About Us
The Real Food Academy is a cooking school led by the talented Chef Maria Cummins. Chef Maria infuses a fusion of cultural flair and nutrition into her teachings, emphasizing the importance of altering ingredients to create healthy and delicious cuisine. The academy offers cooking classes for children and adults alike, aiming to ignite a passion for cooking and the power of wholesome ingredients.
Cooking Activities
The Real Food Academy
Cultivate your culinary curiosity at The Real Food Academy, where the essence of cooking transforms into an art form, a place of discovery, a celebration of flavors, and an education on the importance of healthy eating and real, unprocessed ingredients. Led by the culinary visionary Chef Maria Cummins, we've reimagined the traditional cooking school concept into vibrant, engaging cooking activities that transcend the ordinary.
Chef Maria's journey, blossoming from the vibrant flavors of Venezuela to the diverse culinary landscapes of the United States, has crafted her unique approach to cooking. She brings a fusion of cultural flair and a deep understanding of nutrition to our academy. Her guiding principle, “We don’t change the dish, we change the ingredients,” isn't just a tagline; it's a revolutionary approach to cooking and eating, inspiring our students to explore the endless possibilities of healthy and delicious cuisine.
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Real Food Blog
65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party
At Real Food Academy, we know planning a birthday party can be overwhelming and stressful, but we're here to make it easy and fun. Read on to see a few of our favorite themes to choose from.
Knife Skills Every Beginner Cook Should Know
One of the first skills novice chefs need to acquire is proficient knife handling. Learn more about these key knife skills for beginners, brought to you by The Real Food Academy!
4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking
With these tips from The Real Food Academy, you'll be able to conquer your fear of the kitchen and enjoy delicious homemade meals in no time.
Essential Tips to Make You a Better Cook
It takes patience and practice to become a great cook. With a few tips from The Real Food Academy, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and impressive dishes in no time.
How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class
At The Real Food Academy, we believe that cooking is about creating an experience. Read on for some tips about how to get the most out of a cooking class!
Why Your Child Needs To Spend At Least One Week At The Real Food Academy This Summer
Learn exactly why your child should spend at least one week at The Real Food Academy! Here's what you need to know!
Real Food Recipes
Baked Apple Cinnamon Empanadas
Asian Cole Slaw
Avocado Fries
Baked Fries
Berry Sorbet with Super Food Toppings
Real Food FAQs
No. All Payments and Deposits are non-refundable: When a payment or deposit is made, that day and time is no longer available to other customers on our calendar. For that reason, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.
In the case of a cooking class, the ingredients are shopped for and prepped in advance. Staff is also scheduled according to the number of people on the roster.
See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house kids party options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.
Corkage Fees
- $15 per 750 ml bottle of wine
- $30 per 1.5 L bottle of wine
Bring outside beer: $20 for beer (any quantity)
We love it when our customers decorate our place. That said, you have no idea how difficult it is to clean these types of things up. As far as noisemakers go......you will be glad you left them at home as well. So please do not bring any of those things.
100%
Hands-On
All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!
Things to Do at The Real Food Academy
Passion for Cooking and Wholesome Ingredients
At The Real Food Academy, we offer a unique adventure. Our cooking classes, designed for both kids and adults, are not just about learning recipes; they're about igniting a passion for cooking and understanding the power of wholesome ingredients. We create a lively, interactive atmosphere where students of all ages can unleash their culinary creativity and discover the joy of cooking from scratch.
Life’s celebrations find a special home at our academy. Our made-to-order parties and events, ranging from playful children’s birthday parties to sophisticated corporate affairs, are flavor-filled journeys. Every celebration is an opportunity to craft memorable experiences with custom-designed menus by our professional chefs that add a personal touch to every occasion.
Our commitment to nurturing the next generation of food enthusiasts is evident in our programs for children and teens. From after-school culinary courses to engaging weekend classes to week-long seasonal camps, we offer a nurturing environment where young minds can learn about food, nutrition, and cooking. These cooking classes are not just educational; they are a canvas for creativity, a playground for new skills, and a place to nurture lifelong healthy eating habits.
Unveiling the Real Culinary Philosophy
At our cooking school in Miami, Florida, we abide by a simple yet transformative mantra:
“We don’t change the dish, we change the ingredients!”
If a cooking school and functional medicine had a baby - it would be The Real Food Academy. This philosophy empowers our aspiring chefs, both young and adult, to cook what they love while incorporating healthy, all-natural substitutes. The result? Meals that are not only better for them but also taste better, creating a harmonious blend of health and flavor.
Tailored Culinary Celebrations
We go beyond the classroom with our private cooking classes in Miami, ideal for birthday parties, corporate events, or any gathering worth celebrating. Our professional chefs craft custom menus, turning your special occasions into unforgettable culinary experiences.
Our Commitment
Whether you're a young chef just starting or an adult looking to refine your culinary skills, the Real Food Academy is committed to fostering a love for real, wholesome ingredients. Join us on this culinary journey where cooking becomes an art, and every meal is a celebration of taste, health, and the joy of good food.
Popular Classes
Check Upcoming Schedule for Course Availability
Revive and Rejuvenate With Plant-Based Superfoods
Embrace the power of nature in this class, where plant-based superfoods are the stars, creating dishes that rejuvenate the body and delight the palate.
A Trip to Bombay
Journey through Bombay's bustling streets in this class, where aromatic spices and vibrant flavors bring the essence of Indian cuisine to life.
