Division of Culinary Arts

Culinary Department Mission Statement

The mission of our culinary division is to give students more confidence in the kitchen. We aim to educate and empower children to diversify their palates by trying new foods from various cultures as well as equipping them with the ability to cook at a professional level.

Sincerely Legenia Junior Chef Experience: Rise & Shine Edition

The Sincerely Legenia Junior Chef Experience: Rise & Shine Edition is a fun, hands-on cooking class designed especially for young chefs who are ready to learn real kitchen skills in a supportive and exciting environment.

During this interactive morning experience, Junior Chefs will work alongside Chef Legenia Spiller-Bearden — Food Network Family Recipe Showdown winner and founder of Sincerely Legenia — to create a delicious breakfast while building confidence, creativity, and teamwork in the kitchen.

Students will learn how to measure ingredients, mix batters, cook safely, and plate their dishes while preparing a complete breakfast menu.

What Junior Chefs Will Make

• Fluffy Belgian Waffles OR Silver Dollar Pancakes
• Cheesy Scrambled Eggs
• Breakfast Sausage & Bacon (chef-assisted)
• Yogurt & Fruit Parfaits

Each child will also receive a Junior Chef hat and apron, printed recipe cards, and a certificate of completion to celebrate their accomplishment.

This experience is perfect for children who enjoy being creative, learning new skills, and having fun in the kitchen.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Ages: 9–14
Cost: $75 per child

Location:
Bearden Productions Center for the Arts
117 East Broadway
North Little Rock, AR 72114

Phone: 501-800-3556

*Space is limited to ensure each child receives a high-quality hands-on experience.

We can’t wait to welcome your Junior Chef into the kitchen!

Jr. Chef in Training Class

Ages 9 to 12

Our Jr. Chef in Training class focuses on the fundamentals of cooking for school-age children in grades 3rd through 5th. Students will learn kitchen safety, and sanitation, as well as personal cleanliness as a chef. Our chefs will gain hands-on experience as they study how to measure ingredients, how to use basic cooking utensils, tools, and gadgets as well as how to read a recipe. Each class will involve a lesson as students prepare a delicious meal to enjoy at the end of class.

Jr. Chef in Training

Ages 13 to 17

This class is aimed at preparing students to be independent in the kitchen. Areas of study include mise en place, knife skills, stocks and sauces, timing, station organization, palate development, food costing, pasta cooking, and more! Students will learn to read nutrition labels while shopping for their food products in the store. Each class will involve a lesson as students prepare a delicious meal to enjoy at the end of class.