Foundation For Culinary Arts

03/30/2026

We had such a great time being featured on Fox 32 Chicago ! 🎥

Our Executive Director, Catherine De Orio sat down with Sylvia Perez to talk all about our Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp and the impact it’s had on students over the years.

It’s hard to believe this summer marks 10 years of helping young people build confidence, gain hands-on experience, and develop real-world workforce skills through our culinary camps. We couldn’t be more proud of the incredible students who have been part of this journey—and so grateful for the community that continues to support them. ❤️

🎥 Watch the segment here:
https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/fmc-okph3wr45r7gd5k4

💛 Support the next generation of chefs!
Go to https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=L858DH2ST3YVN to help us continue providing life-changing culinary experiences for students. Every contribution makes a difference.

03/04/2026

Getting all the goodies packed up for the Spring Baking camp on Saturday. I’ll think the campers will like all these tools, don’t you?

01/01/2026

Happy New Year! Thank you for making 2025 incredible and cheers to a fantastic year ahead!

Email from Foundation For Culinary Arts Thank you for making 2025 incredible   Thank You for an Incredible 2025 As we reflect on this past year, we are beyond grateful for your generosity and support.

12/02/2025

It's ! Join the global movement by donating to the Foundation For Culinary Arts . Empowering disinvested students from the Chicago area since 2008, F4CA welcomes you to gather around our table and serve more students in 2026!
👉 Go to PayPal to make your donation at https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=SVZQMU4L6GGVC

11/18/2025

🎉 Huge congratulations to Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio on 10 incredible years! 🎉

Catherine De Orio was thrilled to join the friends & family celebration — and even more excited to spot the legendary “Chicky Chicky Parm Parm” on the menu.

If you know, you know: Chef Sarah Jayne Grueneberg wowed the peeps with this dish at our 2017 Fried Chicken & Champagne Fest, taking home the coveted Golden Hen from a panel of five esteemed judges. 🐔🏆

Cheers to delicious memories, culinary creativity, and many more years of Monteverde magic! ✨
Foundation For Culinary Arts

10/31/2025

Listen to the Perfect Bite Podcast with Sarah Perkins and learn more about our Executive Director. Catherine De Orio shares her remarkable path from litigation to culinary school to national television, hosting Check, Please! Chicago, and eventually leading the Foundation For Culinary Arts , where she empowers the next generation of chefs.

🎧 Hear Catherine’s full story on the Perfect Bite where you get your podcast or here: https://youtu.be/RFXRBOW5T_s?si=bPMBEQvOycKBrPyh

10/17/2025

Happy National Pasta Day! 🍝
Our Yes, Chef! Fresh Pasta Making Camp is always a favorite for Chicago-area high schoolers from under-resourced communities who are eager to sharpen their culinary skills.

At every camp, each student receives an essential equipment kit so they can keep practicing their craft at home. ❤️

Want to be part of their journey? Support our campers by purchasing an item from our Amazon Wish List: https://a.co/1tkpuSk

Help us equip the next generation of chefs! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

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10/14/2025

Happy National Dessert Day! 🍰
One of my favorite sweet memories is when our whipped up Individual Jelly Roll Cakes with homemade strawberry jam and American buttercream. Yum! 🤤

Want the recipe? Message us — we’ll share the secret! 💌

📸photo credit: Eric Kleinberg Photography

10/11/2025

ICYMI Watch on segment this morning talking all about our upcoming Thanksgiving Community Cooking Class at https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/1722743

10/02/2025

🎉 We’re thrilled that Foundation For Culinary Arts was awarded a $30,000 from NBCUniversal Foundation alongside six other Chicago nonprofits!

This incredible support will help us continue strengthening our community by empowering Chicago's youth and expanding our impact. We are honored to be recognized alongside so many inspiring nonprofits making a difference across the country.

Thank you for this opportunity! 🙌

📺 Check out the segment on NBC Chicago from the check presentation.

09/21/2025

✨ Make your Sunday unforgettable! ✨
Just a few seats remain for tonight’s 7:30pm Yes, Chef! Sunday Supper Series at .

Enjoy a vibrant four-course prix fixe feast crafted in collaboration with of o and ochicago.

🎟 Grab your ticket now on Resy https://resy.com/cities/chicago-il/venues/lardon/events/lardons-yes-chef-sunday-supper-series-featuring-john-manion-powered-by-resy-2025-09-21 before they’re gone!
💛 Every ticket helps sponsor a camper for the week-long summer Yes, Chef! Culinary Camp.