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When Young Chefs Academy first opened
on Jefferson Highway four years ago, Gay Nan Moree enjoyed working
there, but she never dreamed that one day she would own the business.
Although she only worked there for a short time, she thought it was a
wonderful idea to combine the fun of cooking with educating children.
Gay Nan had taught at Sherwood Middle School for many years and retired
in 1997, but she wasn't content to stay at home. In February of this
year, her stepdaughter saw a small for sale sign in front of the academy
and called her. Gay Nan discussed the idea with her husband, Larry, and
the couple decided it was worth pursuing.
In May, Gay Nan bought the Young Chefs Academy and began living what to
her is a dream. "I'm so excited I can't stand it," she says. "I just
love being here."
 Part of a
national franchise, the company is dedicated to teaching children the
joy of cooking. Through a variety of programs, kids from preschool age
to 17 measure flour, make dough and shape cookies while learning about
proper etiquette and safety. The recipes, which can be anything from
coffee pot apple punch to mashed potato swirls to fresh orange muffins
and mini turkey loaves, are provided by the home office of the
franchise. The children do all of the chopping, mixing and cooking for
each recipe.
The décor in the academy adds to the fun. The walls are painted bright
neon blues, yellows, purples, greens and pinks. The floor is accented
with matching colors. Painted pictures of chefs line the walls, and a
huge cooking area with four stoves, multiple sinks and pantries provide
plenty of space for children to test their culinary skills.
Each class has a theme that goes along with the recipe that is being
prepared by the children. For example, in the Kindercooks class, if the
food prepared begins with an "F," Gay Nan or her staff will read a story
that begins with an "F," and children will color something that has to
do with that letter.
Children also learn about the science behind the foods they are cooking
or the appliances they are using. For the Thanksgiving class, they will
learn the science behind cooking in a microwave and about traditions of
Thanksgiving.
 "This gives me
such a wonderful opportunity to be creative," Gay Nan said. "I've always
liked to do neat, unusual things with kids, and I enjoy thinking up new
ideas for the classes. I feel like I'm helping them with eating habits,
table manners and generally educating them while we have fun."
Each age group at the academy has a program tailored specifically for
them. Kindercooks is for three- to five-year-olds. Through a monthly
membership program, kids receive an apron, T-shirt and supplies when
they join the classes. Junior Chefs is for children ages six through
nine. Senior Chefs are 10 years old and older. When children enter the
Master Chef program, they receive chef jackets, a notebook for recipes,
a tote bag and supplies for the class. There is a one-time
non-refundable charge of $99 for young chefs to cover the cost of
supplies.
"We also have a Chefs Club. Children receive patches at the end of the
month to sew on their jackets," Gay Nan said. "When they get 12 patches,
they get a black chef's jacket. One of the things that has surprised me
is how many boys are enrolled in the classes. They really seem to enjoy
doing this."
The Young Chefs Academy also hosts Mini Camps throughout the year. The
next one will be held Nov. 23 through Nov. 25 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
This camp will feature themed adventures, such as A Knight's Feast, A
Pirate's Bounty and Supper in Space. Food will be prepared by the
children that relates to each adventure.
Summer camps for boys and girls ages six and up are also hosted by the
academy each year. These camps last up to five days and offer a more
specific learning opportunity for children.
Twice each month, Gay Nan offers a Kids Night Out from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
"Parents are welcome to stay, but that is not a requirement," she said.
Holidays are always a busy time at the Young Chefs Academy, and this
month a Gingerbread House Workshop is on the agenda. It will be held
Nov. 27 from 10:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. Children will
enjoy making and decorating a miniature gingerbread house while
listening to Christmas music and snacking on delicious treats.
Birthday parties are also a big deal at the academy. They are usually
held on Saturdays, but special arrangements for other days can be made.
The parties, which usually last for an hour and a half, include a silly
chef who does everything wrong and makes a mess, printed invitations, a
T-shirt for the birthday child, a chef's hat and recipe card for each
guest, drinks and balloons. Children make pizza, calzones, bread sticks
or pasta during the party. There are a variety of packages available,
and these parties are available for the general public.
"We try to encourage only 10 to 12 children per party because we like to
give children a lot of individual attention," said Gay Nan. "I would
rather do quality than quantity. The kids just seem to have more fun
when we limit the number of guests."
Gay Nan says she could not have picked a better business for herself.
"It's just been a great experience. My husband has been so helpful to
me; he does all of the shopping and maintenance, and the kids have so
much fun. Here, they can make a mess, and nobody fusses at them, but I
do try to sneak in table manners whenever I can."
Registration at the Young Chefs Academy can be for one month at a time,
which includes four classes per month. The cost is $89 for Kindercooks
and $109 for the Chefs Programs. For more information, please visit
www.youngchefsacademy.com/batonrouge or call (225) 928-2022.
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