FAQs
There are Frequently Asked Questions in a variety of sections. To enable finding what's important to you, faster, we've broken these out and provided links to jump directly to what you want know. Click a green link below to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adult Classes
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: $40 for beer (any quantity)
NO
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
All the recipes prepared at The Real Food Academy are easily accessible on our recipes page.
You can simply type the name of the recipe in the search field to find the recipe your are looking for. If you can't remember the exact name...no problem. Just type in the cuisine type and you will quickly receive a list of all the recipes that include that cuisine.
If for some reason you require a printed copy of the recipe, please request it from the chef and they will happily provide it to you.
Yes, you still need to register for each class. When you purchase a package of classes, you are essentially purchasing credits to be deducted from each class you book. In the case of the kids classes you are purchasing 10 credits and for adult classes you are purchasing 4 credits.
The first step is to purchase the credits and the second step is to use the credits.
Our Steps
- Purchase credits.
- Choose the class you want to attend and book that class as you would normally do. The difference will be that you will not be asked for a credit card payment. You will simply deduct 1 credit from your Real Food Academy balance.
More importantly, purchasing a package of classes tells us only that you've bought a block of credits. We still you to tell us WHEN you are coming to class. Then and only then will we know the details of you or your child and most importantly whether or not your child has any food allergies.
This is why you need to register online for each class.
If you desire a wine or beer not available on our list, you have two options .
- Request your specific choice of wine and/or beer from The Real Food Academy and it will be provided by The Real Food Academy at the event or class. Applicable pricing applies.
- Bring outside beer and wine and pay a corkage fee of $15 per opened bottle for wine and a flat fee of $40 per for beer brought in from outside. The $40 fee for beer applies to the entire amount of beer ranging from one beer or more. Please note the corkage option is ONLY available for cooking classes. Private parties are not eligible for this option.
No, we will provide them for you and your guests. Please let us know the type of glasses you need.
Nothing. Just an appetite!
Kids Classes
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.
NO
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
We developed the prepaid package to help save a family some money. If you have one kid who's coming to cooking class all the time, or if you have more than one kid. We know that can become costly, so we created the package. Not for friends, sorry.
All the recipes prepared at The Real Food Academy are easily accessible on our recipes page.
You can simply type the name of the recipe in the search field to find the recipe your are looking for. If you can't remember the exact name...no problem. Just type in the cuisine type and you will quickly receive a list of all the recipes that include that cuisine.
If for some reason you require a printed copy of the recipe, please request it from the chef and they will happily provide it to you.
Yes, you still need to register for each class. When you purchase a package of classes, you are essentially purchasing credits to be deducted from each class you book. In the case of the kids classes you are purchasing 10 credits and for adult classes you are purchasing 4 credits.
The first step is to purchase the credits and the second step is to use the credits.
Our Steps
- Purchase credits.
- Choose the class you want to attend and book that class as you would normally do. The difference will be that you will not be asked for a credit card payment. You will simply deduct 1 credit from your Real Food Academy balance.
More importantly, purchasing a package of classes tells us only that you've bought a block of credits. We still you to tell us WHEN you are coming to class. Then and only then will we know the details of you or your child and most importantly whether or not your child has any food allergies.
This is why you need to register online for each class.
Yes, One thing! If your child has long hair, please have it pulled back and tied up neatly and pulled out of the face of your child upon arriving to class!
We are not limited to any one cuisine. Every week we prepare your kids favorite foods! It may be Italian one week, American the next week, Asian, Latin and more. No matter the cuisine, you can always count on us showing your kids how to prepare their favorite foods in the most health way!
No. Parents are invited to hang out in the cafe and enjoy a delicious breakfast, coffee, or even a mimosa!
We insist on this rule because your child needs to focus on the instructor. Parents can be very distracting to their children, which is not safe in many cases. Also, believe it or not, your child behaves MUCH better when Mom or Dad is not around! Please trust us on this one.
