—  Ascension Culinary Institute—

A non-profit program for New York City youth, ages 10-21, taught at the Church of the Ascension on West 107th street.
 

ACI is a program designed for teenagers and young adults to learn cooking techniques, while having fun in a safe environment. Aside from learning how to cook and knowing their way around a kitchen, our program builds teamwork, camaraderie, self- confidence and a taste for the unknown.

Once a week a group of aspiring young chefs comes to the church rectory at 6:30 PM and cooks for three hours. They learn to prep, sear, sauté, braise, make sauces, and slice and dice. They're taught French and Italian culinary terms, health and safety issues, as well as to “clean-as you-go”. 

The young chefs set a formal table in the rectory dining room where the food is eaten and discussed--and no one leaves until the kitchen is cleaner than they found it.

The program culminates with an annual fund raising dinner where the new chefs prepare a seven-course meal for 150 + guests and are awarded a certificate of completion. There are several entertainers that perform throughout the evening as well.

Ascension Culinary Institute is run with the support of The Church of the Ascension in New York City.