UAA Culinary Arts

  • UAA Culinary Arts

    The Culinary Arts Department trains students with the necessary skills to become exemplary culinarians through the development of classical cooking techniques, baking and pastry arts, front-of-house service, and restaurant management. Students earn nationally recognized certifications, which make them job ready.

Announcements:

Culinary and Baking Boot Camps for Youth: Registration is now open! Find all the details below or 

 

Need to find a one-credit elective for Fall Semester? Check out our Elective Courses for Enthusiasts in the tab below! 

2025 Summer Culinary & Baking Boot Camps For Youth

We had a great time at Boot Camps 2024 and we're looking forward to getting campers back into the kitchen in June 2025!

For Youth ages 12-17

Registration is NOW OPEN!

The 2025 schedule is posted below as well as basic camp information. Space is limited and camps will fill quickly.

if the camp you want is full, contact sjwagner@alaska.edu to be added to the waitlist. 

 

While you wait for June to roll around, we are offering a Youth Cooking Club Series this spring! The remaining classes are Desserts 1 on March 22nd and Desserts 2 on April 19th. Visit our Community Culinary Courses tab for course descriptions or click the link to register.

Please contact Sam Wagner at 907-786-1165 or sjwagner@alaska.edu with any questions.

Culinary Boot Camp Student

 

 2025 Camp Schedule

Monday - Friday, 10:00am to 3:00pm

Cuddy Hall, UAA Campus

Fee: $600

Fee includes chef jacket, hat, culinary tool, expert instruction, lunch recipes and a fun learning experience!

 

Food Technology Boot Camp is for youth ages 12-17 interested in engineering and the culinary arts. Cooking is one of humanity鈥檚 most ancient technologies! Students will learn about the technology of food, from techniques that go back to prehistoric times to modern kitchen appliances, and about how these technologies shape our cultural connections to cuisine. There will be hands-on practice with instructor led demonstrations and supervision. Students must be able to work independently as well as in a group.

Sessions: June 2-6

 

Beginning Culinary Arts Boot Camp is for youth ages 12-17 who wish to acquire basic cooking techniques that they can take from the classroom to their home kitchen.  Students will learn knife skills, safety and sanitation practices, order of operations, how to read a recipe, culinary vocabulary, and most importantly will be preparing a wide variety of meat, fish, and vegetarian dishes from scratch. There will be hands-on practice with instructor led demonstrations and supervision. Students must be able to work independently as well as in a group. 

Sessions: June 9-13 & June 16-20 & June 23-27 

 

Decorative Baking Skills Boot Camp is for youth ages 12-17 interested in exploring hands-on practice of basic artistic decorative skills.  Student will focus on simple and formal cake and pastry decoration techniques to include working with fondant, royal icing and buttercream icing. There will be hands-on practice with instructor led demonstrations and supervision. Students must be able to work independently as well as in a group. 

Sessions: June 2-6 & June 16-20

 

Beginning Bakery Boot Camp is for youth ages 12-17 interested in exploring the basic methods and techniques of baking and pastry arts! Students will learn proper measurement, safety and sanitation practices, order of operations, how to read a recipe, baking vocabulary and most importantly, will be preparing a wide variety of baked goods from scratch! There will be hands-on practice with instructor led demonstrations and supervision. Students must be able to work independently as well as in a group. 

Sessions: June 9-13 & June 23-27

  • Culinary & Baking Boot Camp FAQ's

    SUMMER 2025 CULINARY AND BAKERY BOOT CAMP QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

      

    What time do camps begin and end? How early can I drop my child off?  How late can I pick up?

    Camps begin at 10:00 a.m. and end at 3:00 p.m, Monday through Friday. We do not have capabilities for before or after care, therefore it is very important that your child does not arrive before 9:45 a.m., and is picked up no later than 3:15 p.m.

     I would like to switch to a different camp.

    No problem 鈥 as long as there is space in the desired camp, before the first day of camp. Please call our office at (907) 786-1165 or email sjwagner@alaska.edu.

    How do I cancel my child鈥檚 camp?

    As soon as you know that your child will not be able to attend, contact us at (907) 786-1165 or sjwagner@alaska.edu to cancel. Cancellations made seven days or more in advance of your scheduled camp will receive a 100% refund.

