Foundation For Culinary Arts

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Foundation For Culinary Arts F4CA provides funding and programming to help students build a solid foundation for their future.

F4CA inspires and empowers socially and economically disadvantaged students through educational programming and career advancement opportunities in the culinary industry. Incorporated in 2008 as a 501 (c) (3), Foundation For Culinary Arts (F4CA) inspires and empowers socially and economically disadvantaged students through educational programming and career advancement opportunities in the culinary industry. Since its inception, F4CA has awarded nearly $3 million dollars in scholarship funds to help over 500 students and counting complete their culinary and hospitality education. In summer 2016, F4CA launched a program in partnership with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) and C-CAP (Careers Through Culinary Arts Program) sending high school students in underserved communities to summer culinary camp, sparking interest and providing skills in the culinary arts. F4CA is supported by funding from private donors including individuals, corporations, and foundations. In addition, there are a number of fundraising events and activities throughout the year.

Congratulations to this year’s special honorees and category nominees for the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellenc...
10/02/2026

Congratulations to this year’s special honorees and category nominees for the Jean Banchet Awards for Culinary Excellence!

Recognition by the Banchets, one of Chicago’s highest culinary honors, is a testament to the talent, vision, discipline and generosity of spirit that make our city’s culinary community so extraordinary.

Your work not only shapes the way Chicago eats and gathers, it inspires the next generation to imagine a future for themselves in this industry.

From all of us at the Foundation for Culinary Arts, congratulations on this richly deserved recognition. We look forward to celebrating you! 🥂

09/18/2026

👨‍🍳 Chef Appreciation Week | Day 5: Chef Rodolfo Cuadros! 👨‍🍳

Lastly, we’re celebrating , chef and owner of the Del Alma Restaurant Group and a mentor to the next generation of culinary talent.

Chef Rodolfo joined us as a chef mentor at the F4CA x Choose Chicago James Beard Brunch in 2024, where he shared his expertise, passion, and encouragement with our Yes, Chef! campers.

We’re grateful for chefs like Rodolfo who not only create memorable experiences through food, but also take the time to invest in, inspire, and empower young people pursuing their own culinary dreams.

Thank you, Chef Rodolfo, for being part of the Yes, Chef! family and for helping our students see what’s possible in the culinary world! 👏🔥

09/17/2026

👨‍🍳 Chef Appreciation Week | Day 4: Chef Josue Cervantes 👨‍🍳

Today, we’re celebrating ! Josue began his culinary journey with our Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp in 2021, and it’s been incredible to watch his passion continue to grow. ❤️

Now finishing his senior year at Johnson & Wales University, Josue is already building his own small business, offering private dining, desserts, and catering needs.

We’re so proud to see Josue turning his culinary passion into a career and creating opportunities of his own. Keep cooking, creating, and chasing your dreams, Chef Josue! 🔥👏

09/16/2026

👩‍🍳 Chef Appreciation Week | Day 3: Chef Alisha Elenz 👩‍🍳

Today, we’re celebrating Chef —a chef, entrepreneur, mentor, 2x James Beard nominated chef and true inspiration to the next generation.

At just 23 years old, Alisha became the youngest female Executive Chef in Chicago. Today, she’s the force behind Whisk the Night Away, her Private Chef & Events company, where she brings a full restaurant experience right into her clients’ homes. Known for her simple approach to creating unexpected, complex flavors, Alisha continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the culinary world.

You may also recognize her from Food Network’s Chopped and Bravo’s Top Chef Season 21, where she showcased her talent on a national stage.

But for us, one of the most meaningful parts of Chef Alisha’s journey is the time she gives back. In 2024, she served as a chef mentor for a group of Yes, Chef! campers at the F4CA x x James Beard Brunch, sharing her knowledge, experience, and passion with the next generation of culinary talent.

Thank you, Chef Alisha, for inspiring our students and showing them what’s possible when talent meets opportunity! ❤️🔥

09/15/2026

👨‍🍳 Chef Appreciation Week | Day 2: Chef Tony Priolo

Today, we’re celebrating Chef Tony Priolo—a true champion in the culinary world. ✨

Chef Tony generously welcomed our Yes, Chef! students into the kitchen at Piccolo Sogno , giving them an unforgettable opportunity to learn, ask questions, learn about food industry careers, and experience what it’s really like to work in a professional kitchen.

Thank you, Chef Tony, for sharing your time, talent, passion, and wisdom with our students—and for inspiring them to dream bigger. We’re so grateful to have you in the Yes, Chef! family! ❤️‍🍳

09/14/2026

👩‍🍳 Chef Appreciation Week | Day 1 👩‍🍳

We’re kicking off Chef Appreciation Week by celebrating Chef Lisa Counts, chef/owner of The Chopping Block! Thank you for sharing your time, talent and passion with our Yes, Chef! students. Your mentorship and willingness to inspire the next generation of culinary professionals makes a lasting impact both inside and outside the kitchen.

We are so grateful to have you around our table at the Foundation for Culinary Arts! ❤️🍴

08/19/2026

So excited for the start of our inaugural Yes, Chef! Master Class: Food Media & Technology. Thanks to the professionals who devoted their time to help us create this innovating class.

08/18/2026

These are the winners from each day of our week-long summer camp and the final top performer. All of our campers were amazing this summer!

Last day of our week-long summer Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp is today. Campers learned so much this week and can't wait to ...
08/07/2026

Last day of our week-long summer Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp is today. Campers learned so much this week and can't wait to share what they've learned with guests in a mystery competition lunch. They'll take home an equipment kit to keep practicing at home beyond the camp. Donations greatly appreciated to continue providing these great opportunities at f4ca.org.

🎥Earlier this week Matt Rodriguez came out to feature our camp on NBC Chicago . You can watch all the segments on The Chopping Block 's YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/R3DozaCpWqY?si=SytmmmLjWh_Fot7K

Josue Cervantes did a great job promoting our upcoming summer Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp on WGN TV Lunchbreak. This week-l...
07/31/2026

Josue Cervantes did a great job promoting our upcoming summer Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp on WGN TV Lunchbreak. This week-long camp teaches high school students hands-on culinary instruction to develop technical skills, confidence and an understanding of professional expectations. Josue demonstrated how to make one of the recipes the campers will learn - Grilled Corn Salad.

🎥Watch the segment here and get the recipe too! https://wgntv.com/midday-news/lunchbreak-grilled-corn-salad-with-tomatoes-roasted-poblano-peppers-and-avocados/

If you'd like to help send a camper to one of the Yes, Chef! Culinary Camps, head over to our website and make a donation. Every little bit helps!

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Address

1021 W Adams Street Ste 203
Chicago, IL
60607

Telephone

+13127522352

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