When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
Institute of Culinary Education
Why Institute of Culinary Education is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), founded in 1975 by Peter Kump, stands as a renowned culinary school offering dynamic and comprehensive programs in both New York City and Los Angeles. As a premier destination for aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals, ICE delivers highly regarded career training in Culinary Arts, Pastry and Baking Arts, Hospitality and Hotel Management, and Restaurant and Culinary Management. The school is distinguished by its global curriculum, which emphasizes entrepreneurial skills and current industry demands, taught by acclaimed, real-life chef instructors with extensive international experience. The institution boasts state-of-the-art facilities including multiple teaching kitchens, demonstration kitchens, and modern classrooms, providing an immersive and hands-on learning environment. ICE's programs range from 6 to 13 months, offering flexibility for students to dive deeply into theory, technique, palate development, and teamwork fundamentals that prepare them for success in high-paced professional kitchens. Its vibrant locations in Lower Manhattan and Los Angeles, close to hotspots in the culinary world, grant students exceptional networking and externship opportunities with top restaurants and chefs. ICE also supports students' career transitions with a strong job placement record, making it a favored choice for culinary education and professional growth.
Here's what people think of Institute of Culinary Education
As of recent, Institute of Culinary Education holds a 4.3-star rating based on 185 reviews.
User reviews of the Institute of Culinary Education reflect an overall positive experience, contributing to its solid 4.3 rating out of 5 based on 185 reviews. Many students praise the school for its small class sizes, which foster personalized attention and close interaction with instructors. The hands-on training, cutting-edge kitchen facilities, and the involvement of alumni in recruiting efforts stand out as significant strengths. Reviewers appreciate the practical approach to learning from chefs with real-world experience, as well as the flexible scheduling that accommodates students' needs. Networking and job placement opportunities are frequently highlighted, with alumni involvement and connections in the culinary industry providing valuable career pathways. On the other hand, some reviews indicate that the workload can be time-consuming, although not overly difficult, and a few mention that overall credit quality and experience vary. Despite occasional critiques, most feedback maintains that ICE offers excellent facilities, experienced instructors, and a well-rounded curriculum. In conclusion, user reviews collectively position the Institute of Culinary Education as a reputable and supportive institution for those serious about pursuing culinary and hospitality careers, balancing rigorous education with valuable industry exposure.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Nina Cash
Traveled here to take an exam so I can’t say a lot about the institution itself but only speak from my experience of being there. It is beautiful on the inside overall. The receptionist at ICE was super friendly and helpful. We did see students come and go while we also were testing for our wine exam. It was a solid location for our exam with the classrooms and provided us what was needed. It’s nice that it’s inside a big building that offers lots of free seating areas, shopping and food so you don’t have to go far. The best part was the view of the river!
Lacey Salberg
Really fun and well thought out experience! We did summer apps and cocktails with Chef Sam - she was humorous and professional and made people with all culinary skill levels feel welcome. Great class!
Lenny Li
Great selection of classes. I've taken two recreational couples classes here and they make great dates. The sushi class was very popular and had 8 pairs of students (the max), which i thought was too many for a productive class. Every group was doing something different, so although we all got to roll the sushi, not everyone practiced slicing fish or making rice. We ended the class with a delicious group dinner and had plenty of leftover food to take home too! The duck class was less popular and only had three couples, the perfect amount. We got to do more and still had a great meal and food leftover to take home.
Andrew Kanouse
Bought this as a gift as I'd heard that it was a fun night out. In the end, it definitely was! We attended the Tuscon couples class. One important thing I didn't realize was that we would be splitting the work with the couple at our table. So be prepared to make friends. I feel like the recipes are easy enough that even someone who is terrible at cooking (like myself) can be an asset to the team. You're given an outline of the night and step-by-step instruction of what to make when. I realized quickly there's not so much hand-holding and you do have to kind of figure out how to do things yourself (so if you've never cut an onion get ready?). But when you need help it's available and for the bigger steps (grilling/baking the meat, rolling the pasta, etc.) there are mandatory stop points. It's a three hour class and you're given about 30 minutes of it to eat, which is a skosh on the shorter end. They're not shy about offering you wine to enjoy what you've made, and you can take home any leftovers (we had some but opted not to bother). Overall, everyone seemed to be so happy to be present and making a meal together that it was a lovely experience. I wonder how much this depends on the group you're with in terms of the other couples so maybe we lucked out. The food we made was fine, I wasn't expecting wonders. But we certainly left full and with good memories of the experience.
