My name is Tracey Doty, the owner and founder of Lil’ Chef School, established in 2010. We are located in Irvine, formerly known as Young Chefs Academy. We are a children’s cooking school that offers birthday parties, cooking classes, workshops, special events, field trips, and camps to children from ages 3 to adult. We specialize in kitchen safety and teach children how to cook by introducing various age-appropriate cooking techniques.
We also teach children how to set and clear a table, execute proper table manners, and introduce various cooking utensils and appliances and their use. We educate students on nutrition, and we use all fresh ingredients, and most dishes are made from scratch.
Tracey Doty
Owner & Founder
Owner & Founder
These classes and camps allow children to be creative and explore the Culinary Arts experience. It also encourages them to try new foods. They are more likely to try something that they have created which broadens their pallet and introduces them to new textures through feel and taste.
In addition to being in our Irvine facility, these classes are often offered on school campuses during and after school hours. This allows parents more time in the afternoon without having to pay the high cost of daycare. If you are interested in afterschool programs, be sure to check out our main menu for availability at your child's school.
Lil’ Chef School offers a fun, educational and valuable unique experience that children savor for the rest of their lives. It’s never too soon to cook and we are never too old. Cooking is an essential part of our daily lives and what an inspiring opportunity for our company… to introduce to young children!
Cooking Classes
Upcoming Classes
Lil' Chef School offers many different types of cooking classes throughout the year.
Please join us!
testimonials
Here are some happy customers
“Earlier this month, Willow competed in a scouting competition. She entered their Golden Spoon outdoor cooking competition and took 2nd place! I really think her lessons at Lil’ Chef School prepared her to be a great leader at the camp!”
Scott Kaminski
Birthday Party“Our Son had a great time and we received very positive feedback from the other parents about you. Thank you for everything!”
Elizabeth Smith
Birthday Party“My girls adore little chef school...and the 3 weeks of camp they've already attended....and donuts with Dad...and their stellar, record setting birthday party.”
Shabnam
Parents Night Out“I wanted to provide some feedback about Parents Night Out. Our kids had so much fun. Both chefs were amazing and did great including all of the kids in the activities. Our kids are asking to go back. We will definitely be signing them up again soon. Many thanks for a fun night.”
Kyungsook Nam
Summer Camp“I’m Kyungsook Nam, Chloe’s mom, who has participated in Summer Camp. Tomorrow will be the last day since we should be back to Korea on this Friday. Chloe had fun and a great vacation thanks to Lil’ Chef School. I also appreciated for your kindness.”
Vera
Birthday Party“My family and I would like to thank you for an awesome birthday party for Eian. All the kids had fun and I got positive feedback from other parents as well. The chef instructors were amazing. Thanks again.”
Thankful Mom
Birthday Party“I am a huge Food Network fan and are always so excited to see cooking classes catered to little chefs and you adults! How fun and inspiring! My daughter was invited to one of your special birthday parties and she had a blast! Thank you for making cooking fun for the kids!”
Scott
Birthday Party“It was an awesome party! The girls had so much fun! And the instructors were wonderful! Thank you so much! I got lots of good feedback on the party from the parents too. They all said it was such a neat and original idea for a party place.”
Cherylynn M. Dean
Birthday Party“We just celebrated my son’s 5th birthday party here and the kids had a blast! They made pizzas and all the kids really enjoyed the learning experience. What a wonderful party idea!”