    What should my child wear for the camp and what supplies are provided?

    For safety reasons, all students must wear closed toed shoes and long pants 鈥 No shorts, skirts, or flip flops.  A chef coat, toque, and apron will be provided on first day of class.  In all camps, students will be provided with the supplies, tools, and equipment needed to accomplish the tasks of the day. On the last day of camp, students will be given a tool to take home along with a certificate of completion, recipe packet, and their uniform. Students may also bring home samples to snack on throughout the week!

    Should they bring a packed lunch?

    Lunch is provided! A menu will be shared with you one week before camp. We will do our best to accommodate allergies that are identified in the 鈥淚nformation Card and Medical Release," but we may not be able to meet the needs of every camper. You are encouraged to pack a lunch for your child if they have restrictions or if they are a picky eater. Refrigeration can be provided.

    Due to a previously scheduled appointment my child will be late arriving or will need to leave early. Do I need to tell you?

    Yes, let us know by completing the 鈥淎dditional Information鈥 registration form, or send an email to sjwagner@alaska.edu.  Please note that it is disruptive to the class for a student to arrive late or leave early as projects are group based. We ask that you to minimize these types of interruptions by scheduling appointments outside of camp times.

    What if my child is sick?

    Please call us at (907) 786-1165 or email sjwagner@alaska.edu prior to 10:00 a.m. to let us know. If we have not heard from you and your child has not arrived by 10:30 a.m., we will give you a call. 

    Do I have to come in to drop off and pick up my child?

    Yes, on the first day! A responsible adult must accompany your child to check in on the first day of class. To expedite the first day check in, please complete and return all registration forms before Monday morning. For the rest of the week you may drive through the parking area adjacent to the open side door and drop off your child. For pick up you may do the same. Our Chef Assistants will be waiting with all students at the end of the day, and your child will need to check out with them prior to leaving.  Entry/exit is through the east side door of Lucy Cuddy Hall, accessed from the west campus central parking lot adjacent to Rasmussen Hall.  A visible sign will be posted. If you prefer to require an adult to come in to check out your child, please indicate this on the 鈥渁dditional information鈥 form in the registration paperwork.

    Parking?

    Access to our building will be no earlier than 9:45 a.m. Lucy Cuddy Hall is in the West Campus Central Lot, and parking is only allowed in a valid parking spot.  If you wish, you may purchase an hourly parking voucher at $2.00 per hour or $10.00 per day from the Pay and Park Machine in the lot Mon-Thurs.  Parking is free on Fridays.  You can also download Passport from the App Store to pay by phone!

    Do not block ADA parking spaces or use them without proper documentation on display.

    After checking in the first day, you may drive by the east side of Cuddy Hall and drop off /pick up at the posted door.  Please do not arrive earlier than 2:45 p.m. to pick your student up unless you park in a valid spot. Students will be dismissed at 3:00 p.m. unless class finishes early.

     Please keep our students safety in mind at all times as you are dropping off and picking up.  AT NO TIME WILL VEHICLES BE ALLOWED TO 鈥淲AIT鈥 IN TRAFFIC LANES.  This lot is patrolled daily and safety is our number one priority.

    How many campers are in each class?

    Each camp accepts up to 14 students. In each camp your child will be learning skills from our Chef Instructor-Faculty and an experienced Chef Assistant. Students will be working mostly in groups of two or three. Please note that your child is expected to actively participate in all activities, independently and as part of a group.

    Is there extra support offered for my child they have an IEP with their school district?

    No - we do not have additional staff to work individually with students who need extra support. Please call us at (907) 786-1165 if you wish to clarify or have questions.

    What if my child has a medical or dietary concern?

    Please indicate on the 鈥淚nformation Card and Medical Release Form." We will do our best to make accommodations, but we may not be able to meet the specific dietary needs of each camper. Please call us at (907) 786-1165 if you wish to clarify or have a question.

    Do you have lockers for valuables?

    Yes, although locks are not provided. Your student is welcome to bring their own lock. 

    Can my child bring their cell phone?

    Of course! However, they must either be locked in a locker or kept in their personal belongings while class is in session. If you need to get an urgent message to your child please call us at (907) 786-1165.

