. He has received numerous accolades for his pastry, sugar, and chocolate work, including two gold medals awarded by The American Culinary Federation.

Our Guest Chefs

Angelo Elia is the chef/owner of "CASA D'ANGELO." We have always enjoyed his exceptional Tuscan style cuisine with a southern Italian flavor. Angelo demands the freshest and the finest products available and uses them to create a simple, nonetheless extraordinary, combinations of flavors and textures. "CASA D'ANGELO" is not only one of the best Italian restaurants in the Florida, but also receives our vote as one of America's finest Italian restaurant. Click Here for details. Eduardo Pria is the chef/owner of "EDUARDO DE SAN ANGEL". We met Eduardo at the Left Bank almost 25 years ago. He was our executive chef before he opened his restaurant. Eduardo's unique blend of true to form traditional Mexican and Spanish cuisine and meticulous preparation of the freshest foods available have won him many regional and national awards. "EDUARDO DE SAN ANGEL" is a destination restaurant for sophisticated diners from all over the globe. It is rated one of the best restaurants in the country. Eduardo will prepare traditional Paella and an appetizer and a dessert form his famous and popular restaurant. Mike Ponluang, owner and Chef of "THAI PEPPER" restaurant in Coral Springs, has become a great success as an instructor in our school. Mike is one of South Florida's finest Thai chefs. His cuisine is absolutely some of the finest Thai I have had anywhere in the world. His classes are filled at least one month in advance, so be sure to check the menu that appeals to you and make your reservation. We are very proud to introduce a new guest chef, Chef Dean Max from the restaurant 3030 inside the MARRIOTT'S HARBOR BEACH RESORT & SPA. 3030 is the result of Dean Max's creative efforts to redefine modern concepts of world food and traditional cooking. The first time I dined at 3030, I could not believe how creative and how brilliant his food was. Chef Max is one of America's finest chefs, his constant search for the finest ingredients and discovery of new techniques makes dinning at his restaurant an experience that would rival any of the world's best restaurants. Dean stresses excellence in execution both in the dining room and the kitchen, and adds a diversity of cooking methods and techniques to create truly audacious dishes. Click Here for details.