Soul Food With Love
Stir up some soul in our kitchen with dishes that weave rich flavors and heartfelt traditions, creating the ultimate comfort food experience.
Knife Skills & Essential Cooking Technique
Sharpen your culinary prowess as you slice, dice, and chop your way through essential kitchen techniques, laying the foundation for culinary excellence.
All About Pasta Making
Unravel the secrets of authentic pasta making, turning flour and eggs into shapes and textures, each draped in sumptuous sauces.
Love on a Plate (Valentines's Day)
Infuse romance into every bite with dishes crafted for love, blending passion and flavor for a truly romantic Valentine's culinary adventure.
Celebrity Chef Guests
Be inspired by the stars of the culinary world as celebrity chefs bring their flair and finesse and share their secrets for extraordinary cooking.
Soups Galore
Simmer and season your way to soup perfection, discovering the art of crafting everything from robust winter broths to refreshing summer soups.
The World of Asian Cuisine
Traverse the diverse culinary landscapes of Asia, from the fiery woks of Thailand to the sushi counters of Japan, in a flavor-packed exploration.
The Magic of Raw Food
Unlock the colorful potential of raw ingredients, creating dishes that burst with natural flavors, vibrant colors, and nourishing goodness.
Healthy Meals in 20 Minutes
Transform your daily dining with quick, healthful, and delectable dishes that bring gourmet flair to your table in just 20 minutes.
Ceviche Workshop
Plunge into the zesty world of ceviche, mastering the delicate balance of fresh seafood, tangy citrus, and a twist of herbs and spices.
Spinach Stuffed Shells
Revel in the joy of stuffed shells, a delightful dance of tender pasta filled with creamy spinach and cheese, baked to perfection.
Exploring Sushi
Roll into the artful world of sushi, where rice, fish, and nori unite in an elegant harmony of flavor and presentation.
Miami Nice
Capture the essence of Miami's culinary melting pot, mixing up dishes that radiate with the city's sunny vibes and diverse cultural influences.
A Little Thai
Embark on a Thai flavor adventure, balancing the intricate dance of sweet, sour, and spice in dishes that tell stories of faraway lands.
Dietary Accommodations
Real Flavor for Everyone
At The Real Food Academy, we take pride in crafting culinary experiences that are not only delectable but also safe for every palate. Our dedicated team understands the significance of dietary accommodations, and we go the extra mile to ensure that every participant can savor our creations without worry.
From gluten-free alternatives to nut-free options, we're well-versed in a wide range of allergies and dietary restrictions. Our kitchen is equipped with the latest tools and techniques to prevent cross-contamination, and our instructors are adept at adapting recipes to suit individual needs.
You can trust that at our academy, your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities. Join us for a flavorful journey where allergies are never a barrier to delicious dining!
We offer a variety of dietary accommodations, including but not limited to:
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegan
Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill
Here are a few of the things you'll learn at the Real Food Academy:
- International Cookery
- How to Mise en Place
- Portion Control
- Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques
- Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods
International Cookery
In every lesson, we will travel around the world and prepare traditional dishes utilizing healthy ingredients (the ones that are good for you!) We will be offering lessons on breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, and dinner preparation.
How to Mise en Place
Organize your meal preparation ahead of time. This way you'll have more time to enjoy with family and friends and less time worrying about the actual cooking part of a meal.
Portion Control
Don't go hungry, just eat what’s right for you! You will not go hungry or suffer from energy depletion if you eat the right foods. We will teach you how to identify and choose the right ingredients, portions and how to combine different types of food for your benefit.
Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques
Master the art of professionals and cook anything the healthy way! For example, learning how to cut properly can make the difference between seeing kitchen work as a chore and a joy.
Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods
Learn the power of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, vegetables, low sugar fruits, non-processed meats and many more foods that are rich in antioxidants, resveratol, vitamins and minerals essential in healthy eating.
International Cookery
In every lesson, we will travel around the world and prepare traditional dishes utilizing healthy ingredients (the ones that are good for you!) We will be offering lessons on breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, and dinner preparation.
How to Mise en Place
Organize your meal preparation ahead of time. This way you'll have more time to enjoy with family and friends and less time worrying about the actual cooking part of a meal.
Portion Control
Don't go hungry, just eat what’s right for you! You will not go hungry or suffer from energy depletion if you eat the right foods. We will teach you how to identify and choose the right ingredients, portions and how to combine different types of food for your benefit.
Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques
Master the art of professionals and cook anything the healthy way! For example, learning how to cut properly can make the difference between seeing kitchen work as a chore and a joy.
Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods
Learn the power of nutrient-rich herbs, spices, vegetables, low sugar fruits, non-processed meats and many more foods that are rich in antioxidants, resveratol, vitamins and minerals essential in healthy eating.
The Real Food Academy
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Our adult classes and professional chef courses blend culinary techniques and pure enjoyment. Whether you're a beginner or an aspiring chef, our classes offer a welcoming and supportive environment to refine your skills, explore new cuisines, and connect with fellow food lovers.
At the heart of The Real Food Academy is a belief that cooking should be fun, educational, and delicious. We strive to create an atmosphere where each stir, chop, and whisk is a step toward mastering the art of cooking. Our academy is more than a cooking school; it’s a place where food, education, and community intertwine, creating experiences that go beyond the plate.
If you’re in search of fun things to do, join us at The Real Food Academy and embark on a culinary journey that promises not just to teach you how to cook but to transform the way you see, taste, and experience food. Here, every ingredient tells a story, and every dish is a celebration of life's flavors.
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