Nzhingha Nkhrumah
I had an AMAZING experience making pasta with my mom here. The school is clean, the staff is super friendly. The chefs are patient with you. The class size was great - not too crowded. This is the BEST pasta I have ever eaten in my life - I felt like I was in Italy. I'll definitely be back!
How to reach Institute of Culinary Education
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Why Institute of Culinary Education may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at the Institute of Culinary Education with your friends? Because it offers a unique, immersive experience that combines education, entertainment, and hands-on culinary creativity in one vibrant setting. Hosting a meetup here means your group can dive into the world of cooking with expert guidance, trying new techniques and recipes while enjoying a collaborative and fun environment. It’s more than just a cooking school; it’s a place where food lovers bond over the art and science of cuisine, creating lasting memories by sharing meals made with their own hands. Whether you’re foodies eager to sharpen your skills or just looking for a lively and engaging way to spend time together, the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) provides an interactive experience that excites all levels of culinary interest. The space’s professional-grade kitchens, top-notch instructors, and well-designed curriculum foster a social yet educational atmosphere, perfect for groups wanting a memorable, educational outing that ends deliciously.
What kinds of activities can groups enjoy at the Institute of Culinary Education?
The Institute of Culinary Education offers a variety of activities that cater perfectly to groups looking to learn and have fun together. Its most prominent feature is the hands-on cooking classes, where participants can team up to explore everything from baking artisan breads to mastering classic French techniques or experimenting with global cuisines. These classes are designed to be interactive and engaging, making sure everyone participates and contributes in a friendly, supportive kitchen environment. Beyond cooking, groups can take part in specialty workshops such as mixology sessions, where they learn how to craft cocktails creatively under expert bartenders’ supervision. This mix of cooking and beverage classes makes ICE an ideal spot for group events, be it casual meetups, celebrations, or team-building exercises. The school’s flexible schedule allows groups to book private classes or join scheduled public ones, accommodating different group sizes and preferences.
Why is the Institute of Culinary Education the perfect place for hosting a group meetup?
The Institute of Culinary Education is perfectly suited as a meetup venue because it creates an environment that fosters collaboration, creativity, and shared experiences. Unlike traditional restaurants or cafes where groups simply eat together, ICE encourages active participation, letting each member of your party get involved in preparing the food or drinks. This hands-on engagement turns an ordinary gathering into a dynamic event where guests bond over learning and creating together. The modern kitchen facilities are spacious, well-equipped, and professionally maintained, which enhances the experience by allowing for a smooth, fun cooking process without the cramped or chaotic feel some group activities might have elsewhere. Moreover, ICE’s location in vibrant culinary hubs (New York City and Los Angeles) makes it an accessible and trendy meeting spot. The expert instructors bring energy, knowledge, and personalization to each session, ensuring your group receives professional guidance that turns novices into confident cooks by the end of the event.
What makes the educational experience at ICE stand out for groups?
ICE’s educational experience is designed not only for individual students but also to accommodate teams and groups looking to share knowledge and fun. It stands out because the classes have a strong emphasis on hands-on practice paired with expert instruction by professional chefs and industry veterans. This combination allows participants to learn culinary techniques, kitchen safety, and creative recipes in real-time, working side-by-side with their friends. Classes are small enough to ensure personal attention, but interactive enough to stimulate group dynamics and teamwork. Additionally, ICE offers a diverse curriculum covering culinary arts, baking, pastry, bartending, and hospitality management, which means groups can pick themes that match their interests. The opportunity to learn both practical skills and food culture fosters confidence and camaraderie, making the educational process enjoyable rather than intimidating.
How does ICE support group events in terms of logistics and atmosphere?
Logistically, the Institute of Culinary Education is built to support group events smoothly, from small gatherings of friends to larger family meetups. It provides private booking options where groups can have dedicated kitchen spaces and instructors tailored to their needs and skill levels. The venue is equipped with professional equipment and stations designed for multiple participants to work simultaneously without crowding. This makes coordination during classes easy and keeps the atmosphere lively and fun. The ambiance at ICE is vibrant and inspiring; fueled by the buzz of culinary innovation and shared enthusiasm for food, it encourages socializing and cooperative learning. The combination of professional chef instructors and the friendly, informal setting helps guests feel comfortable, engaged, and motivated throughout their event.
