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The Real Food Academy Miami, FL meet the team.

Meet the Team

At The Real Food Academy, we take pride in our amazing team of chefs, support staff, and culinary experts who are dedicated to bringing healthy, real food to our customers and classes. With a shared passion for creating delicious and nutritious meals, our team is committed to providing an exceptional culinary experience.

4.9 Star Rating

The Real Food Academy Miami Team

Arthur Cummins - The Real Food Academy Miami

Arthur Cummins

Co-Founder

As the visionary behind the Real Food Academy, Arthur Cummins brings a unique blend of business acumen and a passion for wholesome living to the forefront. With a passion for nutrition and a wealth of business, sales, and marketing expertise, Arthur Cummins has been the driving force behind the company's remarkable success.

Guided by a deep commitment to health and well-being, Arthur Cummins has skillfully shaped the messaging and mission of the Real Food Academy. Their pioneering vision combines the art of cooking with an unwavering dedication to real, unprocessed foods. This innovative approach has not only set the academy apart but also resonated with a growing community seeking a healthier way of living.

Arthur Cummins' leadership has firmly established the Real Food Academy as a beacon of culinary education and mindful eating. Their dedication to fostering a connection between food and nourishment has touched countless lives and inspired a generation to embrace real, wholesome ingredients while steering clear of ultra-processed alternatives.

Through Arthur Cummins' tireless efforts, the Real Food Academy continues to empower individuals to make informed choices about what they eat and how they cook. Join Arthur Cummins on this extraordinary culinary journey towards a healthier, more delicious future.

Chef Maria Cummins - The Real Food Academy Miami

Chef Maria Cummins

Head Chef & Co-Founder

Born in Venezuela, Maria Cummins discovered her deep-rooted passion for food from an early age. Her culinary journey led her to Lima, Peru, where she immersed herself in the rich secrets of Peruvian gastronomy during part of her childhood. In her early twenties, she embarked on a new chapter by coming to the United States and delving into the Hospitality Industry in Boston, Massachusetts.

Maria's culinary adventure continued as she relocated to San Diego, California, where she made her mark by opening the renowned El Tucan Restaurant. Her extensive travels and diverse experiences greatly influenced her innovative culinary style, shaping the unique approach she is celebrated for today.

During her time in San Diego, Chef Maria not only honed her culinary skills but also gained a profound understanding of the importance of nutrition, particularly through the use of organic and unprocessed ingredients.

Today, Maria Cummins is the proud owner, founder, and head chef of the Real Food Academy, a culinary haven nestled in the vibrant city of Miami. Here, both kids and adults come together every week to share the joy of connecting through the power of Real Food and Real Fun!

Chef Pablo Lamon - The Real Food Academy Miami

Chef Pablo Lamon

Director of Operations

Chef Pablo Lamon was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and at the age of 18, he began his culinary journey. Within his career, Chef Pablo worked at Award winning Hotels in Argentina, Uruguay and the United States, travelled the world cooking in Luxury Cruises, and worked for Michelin starred Chefs. He has also provided private culinary services on yachts, and consulted for several Restaurants.

At the age of 28, Chef Pablo made his way to the finals in the United States San Pellegrino Young Chef competition, being one of the 10 Chefs nationwide that traveled to New York to cook his food at the “One World Trade Center” for a lineup of Michelin starred judges.

Two years later Chef Pablo was casted to be in Season 16 of Top Chef in Kentucky where he earned the audience’s support with his passionate approach to food and charming personality. After two years of holding the Executive Chef position at the Conrad Hotel Miami and teaching culinary Arts at the Mariano Moreno Culinary Institute, Pablo took the position of Director of Operations at The Real Food Academy where he also teaches cooking classes.

Chef Toni - The Real Food Academy Miami

Chef Toni

Chef

Food is my passion! I started out at 8yrs old cooking with my Italian Grandma. I have lived and traveled all over the world and always found myself cooking. Be it at the beach in the Cap Verde Islands or in Senegal on a wood fire on the ground or in India’s ashram making Chapati. I love food and people. I am fluent in English, French and Spanish making communication easy. I am a certified IIN health coach, raw food and pastry chef from the Living Light Culinary Institute and detox and functional nutrition coach from FxNA Functional Nutrition Alliance and Therapeutic Dietetics at Intstitut FP Sanitaria Roger de Lluria.

I was the owner of “Toni’s “ organic restaurant in Barcelona, Spain and have taught cooking classes since 2005 all over Europe and the USA. My motive is we are what we eat so fill it with healthy food, passion and make it with lots of love.

Chef Isa - The Real Food Academy Miami

Chef Isa

Chef

Hi! I’m Chef Isa! And I play different roles at The Academy. Sometimes you’ll see me cooking with kids and teaching the importance of eating Real Food or you can see me styling and photographing a beautiful dish for our social media!

Truth is I’ve always been passionate about food. From cooking with my abuelita as a little kid to having two different careers and making it into one.

I’m a Chef and Marketing graduate, with experience in different roles in the food industry. I strongly believe that as long as you do what you love and be at your natural best you’ll be inspiring only good things! That’s why I #inspirelovethroughfood.

