Starting our culinary center back in 2001, Brad McDonald felt inspired to create a place where everyone felt welcome in the kitchen. A getaway of sorts that allows for creativity in cooking, baking explorations, and a safe place for all skill levels to gather and just enjoy their time in the kitchen. Over these last 20 years, our culinary center has found its way to include just about every type of class you could ever imagine. Starting with skills-based classes that teach everyone the French techniques needed for everyday tasks to now sharing the secrets for the perfectly baked and delicate chocolate croissants – our purpose and direction is to help inspire everyone to see that life is better in the kitchen.
As you join us for a cooking class you will quickly see that there is more to our classes than just the subject being taught. We have carefully hand-selected our instructors to share their passion and love for the kitchen through the subject of each class. Sourcing masters of their craft allows for a new way of learning- learning from those who have experienced it all and will have the solutions to your questions. We know everyone learns differently. For those that learn best by touching and feeling and being a part of the process- expect your class to be a few hours so that we can explore everything together. We keep those classes small and completely hands-on. For the home cook that wants to sit back and glean as much information as possible, we have demonstration classes. You’ll get the opportunity to watch a master work their craft, and to ask all the burning questions you want without being distracted. Our elegant theater room holds up to 48 students. We know that you will walk away from each class feeling educated, excited, and ready to tackle your next kitchen adventure.
Remember that our selections change monthly, as we are always welcoming suggestions and finding ways to expand our offerings, so check our schedule often. We can’t wait to see you in class!
Our Culinary Director
Meet Cass! She’s been obsessed with all things cooking since a very young age. Her earliest and fondest memories involve teetering on the edge of a bar stool in the kitchen, licking the spoon. As she grew up, her childhood obsession turned to true passion. However, her journey took a turn when she was diagnosed with Celiac disease, a severe autoimmune disorder which causes the body to attack gluten proteins found in wheat, barley, and rye. Rather than be discouraged, she enrolled and graduated from Utah Valley University’s Culinary Institute, determined to feed herself and others with dietary restrictions.
Today, Cass is proud to share her love of cooking and to show that food can be enjoyed by everyone—regardless of their dietary needs. With experience in restaurants, catering companies, and culinary schools, she’s thrilled to now be part of the Gygi kitchen. Come join Cass and discover how to fall in love with food, no matter the restrictions!
“I believe that food is not only necessary to care for our bodies, but is also a language that spans across the world. Food is an expression of love and self. The best part of me can be communicated through my culinary arts. I say ‘I love you’ to a friend with a loaf of bread during a trying time, or ‘I love having you in my life’ when I make a favorite dessert for my family. In every instance, food can elevate and improve. I just LOVE food!”
