Chef Elizabeth Whitt
Chef, Author, and Culinary Instructor
Elizabeth maintains the philosophy that cooking should be fun, comprehensible, and based on the finest and freshest ingredients available. She is a passionate advocate for teaching both the cooking novice and expert the “how” and the “why” to facilitate learning and in-depth knowledge of preparing, cooking, dining, pairing, and presentation. Through her unique type of instruction, she liberates one to be innovative and ultimately achieve autonomy in the kitchen.
Early Years
Elizabeth grew up in San Marino and is a 4th generation Californian on both sides of her family. All of her childhood memories are infused at some level with food and family and friends coming together to celebrate each other. As a teen, this translated beautifully into her traveling experiences to Italy, Russia, France, Europe, and beyond. Her curiosity for all things culinary carried her into maturity through many travel destinations in Europe, relocating to Paris, finding love, and finally back home to Long Beach. Students enjoy hearing of her delicious adventures scented with Parisian rose gardens and oceanic adventures of chef life on the sea while learning to dice an onion properly.
Class Style
The charm of Chef Elizabeth must be experienced to be understood. Her classes can do something all of the reminiscing and conjuring up of sensations fail to do; it will transport you to a place in time with the smell of spices, fresh herbs, and wonderful dishes you will make from around the world. An accomplished chef of international cuisine and pastry, Elizabeth is as renowned for her culinary skills as she is for her ability to establish a cooking class or private party that is relaxed yet exciting and hands-on for all levels.
Elizabeth’s classes are an urban elixir; they create the sense of ease that comes with the pace of French and European life and the frenetic energies that coagulate to make the city, like Paris, right here in Long Beach. Elizabeth is currently writing a cookbook that incorporates the fundamentals of French cooking with the ease of the California lifestyle.
Honors and Affiliations
Le Cordon Bleu Grand Diplome, Paris, 1999
Member of La Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
An honors graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu Paris, Elizabeth Whitt was awarded Le Grand Diplôme in 1999. After working as a Pastry Chef, Chef de Cuisine, caterer, culinary tour guide, and translator, she followed her passion and began teaching culinary classes. She is known for sharing her extensive knowledge in a relaxed and convivial atmosphere that has touched many people over the years. Inspired by her students, her love of teaching, and haute gastronomy, she formed an innovative program that embodies her philosophy that the culinary experience should be enjoyable for all levels of students.
In addition to teaching, Elizabeth’s many ventures include recipe and product development through a thriving consulting business, hosting culinary retreats and food tours where her love of teaching is combined with great foodie destinations. She has also helped curate blogs and websites and develop cookbooks and recipes for many clients worldwide, such as Le Cordon Bleu International, MasterCook, Waff N Roll, Disney, Pasolivo, Kodiak, Fish Market, and many more.
