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At The Real Food Academy we offer an enchanting culinary experience for both kids and adults. Founded in 2008 by Head Chef Maria Cummins, our academy not only teaches kids how to cook delicious meals but also educates them about the importance of using unprocessed, wholesome ingredients.
The Real Food Academy
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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 your local area, 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.
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Real Food Blog
5 Must-Try Recipes for a Healthier Holiday Season
Are you looking for delicious and nutritious meals to serve this holiday season? The Real Food Academy team has put together a list of 5 recipes that you can follow step-by-step or use as inspiration for your own holiday creations!
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!
Real Food FAQs
At The Real Food Academy, we teach how to cook using real ingredients. We believe that all kinds of meals, snacks, and desserts should be enjoyed, and that what often makes certain foods feel “unhealthy” is the processed ingredients used to make them.
By using better oils, natural sweeteners, and thoughtfully sourced ingredients, our customers learn to make food that’s familiar, satisfying, and smarter for their bodies and lifestyles.
Because our staffing, ingredient purchases, and overall preparations are planned based on the number of registered participants, all payments and deposits are non-refundable.
The Real Food Academy offers in-house wine and beer options for adults at all events, including when accompanying kids’ parties. For a full selection, please visit our Wine and Beer list page.
The Real Food Academy can accommodate a wide range of dietary needs and allergies, including:
- Gluten-free
- Dairy-free
- Nut-free
- Soy-free
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Please let us know your needs in advance so we can plan accordingly and adjust our recipes if needed.
We love when guests personalize and decorate our space. However, items like glitter, confetti, slime, stickers, and noisemakers can be very difficult to clean and may disrupt the experience.
For this reason, we kindly ask that you do not bring these items.