Your child will have a far better experience if you are not in the classroom. You will be invited into the classroom at the end of the class. That is when you can take pictures and when your child will have the opportunity to tell you all about their great creation. You will even have a chance to sample what they made.
We thank you in advance for respecting this rule. :)
All registrations for Saturday class are done through our on-line calendar. This will provide us the information we need in advance to be properly prepared for the class. Sorry..no walk-ins.
Adult Parties
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: $40 for beer (any quantity)
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
Absolutely! The space belongs to you during the hours that you booked the party. Feel free to decorate it however you like!
In some cases you can show up as early as 1 hour before your party time. In other cases that will not be possible due to parties or classes happening before your party. Every situation is different. If you feel you need to arrive a full hour before your party time please call 786-395-0355 to inquire.
No. An 18% service charge will be added to your bill. If our staff has gone above and beyond, an additional "gratuity" would be appreciated, but is not necessary.
No, we will provide them for you and your guests. Please let us know the type of glasses you need.
We can comfortably accommodate up to 130 seated adults.
15 Guests and Up
See our Wine and Beer list for your in house options. Optionally, if time allows, you can request your favorite wine and/or beer and it will be provided by The Real Food Academy. Applicable pricing will be applied.
14 Guests or Less
See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.
Fees
- $15 per 750ml bottle of wine
- $30 per 1.5L bottle of wine
Bring outside beer: $40 for beer (any quantity)
Kids Parties
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: $40 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.
NO
Yes, for an extra charge we provide a variety of both savory and sweet food platters for the adults. To see your options, select a party package above, and the party platters available for adults are shown on the right side. You are welcome to provide the adults food yourself if you prefer.
There is no maximum number of kids. Our new space is huge!
Yes, we have lots of room. In fact, we offer additional services to make your stay at the party as much fun for you, as it is for the kids. Order from our Adult Party platters, bring wine, beer or other beverages (no hard alcohol please) and have a party within a party.
Bring some of your friends, other parents or family and enjoy A Party Within A Party! ™
Yes, as long as they are accompanied by their parent who will provide their undivided attention to that child.
Yes, but for Executive and Top Chef parties only.
If a piñata is important to you and you have ordered a Budding Chef party, you can add $100 for the extra time and we will gladly welcome your piñata.
No. In our experience, most times the cake plates, napkins etc. will be part of a theme. We, along with the parents have found it better to leave this to the parents.
However we are more than happy to help in a pinch.
Yes!
Yes.
You will receive a series of emails from The Real Food Academy after you make the deposit. One of the emails will be regarding the Final Head Count. That form needs to be returned to us no later than 1 day before the party.
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
Absolutely! The space belongs to you during the hours that you booked the party. Feel free to decorate it however you like!
In some cases you can show up as early as 1 hour before your party time. In other cases that will not be possible due to parties or classes happening before your party. Every situation is different. If you feel you need to arrive a full hour before your party time please call 786-395-0355 to inquire.
No. An 18% service charge will be added to your bill. If our staff has gone above and beyond, an additional "gratuity" would be appreciated, but is not necessary.
Corporate Parties
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.
NO
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
Absolutely! The space belongs to you during the hours that you booked the party. Feel free to decorate it however you like!
In some cases you can show up as early as 1 hour before your party time. In other cases that will not be possible due to parties or classes happening before your party. Every situation is different. If you feel you need to arrive a full hour before your party time please call 786-395-0355 to inquire.
No. An 18% service charge will be added to your bill. If our staff has gone above and beyond, an additional "gratuity" would be appreciated, but is not necessary.
No, we will provide them for you and your guests. Please let us know the type of glasses you need.
We can comfortably accommodate up to 130 seated adults.
15 Guests and Up
See our Wine and Beer list for your in house options. Optionally, if time allows, you can request your favorite wine and/or beer and it will be provided by The Real Food Academy. Applicable pricing will be applied.
14 Guests or Less
See our Wine and Beer list for your in-house options. Optionally, you can bring your own wine or beer and page a corkage fee.