     

    We are committed to ensuring your child has an enjoyable and safe experience at our Culinary and Bakery Summer Boot Camps!  If you have any questions that are not covered above, please give us a call at (907) 786-1165 or email sjwagner@alaska.edu.

 

Elective Courses for Enthusiasts

  • 490 classes
    CA A490 Electives
  • 490 classes
    CA A490 Electives

We offer a variety of 1-credit hands-on courses that are open to the community and all UAA students, staff, and faculty. Our courses are fun, engaging, and hands-on. All equipment and products are provided for students enrolled in these courses.  Scroll down for all of our up coming course offerings.

Current students and community members are welcome to sign up for these course. If you are not currently a student at UAA you will need to apply as a Non-Degree-Seeking student. Processing times are 1-5 business days. 
 
If you have any questions on how to register for classes as a degree-seeking or non-degree seeking student contact Whitney Flores wdlowell@alaska.edu or 907-786-1409. 
 
*Lab fees vary by class, tuition and other fees will apply. Please review UAA's Tuition and Fees page to learn more about other associated costs. 

African Diaspora - 75807 - CA A490

Class Schedule:  Saturdays - August 30, September 6, & September 13 - 10:00am - 4:00pm

Join Fatoumata Faye, a Culinary Arts alumna as she guides you through the cuisines and flavors of Gambia, Nigeria, and Morocco.

 *NEW* Cocina Peruana - CRN 75808 - CA A490

Class Schedule: Saturdays - September 20, September 27, & October 4 -  10:00am - 4:00pm

Join Riza Brown as she guides you through the rich and diverse culinary landscape of Peru in this immersive one-credit course. From the bold, comforting dishes of Creole influences to the unique Japanese-Peruvian fusion of Nikkei and the dynamic flavors of Chinese-Peruvian Chifa, this course explores how indigenous traditions, immigrant influences and local ingredients have shaped one of the world鈥檚 most exciting food cultures. Through hands-on cooking, tastings, and discussions, students will gain an appreciation for Peru鈥檚 vibrant food scene and learn techniques to recreate these global flavors in their own kitchens. Perfect for food lovers and culinary enthusiasts alike! 

Butchery 101: Pork - CRN 76169 - CA A490 

Class Schedule: Saturdays - October 18, October 25, & November 1 - 9:00am - 3:00pm

Ever wonder what the difference is between a St Louis-style spare rib and a baby back rib? Join Chris Miller to learn the answer to this and so much more as he guides you through the world of butchering pork from primal cuts into common subprimals. 

Holiday Baking 2 - CRN 75803 - CA A490 

Class Schedule: Fridays November 7 & November 14, 5:30pm - 8:30pm, - Saturdays November 8 & November 15, 10:00 am 

In this lab, students will create all the necessities for the holiday baking season. Multiple variations of recipes and techniques are covered to prepare students to recreate delicacies at home, just in time for the holidays.

  • Previous Offerings

    Charcuterie and Salumi 

    In this class students will learn advanced French and Italian techniques in the preparation of fermented sausages, dry curing, and smoked meats.  

    CannaBasics2 

    CannaBasics 2 is an educational hands-on class that builds upon the foundation of its predecessor, CannaBasics, to provide students with comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for cooking with cannabis safely and within legal boundaries. This course delves deeper into the art of cannabis-infused cuisine, covering essential topics such as dosage control, strain selection, decarboxylation, and extraction methods. With a focus on responsible consumption and compliance with local regulations, CannaBasics 2 equips students with the expertise needed to create delicious, cannabis-infused dishes while prioritizing safety and legality. *You must be 21 to register. There will be no handling or consumption of cannabis in this class. We will work theoretically with approved substitutions in recipes.*

    Food Preservation  

    An introduction to preserving foods at home using pressure canning, boiling water bath, fermenting, and dehydrating methods. In this lab, students will make and take home the product of varied preservation techniques, including canned soup, dried pasta, pickles, cultured dairy, jams, dehydrated produce, and fermented foods and beverages.

