Charlotte Ann Albertson's Cooking School
About Us

 

The Culinary Director

Charlotte Ann AlbertsonCharlotte Ann Albertson has been directing cooking classes in Philadelphia and Florida for twenty-seven years. In operation since 1973, her school's enviable status as the area's longest standing, owes much to her unique combination of talent, training and total dedication. A Master's degree in Education from the University of Pennsylvania plus graduate studies at Penn's Annenberg School of Communication and Wharton School of Business gives her the skills to both recognize and recruit the finest teachers from the world of food.

Extensive travel coupled with classes at prestigious international cooking schools, among them La Varenne and Le Cordon Bleu in Paris, in kitchens in the top European restaurants, a summer at the American Embassy in Switzerland, and Beringer Vineyards in California's Napa Valley, provide her with insight into current food trends. Her position as consultant to food and wine companies, libraries and cultural institutions is further evidence of the high professional esteem in which she is held. She earned the Delaware Valley Restaurant Association's Panache award for her significant contribution to promoting education within the food industry.

Professional Memberships:

  • Advisory Board: Culinary Arts Institute of Philadelphia
  • American Institute of Wine and Food Board Member:  Philadelphia-Delaware Valley
  • James Beard Foundation
  • Conferie de la Chaine des Rotisseurs
  • International Association Culinary Professionals
    Founding and Charter Member
  • Les Dames d'Escoffier
  • Societe Mondiale du Vin
  • Culinary Judge: local and national culinary competitions
  • Culinary Judge: International competitions in Banff Springs, Canada and Capetown, South Africa

Assistant Director

Ann-Michelle Albertson received her professional culinary training at La Varenne in Paris. She has worked in restaurant kitchens in New England. As a high school student, Ann-Michelle creatively pioneered "Parties in the Kitchen", a 9 year venture conducting birthday cooking parties for children. She has taken classes at the Culinary Institute of America, Johnson & Wales, L'Academic de Cuisine, Peter Kump's New York and New England Culinary Institute. She has a Bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Vermont and M.S. from Harvard MGH.

Publicist

Kristin Albertson has received culinary training at the Culinary Institute of America and Johnson & Wales University.  She has an extensive background in international cuisines and has worked in many kitchens worldwide.   A graduate of Franklin College, Lugano, Switzerland and the University of San Diego, she is a network communications specialist.

Associate

During her 35 years as the Philadelphia Inquirer's restaurant critic and food columnist, Elaine Tait earned widespread respect and admiration for her insightful, honest and yet delightfully readable writing. In the process, Elaine managed also to win the Vesta award (for outstanding food pages) over the country's largest and most respected newspapers, pen a restaurant guide, "Best Restaurants; Philadelphia and Environs" that topped the local best seller list, and edit a cookbook that collected her original recipes. Since leaving the Inquirer in 1998, Elaine has been indulging happily in cooking, dining, traveling and decorating. Look for her writing on all the above in national publications. 

Added Ingredients

  • Gift Certificates
    For holidays, birthdays, showers, and weddings.
  • Incredible Edibles/ Garnishing
    Group programs for clubs, conventions.  Will Travel.  Kitchen facilities not necessary.
  • Corporate Meetings
    Plan a wine seminar paired with food tastings.
  • Corporate Team Meetings
    Plan a hands-on class with a favorite chef.  Call for information.
  • American Institute of Wine & Food
    The Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Wine & food has very affordable memberships starting at $45.00. Events include ethnic dinners, educational seminars, and much more! Call for membership information.
  • Clubs, Organizations, Groups
    Charlotte Ann will arrange special events, tours or classes for groups. Call for more information.
  • Diplomas
    Awarded after 15, 30, 45, 60 classes
    Tell us if you are eligible.
  • Assistance Needed
    (610) 649-9290 / 215-733-0728
    Reliable, dependable kitchen help. PR assistance.

Our Mission...

Albertson's Cooking School is a small family owned business that has been catering to the culinary enthusiast for over 30 years in the Philadelphia area. Our mission is to attract talented teacher-chefs from their kitchens to share their passion for food with our audience. Relaxed demonstration classes emphasize techniques, last 2-2 1/2 hrs. and include tasting and printed recipes. Hands on 3 -3 1/2 hr. participation classes, wine seminars, dinners and Gourmet Getaways are offered.

What Our Chefs Use:

Albertson's Cooking School proudly endorses All-Clad Cookware, Plugra Premium Butter and authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese. Request discount cards and promotions for these products. 

CORPORATE TEAM BUILDING

Looking for a unique way to enhance your team at work? Why not try customized cooking classes for your group? Plan creative and fun ways to enhance team camaraderie and learn more about each other through food preparation, cooking and dining. Excellent Main Line and Center City locations with professional chefs available to any size group. Culinary Team Building is designed to encourage creative thinking and build a basis for positive group dynamics and communication skills. Let us know your needs and we will get your team working, and eating, together. Overnight accommodations for out-of-town groups possible. Send inquiries with dates, time, number of people, lunch or dinner, and special requests to  cookline99@aol.com What would you like to accomplish?

CALL FOR INFORMATION: 610-649-9290

~ Custom Gift Certificates Available ~

~ Private Classes Can Be Arranged! ~