Culinary Academy of Las Vegas

The Culinary Academy of Las Vegas has trained hospitality workers since 1993. It runs as a labor-management trust with Culinary Union Local 226, Bartenders Union Local 165 and more than 50 employers. Its main job is preparing people for kitchen, service and housekeeping careers on the Strip and Downtown.

Home cooks can join too, through short Continuing Education classes on campus at 710 W. Lake Mead Blvd. Sessions last two hours and cost $25 to $40. Recent menus include Ratatouille à la Remy with knife skills and vegetable layering, pan-seared sea bass with a pancetta beurre blanc, and a hands-on New England clam chowder. Safe & Saucy Alfredo teaches dairy-free and gluten-free swaps for a classic sauce.

Drinks get their own classes. Bubbles & Beyond is a 21+ sparkling wine tasting, and the Winter Sips series covers barista techniques like cold foam. The low prices and focus on technique make these a good fit for beginners. Make a day of it with lunch at Westside Bistro, the student-run restaurant on campus, open weekdays from 11 AM to 2 PM.