    From Grain to Glass

    Join brewer/owner Ted Rosenzweig of Turnagain Brewing for an introduction to beer brewing, beer science, and the range of beer styles. Together, we will brew a batch of beer, sample some classic beers, and taste our creations expertly paired with delicious bites. *Must be 21 years or older to register. Proof of age will be required.

    Butchery 101: Beef

    Experienced butcher and beef expert, Chris Miller, will guide you through the world of beef butchery through demonstrations, and hands-on learning. Learn how to fabricate primal cuts into secondary cuts and explore the process of hanging and dry aging.

    Modernist Cuisine 

    Over three sessions we will dive into the world of modernist cuisine. We will prepare gels, foams, glue meats, aerate, compress and cook sous vide. This is a great opportunity for anyone with an understanding of food and cooking to expand the realm of possibility, or an opportunity for novice cooks to have fun and explore. We will eat our preparations.

 

Photo of the outside of Lucy's Restaraunt at UAA

Enjoy an elegant meal at UAA's student-run fine dining restaurant, Lucy's. 

Example Menu For Lucy's

Make a Reservation!

Reservations for Spring Semester 2025 will open on March 18th in the afternoon.

Our reservations fill up quickly. If reservations are full on your preferred day, please use the Notify button in Resy and it will notify you if something opens up for the day you specified

Please follow us on social media for updates on when reservations will become available each semester!

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Dates and Hours of Operation

Spring Semester - March 27th - April 25th

Open Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday

From 11:30am - 2:00pm, last seating at 12:30pm

Learn More About Lucy's!

 

Community Culinary Courses

Community Culinary Courses are available for anyone in the community who would like to learn more about various culinary subjects. We are offering two series during this academic year, one for adults (ages 18+) and one youth (ages 13-17). No experience necessary; you can take just one class, or the whole series! Please click the link to register or on the course titles below. - Stay tuned for Fall 2025 offerings!

Cost: $150/class
Location: Lucy Cuddy Hall/Skills Development Kitchen
Instructor: Chef Lukas Doherty
Question/Contact Email: Ltdoherty@alaska.edu

Adult Boot Camp Series

More to come in Fall 2025!

Youth Cooking Club Series

More to come in Fall 2025!

We are wrapped for Spring 2025 - See you in September!

Thank you for the continued enthusiastic support of The Bakery Cart! We had a great semester and we'll be back in the fall with more of your favorite treats. 

 

Online Pre-Orders and In-Person Sales

Orders will only be accepted online at The Bakery Cart at Lucy's Mobile Bites site starting at 10:45 a.m. on the day of service and closing at 11:00 a.m. In-person sales begin at 11:15am until sold out or 12pm at the latest. We accept cash or credit card payment.  Please no phone calls.  You may pick up your order at Lucy Cuddy Hall, inside Lucy's. Upon arrival, check in with a baking student, lab aid, or Chef Puff before retrieving your items (this ensures orders are going to the correct people). All orders must be picked up by 12 p.m. The Bakery Cart is student-run and part of the CA A111 Bakery Skills Development Lab curriculum. Please be patient as this is a learning experience for our students. We appreciate your support!

The Bakery Cart

Save the Date for the 31st Annual Celebrity Chef Invitational March 5th, 2026!


The 2025 Celebrity Chef Invitational

30th Anniversary

A wonderful evening of fine food, exquisite wine, and fundraising for the next generation of culinary professionals!

 Chef Tim Doebler wearing a medal

It was an honor and a privilege to have Chef Tim Doebler as our 2025 Celebrity Chef. He and an all-star team of UAA Culinary Arts alumni and students recreated the original 1993 menu with modern updates. The live auction was a great success thanks to our generous donors!

A huge thank you to all who attended, donated, volunteered, and planned this fantastic event. It was a magical evening and would not have been the same without each and every one of you!

 

If you were unable to celebrate this milestone with us, you can still support UAA Culinary Arts students! Whether you can contribute $30, $300, or $3,000, every donation helps our students reach their goals!  -

 

Contact Chef Kellie Puff at kjpuff@alaska.edu with questions.

 

 

 

 

Contact Us

Faculty & Staff Directory

Culinary Arts
麻豆无码版
3400 Seawolf Drive
Anchorage, AK 99508
United States
Tel: (907) 786-1487
Fax: (907) 786-1402