Orange County Restaurants

Long Beach City College’s Culinary Arts Department trains and educates students to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence to pursue successful careers. Led by Chef Haley Nguyen, LBCC's programs can enhance the skills of chefs or bakers working in the industry &/or prepare students for entry-level positions in the food service industry. Students are prepared for careers that include Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Line Cook, Baker, Personal Chef, Caterer, and Food Blogger. Furthermore, the Culinary Arts Department is housed in state-of-the-art instructional facilities with seven instructional kitchens (Restaurant, Production, Skills, Baking, Pastry, Multi-Use and Demonstration), four kitchen labs, TV monitors for students to view faculty instruction, the most advanced industrial equipment alongside expert faculty with years of industry experience. Long Beach City College offers some of the top Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs in Southern California, teaching various cooking techniques and cuisines from regions around the world - including specialized courses.

The Certificate of Achievement can be obtained in less than four semesters (estimated tuition around $3,375), and Associate in Science Degree can be earned in four semesters (estimated tuition around $4,988).

Please provide an overview of the program(s):

The Culinary Arts industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries worldwide. Long Beach City College’s Culinary Arts Department trains and educates students to enter the workforce with the skills and confidence to pursue successful careers. The Culinary Arts programs can enhance the skills of chefs or bakers working in the industry or prepare students for entry-level positions in the food service industry. Students are prepared for careers that include Sous Chef, Pastry Chef, Line Cook, Baker, Personal Chef, Caterer and Food Blogger. LBCC’s Culinary Arts Program are designed with student focus, real world industry experience and committee faculty members. Long Beach City College offers some of the top Culinary Arts and Baking & Pastry Arts programs in Southern California, teaching various cooking techniques and cuisines from regions around the world.

How is the professional program (PP) unique?

The Culinary Arts Department is housed in state-of-the-art instructional facilities with seven instructional kitchens (Restaurant, Production, Skills, Baking, Pastry, Multi-Use and Demonstration), four kitchen labs, TV monitors for students to view faculty instruction close-up, the most advanced industrial equipment and expert faculty with years of cooking and industry experience who have worked in all areas of commercial operations.

What types of skills are learned and how do these skills prepare students for the working environment?

• Culinary Arts Program:

The Culinary Arts Program offers a variety of courses, from introductory through advanced-level courses with several specialized classes, including Asian Cuisine, Mediterranean Cuisine and American Regional Cuisine.

• Baking & Pastry Arts Program:

The Baking & Pastry Arts Program teaches students the art of baking and pastry-making. LBCC offers a variety of courses including French Pastries, Viennese Pastries, Artisan Breads, Chocolate and Sugar Showpieces.

How long is the PP?

Certificate of Achievement [can be achieved] in less than four semesters; Associate in Science Degree [can be achieved] in four semesters.

What does the average student spend on their culinary or hospitality education?

Certificate of Achievement: $3,375; Associate in Science Degree: $4,988

Who is your prime candidate for the PP enrollment?

High school students pursuing a career in the Food Service industry. Career changers who’d like to have their own food business.

How do you enroll and when?

Visit www.LBCC.edu and click on “Get Started.” Future students can apply at any time.

How many applicants do you receive for the PP?

We currently have approximately 350 students.

How many spots are available in the PP?

Some classes are full at the beginning of each semester but there are available spaces.

Generally, do your students enter jobs right out of school or do they continue with more education?

Most of our students either working while attending our program or enter the job market after graduation. Some transfer to four-year institution.

Who heads the culinary/hospitality department in the school?

Chef Haley Nguyen.

What lead them to teaching instead of lead chef or hospitality management position?

I started teaching by default when customers at my restaurant asked me to teach.

How can the hospitality industry participate? For example, how can they help the school? (Such as internships or guest chef appearances)

We have guest speakers from time to time and welcome guest speakers when time permits.

Is there a contact for internships? (Do they contact you, Chef?)

We do not have internship due to the fact that we have a student run Bistro and Bakery open to the public, this is where students get real-time hands on experience.

Are your students encouraged to stage? Why or why not?

 We do not encourage nor do we discourage stage.

If you have a student-run dining location where the public can dine, please describe it including hours and dates of operation?

• LBCC Bakery: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Fall and Spring Semesters only)
• LBCC Bistro: Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Fall and Spring Semesters only). Reservations are recommended. Contact [email protected] or (562) 938-4757.

Why should the industry hire your graduates as opposed to no schooling and/or grads from other schools?

Our instructors have 25 years of combined industry and teaching experience, some are still working in the industry; therefore, students received current and applicable hands-on training.  We train our students on how to work in the kitchen, cook with heart and have a positive attitude.

School name, address and URL.

Long Beach City College, Liberal Arts Campus

4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, CA 90808

Pacific Coast Campus

1305 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90806

www.LBCC.edu