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Rave Reviews for The Real Food Academy

proud to have a 4.9 star rating & 700+ reviews

  • Sammie Elston

    MEXICAN CUISINE I really had a wonderful time! Chef Maria was great!!! Already booked for next week. 100% recommend to singles, couples, friends and great to way to bond and spend time with the family too.
  • Hannah O'Donnell

    My boyfriend and I had the best time! Mahi Mahi tacos, street corn, and ceviche galore!
  • Chrissy Gonzalez

    Our Kindergarten students visited The Real Food Academy for the first time and had an incredible experience. Not only was it very hands-on and very age appropriate, but the kids had the opportunity to make their culinary creation and dance while their meals were in the oven. Overall wonderful experience, we will definitely be visiting again.
  • Brad Hobbs

    Our son was apprehensive when we arrived. He was clinging to us balling his eyes scared to separate saying he was too shy. The staff took it upon themselves to make him feel comfortable and he finally calmed down just in time to participate. He had a blast. So much so he wouldn’t stop asking when we were going again and said, “don’t worry, I won’t cry.” We are back again today and he is full of smiles ready to have a great time.
  • Stephanie Roig

    This was one of the funniest and best experience I’ve had. They were super nice and taught you step by step. The food was amazing and delicious !!! The company and staff was amazing !! I would 100% recommend again !!! Loved every minute of this experience. Will be coming back again.
  • Gabriela La Cruz

    It’s such a great experience, tasty food, nice and patient instructors. Great ambiance
  • Maddy

    Beautiful experience, you get your own station, cook delicious food with healthy, quality ingredients. Highly recommend this place!
  • Marivi Sanabria

    This place does not disappoint! It’s our second time visiting, and every experience has been wonderful. Instructors and the environment are impeccable (thank you Pablo!) . The food we made and the ingredients are very generous. And the end product is spectacular. And … you’ll have a blast while it’s happening!
  • Vanessa Collado

    Pablo was our chef and he was a great teacher. The meal was great and portions were perfect. Nice date night.
  • Aliyah Ishak

    My boyfriend and I did the 11:30am salmon burger class with Chef Toni. She is an amazing instructor and the food was SO good!!! The cooking area is very clean and organized. I will definitely be here again!!
  • Juliet Ingber

    We had an amazing time at Real Food Academy!
  • Kami Cohen

    I went with my mom for a fun mother daughter bonding sesh. The food we made was amazing and easy to follow. It was so much fun. We got wine as well. I’m 29 and I’m coming back with all my friends!
  • Ana Pineda

    Very fun date night !!
  • Jose Gil

    Amazing food, amazing experience! Chef Maria is great and my girlfriend and I had a wonderful experience. The Korean class is a must try and best part is you get to take the food home if you don’t finish it!
  • Sofia Osio

    Had such an amazing time! Super good food and a super great time.
  • Christian Camacho

    Amazing experience!! Definitely worth it....
  • Carolina Norgaard

    Amazing experience! Our second time here and the food was incredible! The beet and watercress salads was to die for… and on top of that, now I can do it again at home! Thank you Pablo for a night to remember!!!!
  • Toure Folkes

    Amazing experience and great for a group. You will leave completely satiated and impressed with your newly acquired chef skills!!
  • Chris Williams

    We really enjoyed the cooking class here. So much fun.
  • delia scantlebury

    I’ve been here 3 years and every experience was phenomenal. Learning, cooking and drinking with friends and family. Such a “feel good” atmosphere from staff and chefs. I can’t get enough ✨✨✨

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.

Dish by Dish, Skill by Skill

Here are a few of the things you'll learn at the Real Food Academy:

The Real Food Academy Miami - International Cookery

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - How to Mise en Place

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Portion Control

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

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 Miami - International Cookery

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - How to Mise en Place

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Portion Control

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Knife Skills & Cooking Techniques

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.

The Real Food Academy Miami - Choosing Disease-Preventing Foods

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.

A group of kids at The Real Food Academy Miami's cooking camps.

100%

Hands-On

All our classes are 100% hands-on and, unlike other cooking schools, we are not limited to any one cuisine!

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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 Miami. 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

Kids Birthday Party with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

65 Ideas for an Unforgettable Kids Birthday Party in Miami

At The Real Food Academy in Miami, 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 with The Real Food Academy in Miami

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 in Miami!

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

4 Essential Tips for Overcoming Anxiety About Cooking

With these tips from The Real Food Academy in Miami, 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 with The Real Food Academy.

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 in Miami, 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 with The Real Food Academy in Miami.

How to Get the Most Out of a Cooking Class in Miami

At The Real Food Academy in Miami, 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!

Kids at The Real Food Academy in Miami - learn everything you need to know about the benefits of our cooking classes!

Why Your Child Needs To Spend At Least One Week At The Real Food Academy Miami This Summer

Learn exactly why your child should spend at least one week at The Real Food Academy in Miami! Here's what you need to know!

Real Food Recipes

The Real Food Academy Miami's baked apple cinnamon empanadas recipe.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Empanadas

dessert
latin
The Real Food Academy Miami asian cole slaw recipe.

Asian Cole Slaw

salad
asian
The Real Food Academy Miami avocado fries recipe.

Avocado Fries

snack
Crunch fries on a plate, The Real Food Academy Miami baked fries recipe.

Baked Fries

appetizer
american
The Real Food Academy Miami berry sorbet with super food toppings, try it today!

Berry Sorbet with Super Food Toppings

dessert
italian

Dietary Accommodations

Real Flavor for Everyone

At The Real Food Academy Miami, 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
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
Nut Free
Soy Free
Soy Free
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
Vegan
Vegan

Real Food. Real Connections

Elevate Your Culinary Expertise with Classes at The Real Food Academy

Special Announcements

The Real Food Academy Is Franchising

The Real Food Academy is now offering a fun & family-friendly franchise opportunity. We are expanding and inviting franchisees to join us on our culinary journey! Follow us on Instagram and Learn how you can #inspirelovethroughfood!

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