Fees
- $15 per 750ml bottle of wine
- $30 per 1.5L bottle of wine
Bring outside beer: $40 for beer (any quantity)
Our cooking parties cost $900 for the first 10 participants and $90 per person after that.
Summer Camp
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.
NO
We are surrounded by lots of free parking. However, do not park in the CVS parking lot. You may be towed if you do. Also, if you park on the street you need to use the paybyphone app.
All the recipes prepared at The Real Food Academy are easily accessible on our recipes page.
You can simply type the name of the recipe in the search field to find the recipe your are looking for. If you can't remember the exact name...no problem. Just type in the cuisine type and you will quickly receive a list of all the recipes that include that cuisine.
If for some reason you require a printed copy of the recipe, please request it from the chef and they will happily provide it to you.
No. Sending your camper to our cooking camp with food would be like bringing sand to the beach! Campers will prepare breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack daily. Immediately upon completing the booking, we will contact you to find out if we need to be aware of any food allergies or restrictions.
If it's one thing we are fully aware of at The Real Food Academy (especially summer camp) is that older kids don't want to be involved with younger kids. Not only will we not put older kids with younger kids, we will always have younger children with kids their own age and will always be participating in activities that are suitable and safe for their age.
The official hours are from 9am to 3pm. However early drop off and late pick up can be arranged for a small additional fee.
The price for our cooking summer/winter camps start at $460 for 5 fun filled days of cooking experiences and adventures. This low price includes all meals including breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack. No registration fee or any other fees!
Some of the activities included in our summer/winter camp include cooking, baking, arts & crafts and more!
Our summer/winter camps feature activities designed for kids from 5 to 16 years old.
After School Program
A kitchen is not needed. We can setup in any classroom, cafeteria, etc.
A minimum of 6 but no more than 12 students per class is ideal.
We offer after school programs to kids pre-k to 8th grade.
Sessions can be 8 to 12 weeks.
Classes can be 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes in duration.
Field Trips
NO
No. We are not an approved vendor in Broward county and have no plans to become approved in the foreseeable future.
Yes. Not only is it an appropriate activity, we have found it to be one of the most gratifying for these students as well as for us! We have successfully worked with all levels of special needs students.
Absolutely. Call Chef Arthur anytime with your questions. His direct number is 786-395-0355
The time needed for the event is affected by a number of different factors.
- The age of the children will affect the time needed. Younger children take longer then older children.
- The size of the group affects the time. Larger groups take longer then smaller groups.
- When we find the room with all the needed tables and chairs in place, that saves of time. If we don't have to gather tables and chairs from other rooms in the school we can save a lot of time.
That said, we can usually get the job done in time regardless of the above circumstances. We can simply work at a faster pace if needed. However, when there is a time limitation we appreciate knowing well in advance.
Yes. We always appreciate when the room is ready for us when we arrive. Please have the needed number of tables and chairs in the room where the event will take place. There is no need to arrange the table and chairs, just have them in the room.
3 day's before your field trip you will receive an email from us requesting a final head count. If your "final head count" number is higher or lower, you can make the adjustment by replying to that email. If we do not receive an adjusted number, you will be billed according to the original number. If you supply us with a new number, the new number will be the amount you will be billed for.
Yes, your event can start anytime; whatever is best for you. We are only suggesting 9am as a start time as this time works best for most organizations. If you would like a start time before or after 9am please send an email request to [email protected] and follow up with a phone call to 786-395-0355 if a confirmation is not received within a few days of the requested change.
Our field trips are open to boys and girls ages 3 through 14 who may be interested in exploring the culinary arts.
A kitchen is not needed. We can setup in any classroom, cafeteria, etc.
Learn More
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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.
100%
Hands-On
All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!
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.
Real Food Blog
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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!
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Real Food Recipes
Baked Apple Cinnamon Empanadas
Asian Cole Slaw
Avocado Fries
Baked Fries
Berry Sorbet with Super Food Toppings
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
