Not far from downtown San Diego, in the heart of Barrio Logan, there are students learning to cook in an unconventional culinary classroom. It’s part of the new California Culinary Arts Institute for adults at 1620 National Avenue.
Eleven-year-old Carlos Sandoval is a chef in the making. He’s one of Zardkoohi’s star students. Carlos is a sixth-grade student at Avondale Elementary. In the chaos of a commercial kitchen, Carlos has learned his lessons well. He spends at least 10 hours a weekend plating and learning the art of cooking. The California Culinary Arts Institute now offers a six-week program catering to kids ages 10 to 16. His father is his inspiration. “He always wanted to be a chef one day,” Carlos remembered. “He didn’t have the opportunity to be a chef. So, I want to accomplish his dreams as mine.
“You have to put a little bit of fire on it and it turns like brown,” she said. At home, Danika said she has cooked pancakes, cookies, and tortillas. She wants to own a restaurant someday.