Can group events at ICE be customized for special occasions?
Absolutely, ICE is exemplary in customizing group events to fit special occasions such as birthdays, corporate team building, family reunions, or casual friend get-togethers. Since the school offers a variety of classes and workshops, groups can select themes and menus that reflect the tastes and skill levels of their members. For a birthday party, for instance, the class might focus on decadent desserts or personalized pizza-making. Corporate groups can opt for team-building cooking challenges that encourage collaboration and communication. ICE can accommodate dietary preferences and restrictions, ensuring everyone in the group can have an inclusive and enjoyable experience. This level of customization makes ICE not just a cooking school but a versatile event space where celebrations take on a unique and memorable flavor through interactive culinary experiences.
What are some benefits of learning alongside friends or family at ICE?
Learning alongside friends or family at the Institute of Culinary Education enriches the experience by turning education into a shared adventure. The social aspect helps break down barriers, encourages communication, and amplifies enjoyment as participants laugh, solve cooking challenges, and cheer each other on. Culinary skills learned in this group format stick better because they are rehearsed in a motivating and supportive environment. Additionally, the collaborative environment fosters a sense of accomplishment and pride when dishes are completed successfully and shared at the end of the session. This shared success often acts as a conversation starter and deepens interpersonal bonds, making it ideal for building or strengthening relationships. The mixture of learning, fun, and food creates an event that leaves everyone inspired to continue cooking beyond their time at ICE.
How does the reputation of the Institute of Culinary Education enhance the group meetup experience?
The Institute of Culinary Education’s reputation as one of America’s top culinary schools adds significant value to hosting a meetup there. Known for its experienced chef instructors, state-of-the-art facilities, and strong industry connections, ICE offers a professional yet accessible environment rarely found elsewhere for casual group events. Being in a place where culinary students and professionals hone their skills creates an inspired atmosphere that elevates the experience. It also ensures that your group gets top-quality instruction and authentic cooking techniques straight from experts who have trained in some of the highest-caliber kitchens globally. Furthermore, ICE’s alumni network and industry recognition mean the venue is steeped in culinary credibility, which impresses guests and makes the meetup feel special and worthwhile. This strong brand reputation helps justify the investment in time and money by promising an educational and enjoyable experience with lasting benefits.
What feedback do guests give about hosting events or attending classes as groups at ICE?
Feedback from guests who have attended classes or hosted events at ICE consistently highlights the engaging, supportive, and fun environment provided by the school. Many appreciate the hands-on nature of classes, noting that it makes learning enjoyable and effective. Groups mention that the instructors are professional, approachable, and passionate, which creates a positive dynamic during cooking sessions. The modern, clean facilities are often praised for their spaciousness and suitability to accommodate multiple participants comfortably. While some reviews point out that classes can be intense or time-consuming, this is mostly seen as a positive challenge that deepens skills. The chance to socialize while doing something productive is frequently cited as a key benefit, making ICE a highly recommended venue for friend and family meetups centered around a love of food and cooking.
How can you book a group event or class at the Institute of Culinary Education?
Booking a group event or class at ICE is straightforward, thanks to their tailored approach to accommodating groups. Interested parties can visit the Institute’s official website or contact their event planning team directly to discuss specific needs, group size, and preferred themes. ICE offers flexibility in scheduling and the option for private or semi-private sessions to ensure the best experience for your group. The staff works closely with organizers to plan menus, arrange instructors with expertise matching your interests, and incorporate any special requests regarding dietary restrictions or celebration themes. Early booking is recommended to secure preferred dates, especially for larger groups or popular classes. The Institute also frequently updates its class offerings and event packages, making it easy to find a program that suits your group’s preferences and skill level.
By choosing the Institute of Culinary Education as your meetup destination, you guarantee a unique blend of fun, learning, and social connection that transforms a simple gathering into an unforgettable culinary adventure. The combination of expert instruction, professional kitchens, diverse class offerings, and a vibrant community atmosphere makes it an exceptional choice for food lovers aiming to create delicious memories together.